At the opening night pre-show speech, co-director Laura Jennings mentioned that My Favorite Year had not been produced in the Dallas area for at least 25 years. She had waited for some production of it since starring in the show in 1999 for Plano Rep. A quarter-century was long enough and Jennings and co-director Eddy Herring revived the show for Allen Contemporary Theatre.
The musical was filled with charming musical numbers, large ensemble pieces and an unexpected depth of emotion that resulted in a splendid and moving experience.
Set in 1950s New York City, the show centers on Benjy, a young junior writer for the King Kaiser Comedy Cavalcade variety show akin to The Ed Sullivan Show. He opens the show reminiscing about – you guessed it – his favorite year. It would be the year his favorite movie star Alan Swann appeared on the show which would lead to a number of personal revelations including love. He finagles his way to get his script greenlit but not to undermine his boss, lead writer Sy Benson. Merely because he knows what would work best for Swann.
His enthusiastic mother Belle and stepfather Rookie Carroca are supportive of their son’s career although she wishes he would use his real last name Steinberg. And while their loud colors are embarrassing to Benjy, they all clearly have deep love for each other.
Also on the TV team is K.C. Downing who Benjy crushes on while they both work for the overbearing King Kaiser who is convinced Alan Swann may not be the right fit for the show. Benjy is assigned to handle Swann and the two bond over families and movies, but where Benjy idolizes Swann’s onscreen heroes, he realizes Swann himself does not uphold the same characteristics.
Troy Murray’s portrayal of Benjy was peppy and engaging, yet he infused the role with genuine human emotion. While his performance was lively and humorous, it occasionally overshadowed the character’s more subtle emotional moments. Despite this, Murray effectively conveyed the weight of disappointment and anger within Benjy, a character ultimately driven by kindness. My guest with me at Friday night’s opening commented that Murray’s performance reminded him of Roger Rabbit and for real, that was an adorable and apropos comparison.
The central relationship in the show was between Benjy and Alan. Alex Bigus, portraying Swann, captured the character’s imposing presence with the charisma of a fading Hollywood star, yet remained approachable. Bigus presented a celebrity we’d all like to know while never letting us forget his star status. The pivotal scene for Benjy and Alan occurred at Benjy’s mother’s house, where the characters and actors truly connect which fostered a well-developed and significant bond between them for the rest of the show.
Highlights came from Blake Rice as a grouchy but endearing King Kaiser and Catherine Hess as Benjy’s mother. Both gave big energy to their roles. Evelynn Wright was just right as the love interest K.C. to Benjy’s affections. Her understated performance provided a lovely balance to Benjy’s more exuberant demeanor.
Laura Carter Alley, who played television writer Alice Miller, delivered a standout performance. Her comedic timing, wit and sass were magical, and her showstopping musical number “Professional Showbizness Comedy” showcased her impressive vocal abilities and dance work.
The set, designed by Herring, relied more on set pieces and a digital backscreen. This worked well to depict a running selection of scenes that took place behind the set, on the show, Benjy’s house and more, but I’m unsure if the digital screen matched the vibe of the show’s 1950 setting despite it helping to set the scenes.
According to Herring’s director’s notes, ACT doesn’t use live music, but this show required that. Music director Jared Duncan’s work was outstanding. His three-piece band filled the show’s big sound and the cast all captured the songs’ tones perfectly under his direction. Becca Tischer’s choreography was always enjoyable to watch particularly when the cast of almost 20 were all onstage at once.
My Favorite Year was a gratifying and fresh musical delivered by Herring and Jennings, even in its retro setting. The chemistry among the actors felt genuine, and each was perfectly cast, making the production a thrilling success.
The show runs through Dec. 15.
–Rich Lopez