SCERA's 'Millie' is fun despite its small flaws

"THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE," through May 9, SCERA Showhouse II, 801-255-2787; running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)

OREM — "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at the SCERA is almost a thoroughly enjoyable show.

It's bright and lively, and the vocals throughout are outstanding. But there are a few problems that can easily be fixed.

Millie, played by Sara Jane Lundquist, has an incredible vocal range and is quite delightful in the lead role. She just needs to get her lines down cold so the occasional flub doesn't detract.

The set is an interesting, artsy modular arrangement that is fun to look at and quite adaptable. Again though, the stagehands or actors drafted into moving the biggest pieces need just a little more practice.

But these are minor flaws in an otherwise quick-paced and likable show.

The acting, singing, choreography and dancing are all uniformly fine (maybe just a bit more work on the men's ensemble), especially the tap-dancing numbers.

Mrs. Meers, played by Karen Baird, is great, even though she's the show's villian. She's funny and creative in her approach.

Jimmy Smith, played by Cody Jordan, is a good romantic lead, and Miss Dorothy, played by Kellie Close, is a sympathetic character.

Dallin Allred, playing the suave boss Millie hopes to marry, almost steals the show. He's dead on with his lines, and he's hilarious almost every time he speaks.

When he and Miss Dorothy realize they might be each other's true love, they sing a duet that is absolutely hysterical.

It's worth seeing the show for that scene alone, but there are lots of other good bits as well.

Tierra Jean, who plays the regal and talented Muzzy Van Hossmere, is especially funny when she tries to fake out Mrs. Meers.

Sung Young Seo is a wonderful Ching Ho — a Chinese laundryman who falls hard for Miss Dorothy. (The subtitles are a funny addition.)

The other aspiring actresses, who are staying at their own peril at Mrs. Meers' hotel, do some nice scenes as well. They include Darlene Jensen as Mathilde, Kalli Kronmiller as Ruth, Cassie Crabb as Gloria, and Mindy Stailey as Alice.

The Stenog/Modern/Speakeasy Girl/Party Guest girls are also great in their roles as they dance, type, dance and dance some more.

This is a simplistic story, meant to poke fun at the "modern" girl of the roaring '20s.

So even though the plot is predictable and even a bit implausible at the conclusion (who stands on a ledge 20 stories up and sings with uninhibited gusto?), it's entertaining and still comes off fresh and new.

The music is catchy and the show is written so the songs aren't intrusive.

It's easy to watch and pleasant to see.

A thoroughly nice effort.

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com