The struggle to find a place in the world has provided a frequent perhaps obsessive struggle for young adults across the globe. The imminent search for big love and big money compels directors worldwide to create relatable musicals. Enter “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and its interlaced theme.
From Julie Andrews to junior Jillian Lawson the Pepperdine Center for the Arts is taking on the challenge that is “Thoroughly Modern Millie the musical.
Based on the 1967 film, Thoroughly Modern Millie” depicts the story of a small-town girl Millie Dillmount (played by junior Jillian Lawson) who comes to New York City dreaming of becoming “thoroughly modern.” In other words she is looking to marry for money instead of love.
Not the stereotypical musical “Millie” challenges the era in which it is set. Dating back to the early 1920s “Millie” addresses the struggles testing women attempting to enter the work place. Finding her identity as a flapper she embarks on her new mission – finding love. Through the ups and downs Millie ultimately achieves both her goals love and money but in a round about way.
The musical debuted on Broadway in April 2002 and has been breaking records ever since. It has been playing on stages around the world for the past six years including the Marquis Theater and London’s West End Shaftesbury Theatre. Millie has won six Tony Awards as well as many other outstanding achievements that reflect the entertaining and beautifully written work’s appeal.
With such a strong resume trying to recreate “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is quite a task. However the theater department is trying to do just that.
Dance and choreography professor Bill Szobody who has been teaching at Pepperdine for seven years has taken on the task of directing the production.
“It is a Cinderella ‘rags to riches’ story that follows a heroine’s quest for love and success on her own terms Szobody said. But life doesn’t always go as planned and through many trials and tests Millie is faced with the choice between ‘green glass’ or ’emeralds.'”
Szobody has created a fast-moving and ever-engrossing musical designed to captivate audiences from the start. Among the many pleasures of “Thoroughly Modern Millie the extravagant eccentricity of the cast is what ultimately makes this musical a hit.
Millie is a fast flashy hugely entertaining show that should leave every audience member energized with a smile on their face said junior Ken Korpi, who plays the role of Trevor Graydon, Millie’s boss.
One of the highlights is junior Allegra Edwards, who steals every scene she’s in. Playing the role of Mrs. Meers, Edwards divested herself in the role. Mrs. Meers is known for her mysterious and sinister ways, the opposite end of the spectrum compared to Edwards’ persona. However, participating in musicals, improv and dance since high school, Edwards said she’s ready to play this double identity.
She can be pretty wicked with quite a sense of humor Edwards said.
Sophomore Tyler Kimmel said he is ready to explore the role of Jimmy Smith – Millie’s opposite. Jimmy is a poor but fun-loving paper clip salesman.
My character is kind of different from my personality Kimmel said. It’s been different trying to explore and play a character that I am not.”
Though at first sight this musical is a colorful fluffy confection “Millie” touches on aspects greater than love and money. It tackles issues of racial stereotypes such as with Mrs. Meers’ Chinese assistants the selling of orphans and bondage among prostitutes. Even though these themes are not racing through the musical they bring a depth that fosters credibility.
“I think this musical has a really good message especially for the 1920s Kimmel said. A time of big change is demonstrated in the characters and it makes an interesting statement and message to our audiences. I think it’s something everyone deals with – dealing with who you are.”
This musical shows that to be “thoroughly modern one doesn’t have to give themselves up to do it.
It’s exciting to see how the audiences respond Edwards said. If people come with the expectations of having no idea what to expect they’ll be thoroughly impressed (no pun intended).”