I did not grow up watching the famous redheaded comedienne. She was even before my parents' prime TV-watching time given the original series aired in the 50s. I caught reruns on Nick at Night but I don't know that I every watched a full episode, the comedy was always a bit by-gone for me, of a different era.
All that being said, the Lucy and Dezi shtick is as familiar to me as a bologna sandwich. Maybe all Americans born after it aired are genetically altered, implanted with some Lucy-appreciating gene that immediately recognizes and embraces the slapstick mischief. The era may be well passed, but there's still a bit of magic and hilarity in Ricky's "you've got some 'splainin' to do!"
"I Love Lucy" Live on Stage doesn't just recreate a couple beloved episodes (episodes I never saw but the audience made it clear these were fondly remembered), it attempts to recreate the novelty of being a live studio audience for the comedy. The two Lucy episodes are interspersed with of-the-moment re-enacted commercials (Brylcream, anyone?) complete with jingles some members of the audience clearly recognized. While these asides were enjoyable, they were clearly most appreciated by those who remember watching the show in its heyday. There were laughs of recognition throughout the show.
The strongest member of the ensemble was a spot-on Ricky Ricardo. From his first greeting of the audience, to his hip-swiveling crooning, he was a fun, energetic, honey-voiced interpretation of Lucy's other half. Lucy herself was also strong, nailing many of Lucy's trademark pouts and grimaces, as well as her penchant for physical comedy and off-key singing. As must be the case in a show based on the episodes, the duo had sweet chemistry, even in the midst of a somewhat limited script.
The strength of the show is in the retelling of the episodes, momentum gets a bit muddled in the snippets between the shows and in a frequent song-and-dance aside by a talented, but somewhat misplaced, chorus. If you're looking for a quick show (only 90 minutes, no intermission) that will have you back at home before 10, this could be the one for you. I'd recommend it even more fervently for anyone who dearly loved the show in its heyday. Bring your mom or grandma, and buy her an I Love Lucy coffee mug for the road (the swag is cute).
I Love Lucy is playing at the State Theater through January 25th. Don't forget to take advantage of Hennepin Theater Trust's rush tickets available for students, military, and teachers!
