Ebullient production of 'Mame' in Riverhead

Jerry Herman’s indestructible “Mame” is almost as indestructible as Mame herself, as the current, ebullient production of the 1966 musical by the Riverhead Faculty and Community Theatre proves. Herman’s shows are invariably spectaculars with melodically abundant scores, and in three cases, they’re star vehicles for women of a certain age—“Hello, Dolly!” (Carol Channing), “Dear World” (Angela Lansbury) and “Mame” (Angela Lansbury, again and forever).

The RFCT production is true to the original, featuring a 15-piece pit orchestra conducted by Matthew Gardner that lustily underscores and upholds an enthusiastic community theater cast of thousands. Director Bob Beodeker corrals and imbues this group nicely, filling the wide Riverhead stage with motion and meaning. And the choreographic team of Erin and Jan McKenna has staged the musical numbers with imagination, spirit, and showbiz savvy. If the choreography now and then lapses into community theater kick lines, these lines are modified creatively, and they’re absorbed into other more inventive and interesting movement.

A case in excellent point is “Today,” the thrilling opening, socked home by the excited and exciting cast. If it doesn’t get cheers during the run, I’m Sara Palin.

The cast is obviously having a great time all the way through, a sure way to make the audience have a great time, too. Jake Zuhoski is an adorable young Patrick, and Jake Boergesson is fine and solid as the older Patrick. His delivery of “My Best Girl” is a melodic and emotional reward.

Pat Wall is a sometimes bewildering but nonetheless important Vera Charles, Mame’s pal. Their delivery of “Bosom Buddies” is an Act Two highlight.

Dee Martin is a hilarious sketch as Agnes Gooch, who undergoes a couple of major changes in the course of human events. Her singing of the impassioned “Gooch’s Song” is a comic high point. And Marion Stark is, as ever, thoroughly engaging in the role of Mrs. Upson.

Much must be said about the performance of Dhonna Harris Goodale, as Mother Burnside—possibly, in this production, Mammy Burnside, whose exclamation, “The South will rise again!!” is an interesting surprise. Hers is not only a restatement of the Chekhovian assertion regarding no small parts, it’s a master lesson in comic timing and acting. Her very few moments on stage are electric.

And then there’s the star role of Mame, who is on stage every minute of the show and sings practically every song in the show. It’s a role that has stature and fire and Marguerite Volonts has great stature and excellent stage presence. She delivers her multitude of songs to fine and comfortable effect, and her introspective “If He Walked Into My Life” is a beautiful, touching moment. If the fire is, at the beginning of the run, a little damped down, Ms. Volonts has the talent to ignite as the show runs.

This production of “Mame” is a delightful one, and I defy anyone who goes not to sing some song from the score in the shower the next day. I certainly did. “Mame” concludes at Riverhead High School this Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2.