Throwing themselves and the audience back into the jiving time of the 1920s, Flint Hill High School performed “The Boy Friend” on May 3. The show focused on the social lives of the youth of the ‘20s, and kept the story line hopping with time period accurate music and well sung musical numbers.
“The Boy Friend” premiered 60 years ago in London, and made its way to Broadway in just a year. Sandy Wilson’s creation was also the stage debut for renowned actor Julie Andrews. Sandy Wilson also wrote a musical sequel to this Roaring 20s hit that depicted the rougher times of the 30s, titled “Divorce Me Darling!”
Flint Hill High School boldly took on the period piece and made their show accurate to the time with costumes, music and dancing. Bravely taking on some classic ballroom dance numbers, the cast displayed the moves accurately. Completing the picture with some dainty vocals, the production brought the audience back to bouncy 20s buzz.
The charming Polly Brown, played by Keeley McLaughlin, was a bright character with solid characterization and sweet vocals. McLaughlin pulled the weight of the storyline with ease and balanced the parody displayed by the majority of the characters. Playing opposite McLaughlin, John Osborn played the heart-warming love interest of Tony. This duo kept the roaring, satire train of a show on its feet. One of the bigger comedians of the show, Maisie, played by Grace Cleland, kept in playful and flirtatious character just enough to keep the audience giggling at her sporadic decisions. Notably, Charlotte Sadar did a beautiful tango with Colbey Davies. Although their dance was supposed to be an over-the-top parody within itself, it was impressively executed and the comic timing was spot on.
Rounding off the school year with “The Boy Friend,” Flint Hill High School’s theater department rewound the theater back 90 years with great enthusiasm and success.