Those who long for a bit more twang in their lives might hie (a good old Middle English verb) themselves to North Coast Repertory Theatre, where “The Honky Tonk Angels” holds forth through Oct. 7. The jukebox musical was put together ” I use the term loosely ” by Ted Swindley, billed as the creator of “Always “¦ Patsy Cline.”
The first pre-requisite to enjoyment of Swindley’s output is a love of all things country, in this piece songs such as “Stand by Your Man,” “Ode to Billy Joe” (what did they throw off the Tallahatchie Bridge?), “Delta Dawn” and good old-time-religion-tinged tunes like “I’ll Fly Away,” “Amazing Grace” and “Angels Among Us.” In addition to country music, one must have patience with country humor and style, which Swindley points out is the subjugation of women to family, child-bearing and taking care of poor old pappy, who gets kind of ornery when he has too much moonshine.
Swindley shoots the piece through with off-putting pseudo-feminism, then ends it drearily with the two of the three abdicators (Sue Ellen played by Meredith Kaye Clark and Angela played by Kelli Maguire) returning to what they fled, a harassing boss and an abusive husband, respectively. Granted, Sue Ellen (a ringer for Dolly Parton, wink, wink) intends to sue the pants off the bastard and go into the beauty business. Angela truly loves her husband and six kids and evidently intends to return to her doormat existence, having satisfied her country-music longings with success in Nashville.
The least talented of the three, Darlene (Jenni-Lynn McMillin), is left to achieve what the others know will be giant stardom. If one can swallow all that story, enjoy the twang, endure a bit of off off-key singing, some odd song interpretations and Beth Novak’s tacky Nashville costumes, one will have as great a time as the opening night audience, who accorded the work the standing O we’ve come to enjoy, along with some ear-piercing whistles that emanated from the back row.
Deserving of an ovation is the band, guitarist Ric Ogden, percussionist Dave Rumley, fiddler Dan Sankey, and bassist Oliver Shirley. One assumes that was musical director W. Brent Sawyer on keyboards. North Coast Repertory producing artistic director David Ellenstein repeated his staging from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Obviously, a grouch might have spent the evening more pleasantly by researching the term jukebox musical. Recent successful examples on tour and/or on Broadway include “Mamma Mia!,” “Movin’ Out’,” “Jersey Boys” and the current Broadway hit, “Xanadu,” staged by incoming La Jolla Playhouse director Christopher Ashley. Look for a national tour and a London production.
Meanwhile, “The Honky Tonk Angels” continues Wednesday through Sunday at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. For tickets and information, visit www.northcoastrep.org or call (858) 481-1055.
Musicals on the way
“¢ “Ragtime,” Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 13 to 23, Starlight Theatre, Balboa Park, (619) 544-7827.
“¢ “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” the Fats Waller Musical Show,” Sept. 21 through Oct. 14, San Diego Repertory Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, wwww.sandiegorep.com or (619) 544-1000.
“¢ World premiere of “A Catered Affair,” Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 28, The Old Globe, Balboa Park, www.theoldglobe.org or (619) 23-GLOBE.
