She coaxes the blues right outta the horn. She charms the husk right offa the corn.
She's Mame, the indomitable Manhattan flapper of Jerry Herman's 1966 Broadway musical.
Music Theatre Louisville's production of the Tony Award-winner opens Friday in the Kentucky Center's Bomhard Theatre with local singer-actress Melissa Combs in the title role originated by Angela Lansbury.
Herman's musical, his second smash hit in a row after “Hello, Dolly!” won awards for Best Musical and Best Score as well as acting Tony Awards for Lansbury and her stage sidekick Bea Arthur.
Combs, of Lanesville, Ind., has played dozens of roles in her 35 years as an actress and singer, but this is her first time taking on Broadway's feisty Aunt Mame.
It's a demanding part, physically and vocally, she said, because the character is almost never off the stage.
“The actor doesn't get a break for a drink of water or anything. When you step off stage, you are changing costumes,” Combs said. And when Mame is on stage, she is singing and dancing, often at the same time. Herman's lyrics are also “wordy,” said Combs. “You really have to concentrate.”
Combs, who has performed regularly at Derby Dinner Playhouse and at the Iroquois Amphitheater for Music Theatre Louisville, is happy to be starring in the musical alongside Louisville actress and musician Gayle King, as Vera, the part Bea Arthur played in the original Broadway production.
For economic reasons, Music Theatre Louisville has relocated its shows this year from the amphitheater in south Louisville to the Kentucky Center.
“The stage at Iroquois is so big. We could have huge sets and bigger casts there,” Combs said.
And although she will miss watching the sunset at Iroquois, Combs said she is looking forward to the Bomhard performances with live orchestral music. “When you hear them tuning up, it is part of the magic of live theater,” she said.
To help create the family atmosphere of the Iroquois Amphitheater, Music Theatre Louisville invites theatergoers to dress casually and arrive early to picnic. Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ and chicken sandwiches will be available, along with nachos, ice cream and other items all priced under $4. Food and drink will be allowed in the theater. After the shows, theatergoers may chat with the cast in the center's East Room.
The musical is based on a 1958 play adapted from the book “Auntie Mame,” by Patrick Dennis. Besides the title song, the musical includes “My Best Girl,” “Bosom Buddies” and “If He Walked Into My Life.”
The MTL production is directed by John Leffert, cultural arts director at Jewish Community Center.
