Thoroughly Modern Millie

June 17th, 2004
The Ahmanson, Los Angeles
Musical, went with Troy and Heather

We had seen Millie twice on Broadway with the original cast, and just loved the musical. It's about as tight a production as you can imagine, and I tend to agree that it deserved the Tony Award that year, as did Sutton Foster, the original Millie.

The touring production is noticeably scaled down, costumes, set, cast. But I have to say, Darcie Roberts did not disappoint. I still love Sutton's vocals, but Darcie gave Millie a sort of Carol Burnett physical comedy edge that was new and fresh. And Darcie's vocals were certainly appealing and strong. But it was her comedic timing and sense of fun with the character that won me over.

I'd have given it another star if the actress playing Mrs. Meers had been stronger (and the right age range), and if the production values had been truer to the Broadway production.