'Pillow Talk' plays at a Glendale Theatre

"Pillow Talk" at Glendale Centre Theatre

Theater review by Jackie Houchin

Originally a 1959 film starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson, "Pillow Talk" is the kind of classic romantic comedy that the Glendale Centre Theatre does so well. The boy-meets-girl-then-the-complications-begin storyline is familiar but entertaining.

Megan Blakely makes a very impressive GCT debut as interior decorator, Jan Marrow, who shares a "party line" (does anyone under 30 even know what that is?) with composer Brad Allen, whose list of girlfriends probably exceeds the telephone directory of many small towns.

Not as devilishly handsome as Rock Hudson, Michael Gianelli nevertheless plays the role convincingly. Brad is constantly on the phone with his string of lovely young ladies (played by Allison M. Evans, Karyn O´Bryant and Caroline White), which makes it impossible for Jan to receive business calls. She complains, but to no avail, and soon the two loath each other.

When Brad sees Jan by chance, he decides to add her to his list on conquests. But disguising himself as an innocent Texas country boy backfires…and the fun begins. Can their mutual attraction overcome a rocky beginning? You´ll probably guess the answer, but the journey there is great fun to watch.

Other noteworthy performers include, LizAnne Keigley playing Jan´s housekeeper, Alma, whose antics and outspoken opinions often steal the scene; Brandon Sharkey as Jonathon Forbes, Jan´s besotted ultra-rich friend, who like Freddie Einsford-Hill tries everything to win the heart of his "fair lady;" and Kyle Kelly as Detective Graham.

GCT´s sets are always evocative of the era they portray, and this one, with side-by-side, cut-away apartments, is cleverly done.

Kimberly Overton works her nostalgic magic on the characters´ costumes, especially the ladies´ dresses and gowns. And an extra bravo goes to the property maven for Michael´s hilariously "redecorated" apartment…laughably ghastly!

The recorded 50´s and 60´s rock-and-roll music played during scene changes and at intermission will have Baby Boomers smiling, "bopping" and singing along. Who can forget "Love Potion #9" "Your Cheatin´ Heart" and "Let´s Do the Twist?"

Pillow Talk plays Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm, and Sunday matinees on June 8 & 22 at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are $20.00 - $22.50. Call (818) 244-5042 for reservations.

Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange Street in Glendale, 91203.