Students to sing, dance tap away in theater production

By John Garces/reporter

Left to right from top: Lee Neisler, Melissa Wallace, Dustin Stonebrook, Katreeva Phillips, Andrew Hill and Deborah Golden perform in the NW Campus musical production of Dames at Sea.  Photo by Martina Treviño/The Collegian
Left to right from top: Lee Neisler, Melissa Wallace, Dustin Stonebrook, Katreeva Phillips, Andrew Hill and Deborah Golden perform in the NW Campus musical production of Dames at Sea. Photo by Martina Treviño/The Collegian

Imagine being transported back into a simpler time where gas is cheap and the world is a decade away from the threats of World War II.

That is the historical time frame that NW Campus students will find themselves in as Theatre Northwest goes back in time with the 1930s-era musical production of Dames at Sea. 

Set in New York City during production of a Broadway musical, the show is a spoof of large, flashy 1930s Busby Berkeley-style musical productions featuring unusual camera angles and lavish costumes and choreography.

The Theatre Northwest production is being directed by Alex Chrestopoulos, an adjunct drama instructor on NW Campus.

Chrestopoulos said this show gives the cast a chance to show all of their talents.

“ We chose Dames because the kids get to sing, dance and tap,” he said.

“ Plus, we also needed something lighter to balance the season out,” he said.

The central cast of characters includes Joan, a chorus girl; Ruby, an aspiring Broadway star, and Dick, a sailor.

After Ruby gets a spot in the show, Hennesy, the stage manager, informs the cast they must move the production.

Dick and Lucky, another sailor, convince their captain to volunteer their ship. Leading lady Mona recognizes the captain as a former boyfriend and becomes seasick. Ruby then steps in to save the show and becomes a star as the three couples marry and live happily ever after.

The role of Ruby has previously been played by such luminaries as Ann-Margaret in the 1971 NBC television adaptation.

In this production, it is being handled by Treeva Phillips, who has done 30 productions at 14 different theaters.

Having done a musical as her first lead role at 16, Phillips said she jumped at the chance to play the character.

“ I absolutely love musicals, but hadn’t been in one in a while,” she said.

During the course of the show, Ruby meets sailor and aspiring songwriter Dick, played by Andrew Hill. Hill, who was active in high school singing and dancing, said he loves to act, having done it since elementary school.

Hill describes Dick as a guy who knows what he wants.

“ He’s a boyish, earnest guy who really wants his songs in the show,” he said.

The musical is in the vein of several classic and well-remembered musicals.

“ It’s very funny and will bring back old memories of shows like 42nd Street and Singin’ in The Rain,” Phillips said.

Deborah Golden, who plays the role of Joan, said she is proud to be in this production.

“ It’s full of energy, and anybody can relate to it no matter what time period we’re in,” she said.

The show runs 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, through Saturday, March 10, with a matinee 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 11, in the NW Theatre (WTLO 1108).

The show is free for TCC students, faculty and staff, $3 for non-TCC students and seniors and for $6 general admission tickets.

Reservations are required. For more information, contact the box office at 817-515-7724.