What started as a fundraiser turned into a very successful run of shows for the Torch Theater company.
The company's performance of three classic episodes of Mary Tyler Moore at the Theatre Garage in Minneapolis has played to sold out audiences over the last month, and it's easy to see why.
The production, directed cleverly by David Mann, performs three of the shows original scripts, almost word for word: the classic pilot; a fifth-season episode centering on Sue Ann Nivens, played by the original episode's guest star, Linda Kelsey, in select performances; and, of course, the unforgettable "Chuckles Bits the Dust," which finds Mary giddily losing her composure at a funeral for the station's TV clown.
The episodes are framed by the iconic opening credits played on a big TV monitor, and the closing credits acted out hilariously by the cast. There are even vintage TV commercial breaks (remember Joe Namath's embarrassing Noxema ads?) and the show's original musical interludes - not to mention a surprise opening number before "Chuckles."
It would seem taking on this TV classic would be asking for a negative review by simple comparison to the original. But the production is surprisingly entertaining in its own right, mostly because of the pacing and standout cast members.
Julie Madden is perfect as a delusional Phyllis, while Edwin Strout is eerily good as Ted, as is Mo Perry as Georgette (she also plays Rhoda). Strout nails Ted's insecurity and mugging nature, while Perry has such a perfect breathy, dithery delivery, you'd swear she took acting lessons straight from Georgia Engel.
Although not faring quite as well, Stacia Race delivers an admirable performance as Mary Richards. She captures Mary's skip and quivering insecurity, although she's not as smiley and open as she could be.
And as a special treat, Kelsey, a five-time Emmy Award nominee for MTM spinoff Lou Grant, is deliciously wicked as Sue Ann. It was no doubt surreal to play Sue Ann opposite a young character she once portrayed on television. But then again, this whole production is like a pleasant dream, a nod to show TV has never seen the likes of again. It's beyond nostalgia - it's love. And if you loved the show, you'll have a ball.
