February 16, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Playhouse Extends ‘Dolls’ Through November 8:

Santa Monica Playhouse announced today that the world premiere Rudie-DeCarlo musical comedy “DOLLS! – Not Your Usual Love Story,” has been extended due to popular demand, Oct. 8 through Nov. 20.

Like many of the Playhouse’s Actors Repertory Theatre shows, this one was written by Playhouse co-directors Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, with music and lyrics by Rudie and Matthew Wrather, and directed by DeCarlo.

Subtitled “Not Your Usual Love Story,” “Dolls” is a look at the experiences and thoughts of a group of dolls of varying ages and types, the former cherished toys of a girl now grown, stored in an attic. Audiences might immediately associate this premise with the film “Toy Story III”. But there’s a different resolution in the works.

In the opening number, “The Legend,” we meet the dolls — dainty Victorian doll Marguerite; Trixter, a self-described “medicine doll” who speaks in rhymes; Valentina Ballerina, who used to be part of a music-box pair (her partner broke); Lieutenant Larry, a toy soldier; Fussy Fanny, a Barbie-type fashion doll; Papusza, a gypsy fortune teller doll; Just Plain Katy, a rag doll; Babette, an antique baby doll; and Gigoletto, a marionette.

Marguerite believes in “the legend” which says that a doll that demonstrates traits of sacrifice and unconditional love will be transformed into a “real child.” She hopes this will happen to her. The others are not as concerned about becoming human; they are more upset to realize that they will not be needed by a child any more and that they will probably be carted off to the Salvation Army store. In the attic, with their ultimate fate unknown, the nine dolls act out their dreams and frustrations.

This may sound very, very cute and indeed, early on in the play, “Dolls” seems to be heading in the direction of a pseudo-Disney tale, with the cast singing and dancing to the cheerful “I Want to Laugh.” But underneath the cuteness are stories of self-realization, ambition, envy, and disappointment.

Valentina, we are told, has a broken heart, for as a music-box doll, she needs to have a partner and without one she may be wasting away. Katy, the sweet and emotionally generous rag doll, is interested in Lieutenant Larry and wants to find a way to make him loosen up. Babette encourages her while she herself tries to fend off the amorous attentions of Gigoletto.

“I’m too old for love,” she explains. “It’s too much work.”

“Then I will do the work for both of us,” replies the optimistic Gigoletto. Fussy Fanny goes through numerous costume changes, reflecting her status as a fashion doll, but admits that she doesn’t know who she really is.

Amidst the operetta-style songs and acrobatic dances, “Dolls” subtly delivers comments on social roles that humans are all too familiar with. Although the play is family-friendly, its insights into character will prove enticing to adult audiences.

The cast contains many Actors Repertory Theatre regulars such as Serena Dolinsky, wistfully sad as the obsessed Marguerite, Melissa Gentry doing a delightful turn as Fussy Fanny, and Rudie and DeCarlo as the mature lovers Babette and Gigoletto, proving that indeed no one is too old for love. Nancy Dobbs Owen, as Valentina, not only dances but possesses an excellent singing voice that received sustained applause at the opening performance.

Kudos of course to Ashley Hayes, costume designer, for helping these very human actors to look like real vintage dolls.

“Dolls” plays at The Other Stage at the Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth Street, 310.394.9779.

Keep up-to-date With The Mirror:

Follow The Mirror on Twitter: twitter.com/SMMirror

Follow The Mirror on Facebook: facebook.com/SMMirror

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...