“Hiss, Hiss, Hooray!” to paraphrase the title of the Washington Post article of January 1982, seems the perfect introduction to THE ORPHANS’ REVENGE. First produced at the Group Rep in Los Angeles, THE ORPHAN’S REVENGE eventually found its way to the Ford Theater in Washington, DC. To quote the LA Times review, “(The) Orphans’ revenge has tackled just about the only way an old stock American melodrama can be approached: the brie, stylish and palpitating sincerity and lubricious pauses for villainous and romantic transports.” “Come and have a Good Time…Be ready to cheer, whistle, and stomp…and also hiss at the villain. You will certainly be entertained…and if ever there was a show for children of all ages. This is it! (WMAL).” Is it any wonder that the Group Rep is bringing back this well-received honky-tonk theatrical musical for today’s audiences? From the book by Suzanne Buhrer and Gene Casey with music by Gene Casey, Suzanne Buhrer, and Jan Casey, THE ORPHANS’ REVENGE celebrates its forty-second birthday back in Los Angeles in 2024.
Hisato Masuyama – Photo by Jackie Shearn
The time is 1900, and the place is Coopers Crossing. Little orphan Alice (Jessica Kent) was raised in the Coopers Crossing Orphanage and now – at the tender age of 19 – she is in charge of the orphans still living there – with the unflagging assistance of elderly Uncle Ned (Brad Kahn). Even with all the kids begging for donations in a winter snowstorm, it’s tight to keep up the mortgage payments. And then Victor Van Rooper (Joseph Eastburn) – boo – shows up with Rose (Kyra Schwartz), owner of a very successful saloon who just purchased the orphanage in order to expand her business. Alice has only one way to save the orphanage: she must come up with $50, a fortune in 1900, by the next morning. All seems to be lost when Jack (Tack Sappington) – hooray – shows up with a big smile and an even bigger heart – and $50. But Jack may also have a weakness for gambling, booze, and pretty saloon girls…
Kristin Towers Rowles – Photo by Jackie Shearn
Skillfully directed by Stan Mazin, THE ORPHANS’ REVENGE is a musical melodrama with songs galore and lots of opportunities to boo, hiss, and cheer. It’s easy to understand why the current crop of Marvel-inspired feature films got their start from the popular melodramas of the 1800s. Vulnerable heroines, formidable heroes, and – it goes without saying – dastardly villains all played their part in entertaining earlier audiences, a preference which carries on into the present. The large cast seems to be having the time of their lives as they strut and sing their hearts out. This is a charming tongue-in-cheek extravaganza with music and clever lyrics to over a dozen songs. And a few commercial breaks to amuse and divert. THE ORPHANS’ REVENGE offers a cute, fun-filled show where kiddies are welcome.
Melissa Strauss – Photo by Jackie Shearn
THE ORPHAN’S REVENGE runs through November 10, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Lonny Chapman Theatre is located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets are $40 (seniors and students $35; parties of 10+ $30). For information and reservations, call 818-763-5990 or go online.
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