Perky, lively "Half a Sixpence" at Goodspeed

EAST HADDAM - If entertainment is what you’re looking for, then "Half a Sixpence" the perky, lively, perfectly cast musical at the Goodspeed Opera House is for you.
Based on a novel written by H.G. Wells, best known for his science fiction, the musical is set in 1900 Folkestone, England. It traces the rise and fall and rise of Arthur Kipps, played with impish verve and perpetual charm by Jon Peterson.
Kipps is a shop apprentice who inherits 300,000 pounds, leaves his long-time girlfriend, the maid Ann, played by Sara Gettelfinger, sees the world and falls for a wealthy young woman, Helen, played by Julia Osborne, only to lose his fortune, and then get it back, having invested in a play before he loses his fortune, which turns into a run-away hit.
Peterson, who will be 46 on Saturday, has the look of perpetual youth, with a head of hair that defies gravity. Trained from the age of 9 as a classical ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School, Peterson is a lithesome dancer who more than keeps up with fellow dancers half his age.
"Half a Sixpence" was written as a vehicle for the English entertainer, Tommy Steele, who starred in the show in England and then in 1965 on Broadway. It was later made into a film starring Steele.
The musical looses some momentum during the two scenes without music in the middle of the first act, but thankfully picks up once the songs return.
Once again, the Goodspeed does what they do best - squeeze a bunch of sparkling talent on a tiny stage - highlighting lesser-known but fine musical treasures.
On a proscenium stage only 28 feet wide and 19 feet deep, with barely any room in the wings, the terrific dancers and singers perform precise ensemble numbers, choreographed by Patti Colombo.
The period costumes by David C. Wollard are as numerous as they are gorgeous - especially outstanding are the candy-colored striped party outfits at the Ragata at the end of Act One, and the rich jewel-toned satin gowns in the solarium scene at the start of Act Two.
There is no lip-synching here - although how they can dance as strenuously as they do and belt out the numerous songs is difficult to fathom.
The songs, by David Heneker, are a fine mix of rousing upbeat ensemble numbers, like "Money to Burn" where they do amazing rhythmic beats with beer mugs in a beer hall, to sweet ballads, such as "I Know What I Am," by Sara Gettelfinger’s Ann and the winsome duet "Long Ago," sung by Gettelfinger and Peterson.
Gettelfinger has a fine powerful voice, as does Donna English who plays Mrs. Walingham. Also notable are Jeff Skowron as the overacting playwright Chitterlow, the uptight Young Walshingham played by Carrington Vilmont, and Cheryl McMahon as the silly Mrs. Botting.
All and all "Half a Sixpence" is a rollicking, ripping good time - proving once again that the American Musical is alive and well and living at the Goodspeed Opera House.

HALF A SIXPENCE

Three stars
Location: Goodspeed Opera House, Route 82, East Haddam, Conn.
Production: Music and lyrics by David Heneker. Book by Beverley Cross. Directed by Gordon Greenberg. Choreographed by Patti Colombo. Music direction by Michael O’Flaherty. Scenery design by Rob Bissinger. Costume design by David C. Wollard. Lighting design by Jeff Croiter. Sound by Jay Hilton.
Running time: 2 hours including one intermission
Show Times: Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be performances on select Thursdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through Sept. 9.
Tickets: $26 - $63. Call the box office at 860-873-8668 or visit their Web site at www.goodspeed.org.
ACTOR...CHARACTER
Jon Peterson...Arthur Kipps
Danny Gardner ... Sid
Cameron Henderson ... Buggins
Wes Hart ... Pearce
Kate Marilley ... Flo
Elise Kinnon ... Victoria
Caroline Massagee ... Kate
James Judy ... Shalford
Rod Roberts ... Carshot
Sara Gettelfinger ... Ann
Donna English ... Mrs. Walsingham
Julia Osborne ... Helen Walsingham
Carrington Vilmont ... Young Walsingham
Jeff Skowron ... Chitterlow
Cheryl McMahon ... Mrs. Botting