A classic romantic musical comedy that dates back to a 1944 film is being presented this month as the Valentine’s season production of Candlewick Players.
Meet Me in St. Louis is a classic MGM musical that focuses on four sisters on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The film spotlights the sisters’ education in the ways of the world amidst plenty of song, dance, and period costumes.
“The show has great family values and dynamics, and most people can relate to these in some way shape or form,” said actor Chuck Fefchak. “Strong-minded children express opinions that could alter Dad’s employment. Younger siblings offer unrequested opinions on older siblings’ choice of companion resulting in the expected rivalry. And in the end, these events bring a smile to patrons’ faces who recognize these events in their own lives.”
The storyline features the four sisters who are all blazing with excitement over the impending World’s Fair. They are also in a state about the love life of their only brother, whom they suspect of ditching his sweet hometown girl for a snob from the east.
In the midst of the sisters’ humorous maneuvers to rule or ruin their brother’s new romance, the father finally breaks in with an announcement: he’s been offered a better job in New York, which will mean leaving their home in St. Louis and missing the fair. At this, the girls unite for action.
“One can imagine the community importance of a World’s Fair in 1904, but what if events prevented a family from enjoying them? What sort of reactions would we see? And what actions would teenagers take to be able to attend the World’s Fair?” Fefchak said.
“As in every production we do, it’s wonderful to watch the cast takes these well-known characters and present their own slant on their character,” he noted. “We see some familiar faces in the cast, but this year we have a couple of newcomers to the Candlewick family. They bring a delightful addition to this show.
“It’s family-friendly fun. And a welcome reprieve from the winter doldrums.”
Following shows at the Kenmor Theatre last weekend, the production continues with dinner theatre performances at the Manitou Opera House this Friday and Saturday.
Ticket information is available at candlewick.ca.
