Holladay Arts presents Gee, the regional premier of a play by Beth Bruner
Holladay Arts council is currently presenting Gee!, an original play by Beth Bruner that discusses the life and legacy of Gertrude Lawrence through the eyes of those who knew her best: her husband, Richard Aldrich (played by Andrew Maizner); her best friend, Noel Coward (played by Stephen Williams); her friend and attorney, Fanny Holtzmann (played by Debra Fink); and her former accompanist, Joe Moon (played by Dan Christensen). And perhaps the most interesting character, G (played by Corie Sorensen), a young singer and fan of the late Gertrude Lawrence who punctuates the evening singing the songs that made Gertie famous.
Bruner has created a compelling piece. How much does one person alter our lives? At the start of the play, we learn that since Gertie’s death, Richard has lost interest in producing and is considering becoming a member of the US diplomatic corps; because that’s what Gertie would have wanted. Noel has stopped writing plays because he wrote everything for Gertie and feels that in many ways that he’s lost his muse. Joe Moon now plays in jazz clubs because he feels like he has played for the greatest, and now that she’s gone he has nobody worth touring with. And amid all of this we have G. A young, wide-eyed girl with a beautiful voice that tugs at the character’s heartstrings, as she reminds them of Gertie in many ways, and revitalizes their resolve.
The only scripting decision I took exception to was G and Noel performing “Why must the show go on?” over the top of Richard’s character-climax. Although the song seemed appropriate for the scene, I would have liked him to have had his moment rather than experience the frustration of not being heard because Noel and G were stealing the show.
The intermission didn’t feel necessary, and seemed to be there because it’s traditional; as there were no costume or set changes, and the show picks right up where it left off. In addition, Russell, the bartender/waiter (played by John Garrett), should have had a cigarette lighter at the ready for Russell’s and Noel’s (herbal) cigarettes. The stick matches didn’t seem to fit with his character, and in-fact, seemed to slow the moment down.
The cast were all solid, great performers, though I felt they were holding back slightly from what could have been their full potential. I left wanting that little-bit more from them. Particularly with the hinted-at romance between G and Russell.
Of special note in this cast were Andrew Maizner’s performance as Richard, Stephen William’s Noel, and particularly Corie Sorensen as G. Maizner’s handling of Richard’s grief and resolve were stunning. William’s was fantastic as Noel Coward, taking us through his life with Gertie while wonderfully joining G in her numbers. Sorensen won our hearts and broke them in the same night, and brought the house down with two numbers, The Saga of Jenny and Someday I’ll Find You. Both were moving and beautifully performed. We could really see the enthusiasm of the artist in the first one, and the remorse and heartbreak in the second.
Gee! – presented by Holladay Art’s Council. Holladay City Hall ( 4580 S 2300 E). The show is playing May 1st, 3rd, 6th and 7th at 7:00. Tickets are sold at the door–$10 regular, $2 for students and seniors (free to Holladay residents on Monday, May 3rd).
