They say that every country song tells a story. A quick scan of the song titles in North Coast Rep's latest, Honky Tonk Angels, does tell the story. Ted Swindley, who also created Always...Patsy Cline, picked the right songs for his three singers. "Stand By Your Man" and "Don't Come Home a Drinkin'" fit Angela (Kelli Maguire) who lives in a double-wide in Texas. In L.A., Sue Ellen (Merideth Kaye Clark), who has a lecherous boss, sings "9 to 5." Finally, there's this mite of a gal (Jenni-Lynn McMillin) from the Mississippi delta who laments 'bout being a "Coal Miner's Daughter."
The songs change the mood with "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," "Paradise Road," "Time For Me to Fly," and "I'll Fly Away."
The women They fortuitously meet on an interstate bus headed for Nashville. And, as they say, "The rest is history."
In Act II, we meet them singing their last gig, each with her own plans for the future. That last concert is a delightful mix of songs and costumes. The songs include "Cleopatra, Queen of Denial," "Harper Valley PTA," "Sittin' On the Front Porch Swing," and a reprise of "Time For Me To Fly."
Honky Tonk Angels is reminiscent of Swindley's earlier work, as well as the popular Mamma Mia!. Director David Ellenstein reunited two of the cast, Maguire and Clark, from the performance he directed at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. As with this type of production, the songs are the thing, with just a tiny thread of a story twining through the tunes. The three young ladies have excellent voices that are probably just as comfortable with showtunes as they are with country. The story has enough substance to evoke strong emotions from the audience.
McMillin's Darlene, whose mama died and daddy is a bit of a problem, seems to have the most difficult time leaving for the big city and lights. Clark's Sue Ellen really wants to take her job and shove it. Thouguh Maguire's Angela can easily leave her drinking husband, quitting her six kids for a spell is a very difficult decision. They put on quite a show.
Costumer Beth Novak may have had an easy time in Act I; however, in Act II she creates a multitude of unique costumes. Many wigs complement the various looks. Marty Burnett's set provides the home locations for each singer, a bit of the interstate bus, and the Act II showroom. Bonnie Durben prop'ed the set well.
Special kudos to M. Scott Grabau for a sound design that's a perfect balance between the band and the singers. Much appreciated. Mike Buckley's lighting design defines the set. An unnamed follow spot operator does an admirable job being at the right place at the right time.
While Honky Tonk Angels is definitely not standard fare for North Coast Rep, it does bring their audiences a taste of something different extremely well performed. Musical director W. Brent Sawyer does an excellent job, though in the end, it is three lovely and talented women who make this show possible.
