The storm-tossed survivors who were swept onto "Gilligan's Island" will never, never be the same. TheatrX repertory company has launched Gilligan's Island - A New Musical. The Skipper, alas, is forced to spend the entire production indisposed and confined to the outhouse. The rest of the cast, however, make up for his lack of mobility. There have been a few changes from the original sixties television show. Of course it is a musical. Characters now represent the deadly sins, but didn't they always? Mr. Howell is greed, Mrs. Howell is sloth well, you get the idea. And there is a new character, a native, a female witch doctor.
The Howells, played by real-life couple Cheryl and Sam Warner, blithely go about their merry way, she getting others to do her bidding while he counts his millions. Sam's "Money" is an amusing ditty to the love of money, while Cheryl lazes with "I Love To Nap." Julie Elghanian is a delightful Ginger, strutting her stuff in "I Got It" and enticing the Professor (Mark Lansing) in "What Ginger Wants," reminiscent of Lola in Damned Yankees. The Professor displays his ego in "I Can Make Anything" as he creates Tesla coils out of coconuts as well as other special effects, such as exploding coconuts. Envy appears in the guise of Maryann, portrayed by Lis Lansing. Young Lansing laments her desires in "I Want To Be Her" in her crystal clear voice. She gets together with Elghanian in a wild ride entitled "Glamorous." The duet offers both a chance to show off the dance moves as the voices blend and contrast harmoniously.
Aaron Speak is Gilligan, who soon sees through the facade of the others to their true sinful ways, and, playing "devil's" advocate, challenges their very existence. Finally, and most happily, enters choreographer Jennifer Rosson's Witch Doctor. Being an island native, we cannot understand her language; however, Rosson's comedic, interpretive dance speaks an international language. She's the highlight of the production. Her "war" paint and coconut-enhanced costume offer additional amusement to the audience.
Gilligan's Island - The Musical is fun. It brings back memories of a show almost 40 years old and of characters and relationships that are not always what they seem. Storc's music tags each character's sin most melodically. It is worth the trek to Escondido for both music and laughs. Rosson's antics are added sunlight on the island.
