Singing, dauntless humor lift Let Me Be Frank’s show
Singing, dauntless humor lift Let Me Be Frank’s show
Written by: Warren Gerds
“The title and concept are random”… “What story?” “Good question.”
Even the characters in Let Me Be Frank Productions’ “Peter, Paul and Frank” pick on the framework of the troupe’s first show of 2012.
That said, Frank’s unloads a hefty, showy showcase of singer-driven songs of the ’60s capped by another of the troupe’s sublimely outrageous scenes at the end. Sorry, no hints, but the scene is pure, around-the-bend Frank’s. Folks will leave entertained.
Some of the story is built around characters selling so-called Frankway products with Frankway’s too-good-to-be-true sales system.
Squeezed in is the notion that all the songs in the show relate to a Peter, Paul, Frank or Mary. Well, almost all. Opening the second act is “Love Child,” indentified with Diana Ross (though Mary Wilson was a member of the backup Supremes). Why that song? It fits the era, and it fits right into the amazing, powerful vocal wheelhouse of Amy Riemer.
This show thrives on songs of R&B divas delivered by Riemer, Lisa Andre and Kelly Gusloff. The singers and songs radiate color, helped by the zip of the band, light displays and dance action.
The first act includes suggestive silliness in a bit in which characters play “The Relating Game.” Paul Evansen (cheered on his return) is the smarmy emcee as date-hungry women ask questions of vaguely socialized guys (David Gusloff, Pat Hibbard and Tom Verbrick), who break into song. Andre gets the prime line about the prospective dates: “The odds are good, but the goods are odd.”
Riding herd (yeah, right) is Frank Hermans as the oily head of Frankway and out-there showman who brings new understanding to Frankie Valli’s “Who Loves You Pretty Baby.”
The show is scripted, but the script is merely a suggestion at times. The performers have a knack for playing with the moment among themselves or with the audience for bursts of fun.
Of note, the troupe makes a rare dip into folk music with a visit to songs of Peter, Paul and Mary. “Puff the Magic Dragon” stirs listeners.
