My Old Friends
By Sarah Knowles

Old age may seem like a daunting inevitability to most of us, but My Old Friends refreshingly shows those of all ages that life isn't just afternoon naps and arthritis for the over-60s.

The Tony-award winning musical is set in the Golden Years retirement hotel. It follows the residents through their daily lives of love, poignant tragedy and triumph. Set in the 1970s, a certain sentiment is felt throughout as you're able to relive or perhaps see for the first time, some of the fashion and ways of the days some 40 years ago.

The actors chosen for this remodeled musical masterpiece are well selected. Tony Ormeny, co-founder of the Victory Theatre plays Peter Schermann, a retired wood worker who moves into Golden Years after two heart attacks and the death of his wife. Celebrating his 50th year as a professional actor, Ormeny is truly skilled at his profession and his experience shines through. As an all-round good guy, Peter does his best for the residents, at one point opening the beloved piano that was banned by mean manager Mrs. Stone.
Betsy Randle plays the classy and desirable Heloise Michaud, enchanting the men of the play and probably many within the audience, too.

Annie Abbott plays Mrs. Polianoffsky, a pleasant lady with a good heart and a TV addiction. Knitting away whilst lovingly staring into a small television set, she can steal your attention from the main action just through her expression. Arias (played by Ruben Rabasa), a highly animated Cuban gentleman brings a huge slice of charm to the show, while harboring his own sad past in the trouble of his sleeping patterns. Rabasa's delightful grin brings realness to the character and does seem to show how comfortable he is within the role he plays so well.

Marc Elliot, who opens up the musical as Mickey Catlan is entertaining, amusing and endearing. His situation is explained further into the play and with the sad news comes extra love for the slightly crass New-Yorker.

Dominick Morra and Malachi Throne [Sidney Fineburg, Wally Slocum] are both lovable from the beginning. With their own histories and personality seeping through each song, the actors play their own worthy spots well within this group of old friends.

The songs are timeless and compliment each moment, with tunes such as "I bought a bicycle" and "I'm not old" bringing laugh a minute comedy. They compliment the heartbreaking moments of songs such as "Dear Rose" and a particularly sad four minutes when all the residents sing "Dear Jane" during their letter writing session. So eager and willing to write to their loved ones, the song lets out a deep sense of sorrow at its conclusion when we realize the residents never receive replies from home.

Melodic and powerful singing throughout by the actors on stage is phenomenal, with actress Pat Hodges standing out as Mrs. Cooper. She sings belting out each word, at one point stating there's still a little starch left in the old girl yet [which there clearly is].

The Victory Theatre is intimate and wherever you are seated is sure to leave you with a great view of the show. The lighting is perfect throughout each mood and moment, and the live piano by Serge Bueso and Tom Griep is touching and flawless.

The actors bring the show to life using the intimate setting to their advantage, even speaking out of character and using a little audience participation when introducing the pianists.

Surprisingly energetic choreography is used precisely, each move obviously rehearsed until the final product was perfected. While the oddly vigorous moves are comical they also add emphasis to the show's overall message of eagerly living past a certain age.
On stage the set is used to its fullest, the piano turns into a wood bench and the room becomes a bedroom. Although nothing much changes on the set [except a few clothes changes] the acting takes center stage and any changes are taken and accepted as nothing too important.

Although each actor on-stage plays their own part clearly and precise, some confusion may occur as some of the residents situations are not fully explained. This may confuse for a moment but once the next song kicks in, you are sure to forget.
With sad moments and great jokes leading up to a momentous ending, My Old Friends caters for those young and old. You'll definitely find yourself beaming with sentimental emotion on leaving The Victory after this show.

Runs through August 10, 2008
$28 all performances or $34 all performances for preferred
seating
Friday @ 8PM, Saturday @ 4PM & 8PM, & Sunday @ 4pm
No performance @ 4PM Saturday, June 21st or 8PM Friday, June 27th

Group and Senior Rates Available
For theatre information and ticket reservations call
(818) 841-5421