Local talent is front and centre in the latest Arts Club Theatre production at the Stanley Theatre.
Cole Porter's High Society opened May 10 and continues until June 24.
Local residents will recognize the delightful Lauren Bowler as Liz Imbrie. Bowler - who coowns the Great Wall Tea Co. at New Westminster's River Market - provides some of the most thoughtful acting and touching singing of the night, particularly with her emotional rendition of He's a Right Guy.
Another local standout is Burnaby's Steve Maddock as George Kittredge, the stolid fiancé of wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Jennifer Lines) - who may or may not lose his betrothed to either her dapper ex-husband Dexter Haven (Todd Talbot) or the reporter Mike Connor (Daniel Arnold).
Maddock's always stellar vocal chops are in evidence throughout the show - most particularly in I Worship You, when his golden baritone fills the theatre.
They're joined by a cast of faces, both familiar and new, who do justice to a light and sparkling production.
Talbot, in particular, continues to provide why he's one of Vancouver's favourite song-and-dance men, as his Dexter charms his way into pretty much everyone's hearts.
Another treat comes from Norman Browning's delightfully drunken Uncle Willie.
But it's the youngest cast member - teenage newcomer Bridget Esler as Tracy's younger sister, Dinah - who steals the show, with a combination of acting ability, singing talent and fresh-faced charm that promises to take her far.
If you've seen either of the movie versions of the story - The Philadelphia Story (1940) with Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart, or High Society (1956) with Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby - the play won't offer any big surprises.
But it will offer a charming and refreshing night out and plenty of reasons to leave the theatre humming.
High Society is on at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until June 24. It's on Tuesdays at 7: 30 pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, and Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm.
Tickets are $29 to $70, Call the Arts Club box office at 604-687-1644 or visit artsclub.com.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@royalcityrecord. com.
