Highlights of reviews from our most critically acclaimed show yet (click on the reviewer to read each in full):
"With all the high energy of a swinging lively night on Broadway, this production is great for all ages with its fun-loving music, the epic tap routines and the cute romantic plot..."
"Director and Choreographer Randy Skinner creates a world of hopes and dreams come true in this fantastic production with all the fancy footwork you could ever hope for. Skinner’s tap routines are outstanding and leave the audience agog and agape with wonder at just how fast these dancers can really move their feet. This show is all about the tap. And with the skilled choreography of Skinner combined with the six talented performers in the cast it is a recipe for sensational."
"Kristie Kerwin captures the essence and attitude of the total Broadway diva, from her snippy comments to her commanding presence on the stage - she really knocks ‘em dead…A true Broadway vixen with all the right claws to be the cat’s meow. Playing opposite the prima donna is the sprightly little ingénue Ruby, [played by] Megan Kelley. Her bright-eyed naïve optimism is a refreshing comparison to Kerwin’s portrayal of the haughty Mona Kent. Kelley’s tap routines are beyond impressive when she first arrives at the theatre to show off her stuff, her tapping toes taking her to tumultuous heights and tremendous applause."
"Crago and Davis's side-by-side identical dance moves are reminiscent of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; blossoming romance with a fun side."
"So grab your lifeboat and row on out to the big naval ship that’s hosting Dames at Sea before it drifts away for the summer."
"Though the show takes more than a few jabs at the clichés associated with 1930s movie musicals, it is a story full of heart."
"Dames at Sea is an incredibly witty show, embracing the absurdity of old-timey musicals and creating characters that are far from stereotypes and caricatures."
"As Ruby, Megan Kelley is marvelous, stealing the show with her remarkable dancing abilities in "Star Tar" and her vocal prowess in "Raining in My Heart." Eric Huffman is Dick, Ruby's love interest and sailor in the Navy…Huffman is just as charming as his character, dancing and singing his way into the audience's hearts. Darien Crago plays Joan, the tough, wise-cracking chorus girl who helps Ruby. Crago is wonderful, giving the character enough spunk to make her lines hilarious, all while backing it up with fantastic talents as a singer, dancer, and actress. Her love interest is Lucky, played by Cody Davis, whose buffoonish charm is complimented by his own talents and his chemistry with Crago. Together, the two create an often feuding but always loving couple that audiences will adore."
"Featuring a cast of six outstanding performers, Dames at Sea is an amazing show. The sets are beautiful and functional and the instrumentation is of the highest quality. Seemingly all aspects of Dames are top notch and this show will have audiences laughing and applauding even after the cast takes its final bow. This show is a must see for anyone who has even a passing interest in theater."
"Skinner expertly choreographs six fabulous dancers to deliver the thundering power of tap to CTA's stage."
"Kelley has appealing vocal delivery and offers sensational tap dancing, showing her inexhaustible energy to scale new dancing heights. The ensemble brings all the combined visual and auditory appeal that defines tap-dancing at its best."
"Huffman reveals Broadway leading-man singing talents, and lends a naive, sincere appeal to his character…"
"Erick Buckley's Hennesey is perfectly played with absolutely perfect timing…"
"…it’s Broadway talent and quality."
"…singing and dancing to die for."
"Megan Kelley and Eric Huffman as Ruby and Dick pour on the charm as the lovers trying to make their way to stardom and into each other’s hearts along the way. They’re both terrific in the song and dance department and have wonderful chemistry."
