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“I’m going to marry my boss– whoever he may be.” A thoroughly modern idea for a thoroughly modern woman! The pizzazz and sparkle of the roaring twenties comes alive in Notre Dame High School’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. With tap dancing, flashy costumes, and bubbly characters, this show is full of life that’s fresh and exciting.

The music of the show is by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by Dick Scanlan. It tells the tale of a small-town girl who comes to The Big Apple to marry for money instead of love, which is a radical new modern idea. Millie soon falls for the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel with a hidden agenda and falls for someone other than her boss.

Carly Uding, who plays the flashy and cheery Millie Dillmount, takes the stage by storm with her strong presence and high energy. Her spunk and zeal highlight the best qualities of the twenties with her flashy and bubbly character. Her portrayal of a small town girl caught up in the exciting atmosphere of big city life goes well with her costar, Bryant Woods, who plays the witty and charming Jimmy Smith. Woods brings color and flavor to the piece with his earnestness and excellent stage presence. Woods, as Jimmy, creates a lively atmosphere with his fantastic energy and clarity.

Claire Zimmerman is high in theatrics and liveliness as the comical Mrs. Meers. Zimmerman’s strong vigor as Meers is attention grabbing and entertaining with her over-the-top characterization and keen appeal. The dazzling Muzzy Van Hossmere is played by the charming Katherine Potts, whose bright portrayal of her character brought glamour and brilliance to the musical with her showy costumes and upbeat personality. The charm of Trevor Graydon is evident in J. P. de Lagaretta as he waltzes across the stage with zeal and a charismatic characterization. Lagaretta is strong and clear onstage as the delightful Graydon with his bright theatrics. The cute Dorothy Brown (Jennifer Burghoff) is sunny and sweet with a warm appeal to the heart. Burghoff is bright and jazzy as the seemingly naïve Dorothy. Her honest spunk is lighthearted and innocent.

The New York skyline is the dazzling backdrop, surrounded by other incredible sets that capture the freshness and brilliance of the decade. The sets are beautifully done and help create the lively atmosphere. The bright flapper costumes are flashy and glamorous and grab attention with their shine and sparkle. The charming costumes of the cast are appealing and attractive. The orchestra was upbeat with high energy and enthusiasm that kept the show moving and animated throughout.

Though at times the spotlights could be a bit off, the overall light work is clear and vivid, with the full stage lit up to really capture the moment. When the ebb of the show seemed to be slowing, the dancers really picked up the energy and brought pizzazz to the stage with glamour and lighthearted presences. Overall, the cast was high energy with strong enthusiasm that showed through the dazzling dance numbers and set work.

Thoroughly Modern Millie recaptures the bright life of the twenties with sweet romance and light comedy, and everyone knows, it’s “sad to be all alone in the world.”

by Sarah Barger of Marquette High School