The Stagecrafters present Born Yesterday - delight in a not so dumb blonde

There are some parts that are immediately identified with a person. Think Zero Mostel and Tevya, or Anthony Quinn and Zorba. The same applies to Billie Dawn and Judy Holliday. Mz. Holliday played Billie for four years on Broadway after learning the part in three days when Jean Arthur backed out in 1946. She got an Oscar for Billie in the 1950 Movie.

So there were some big shoes to step into for Elizabeth Knecht. She was terrific. Director Marilyn Yobick says she was “sent from heaven” to play the part. Mz. Knecht may have channeled Judy Holiday, as everyone who plays this part must, but(and it’s a big but) she added her own take and business to a well rounded interpretation. She has an innate sense of comedy and what moves are sure to make Billie live. In addition she has a super singing voice which served her well in making me believe that she actually was a featured chorus girl in "Anything Goes"

The plot of Born Yesterday involves the attempt of millionaire junk dealer Harry Brock to buy the services of a U S Senator in order to further his business dealings. He brings along to Washington his live-in girlfriend, Billie Dawn. Harry is embarrassed by Billie’s ignorance and social gaffes and arranges to have her tutored by Paul Varrell, an investigative reporter. As Billie’s knowledge grows, so does her realization that what Harry is doing is wrong. The script is by veteran screenwriter Garson Kanin, who directed the 1946 Broadway play.

As Director Yoblick says, the play has relevance today. Kanin’s “dialogue is witty and truthful: and in this play he has lot to say about the ‘truth’ in politics.

Harry was well played by Paul DiFerdinandino. His anger, his physical strength and his boorishness were just right. Robert Toczek’s Paul Varrell need a little more forceful backbone to make the part more convincing and to give Billie a little more to play against.

David Perelman was immediately recognizable as lawyer Ed Devery. He was very believable. I felt like I knew him. I would have liked Kirk Paul to bluster a bit more as Senator Hedges. But he was very much the weakling who could be bought. Debbie Wells did a fine job with the minor part of Helen the maid. George Serdar, Harry McKinney, Bernadette Foley and Harry Martin were all fine in walk ons.

I must make special mention of two outstanding performances.   Susan Mooers as Mrs. Hedges is a master of the reaction. She understands, as many actors do not, that the reaction is what makes the comedy work. Steve Pollack is one of the most dependable actors(and singers) it has been my pleasure to see. He created a fully rounded characterization out of a sparsely written role as Eddie Brock-cousin, butler and man of all work. 

It speaks volumes about Scott Killinger’s set design and the work of his committee, that the set was applauded as the curtain rose on act one.   It was exactly correct, even to the Capitol Building seen through the window. The costumes, lighting and sound were exactly what was needed.

Marily Yoblick directed Born Yesterday with a sure touch. She had the pace right and the comedy balanced with the message. I congratulate her and The Stagecrafters on a sound and enjoyable performance. This was the 488^th production of The Stagecrafters who are entering their 79^th season. It was a great start.

ARNIE FINKEL