The title of the upcoming Allen County Community College theatrical production — “A Happy Gentle Melody, or the Scandalous Staccato Steals the Show” — may be a bit misleading. With a story filled with energy and moxie, the ACCC melodrama has more than a few characters capable of “stealing” the show — and our hearts.
The cast, from top to bottom, features a number of veterans familiar to local audiences as well as a talented crop of newcomers.
The story takes place in the late 1930s at the struggling Mahoney’s Diner, whose owner, Harmony Mahoney, has found that her business is dwindling thanks to a sleazy jazz club down the street.
The jazz club’s owner, Benedick Staccato, has found that stealing business away from his competitors by unethical means is a great way for him to become “filthy, stinking rich.”
But Mahoney won’t go down without a fight. She is bringing in a local jazz band — albeit, one without a singer — with the hopes of staying in business.
Will Mahoney find a way to stave off her fiendish competitor? And just how far will Staccato go in order to build his monopoly? Would he resort to — gasp — murder?
The answers will be revealed tonight and Saturday, starting at 7:30, south of the stone shelter house in Riverside Park. Admission is free, although audience members are urged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
As with any quality melodrama, the key is finding a devious villain, one capable of eliciting scores of boos as soon as he walks on stage.
Mission accomplished.
Mack Melvin is the incomparably outlandish Staccato, always angling for his next scheme, be it trying to run his neighbors out of business or turning to more nefarious means.
But what good is a villain without his lovely accomplice?
Enter Madison Ford as the delightful (and somewhat dense) Fiona Fermata, whose hopes of becoming a dancer happen to fit in quite well with Staccato’s plans.
Katarina McIntosh and Cody Cokely, meanwhile, are pitch-perfect as the play’s “good guys.”
McIntosh is Melody Mahoney, Harmony’s daughter, eager to help her mother keep their struggling diner afloat. Cokely brings a wholesome earnestness as Mark Time, who hopes to try out as a singer for the jazz band.
The two are instantly smitten, although their courtship is forced to take a sudden detour, thanks to Staccato and Fermata.
MOLLY McEwan shines as the elder Mahoney, while Jamarious Wicker is a delight as Cook, a former police officer who helps Mahoney around the kitchen. The two are quick to realize that Staccato’s up to no good. But are they quick enough?
Valeree Winslow sparkles as the klutzy Mary Tune, who’s easily startled — particularly around breakable dishware — much to Cook’s dismay.
She has eyes on Tommy Bone, otherwise known as Whit Olson, the band leader (and part-time paperboy). He, too, is fond of the lovely Ms. Tune, but is a bit more bashful in his approach.
And Halie Luken is unforgettable as Mama O’Riley, a local mafia boss who moonlights as a butcher shop owner. O’Riley has a heart of gold, but her customers are best advised not to welsh on their tabs, lest she unleash her band of “thugs,” a group of female, teenage enforcers: Emma Piazza, Madison Luken, Katie Terhune, Courtney Smith, Addison Haar, Briane Jett, Trilby Bannister and Megan Smith. They, too, have a pivotal role in the play’s climactic scene.
But the loudest laughs, undoubtedly, will be for the uproarious slapstick, courtesy of the jazz band players, Johnny C. (Jordan Strickler), Lou P. (Drew Smith) and Bernie (Nic Olson). The Three Stooges have nothing on this trio.
Dustin McCullough and Sydney Owens are on stage all too briefly as Mr. and Mrs. DeWinter, customers who just may hold the key to the cafe’s survival.
WEEKS AND months of behind-the-scenes preparation by Nic Olson, who penned the play, and Director Tony Piazza, have paid off with a memorable production sure to delight audiences of all ages. The actors sport rich and authentic costumes, courtesy of Nancy McEndree.
Wicker doubles as the stage manager, capably ensuring the play maintains its frenetic pace from start to finish. Rob Willing provides the sound, an array of 1930s jazz tunes to help the production flow flawlessly from one scene to another.
And once again, the 11th annual ACCC summer production is sponsored by the Sleeper Family Trust.
All deserve a round of hearty applause.
