The Rose Bowl Queens

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The Rose Bowl Queens

at the Lounge Theatre

Reviewed by Les Spindle

March 17, 2010

Photo by Michael Lamont

No, it's not a football story. This easygoing tuner by Barbara Hart and Cheryl Gimbel (collaborators on book, music, and lyrics) is set in a rural Texas bowling alley, the Rose Bowl, where beer-swillin', two-steppin', and romancin' take precedence over knocking down pins. Director-choreographer Kay Cole and a buoyant cast elicit lowbrow fun from this debuting effort, a jaunty hoedown disguised as a book musical.

Much of the score was reportedly culled from songs in Hart's trunk, and the finished product shows evidence of its patchwork construction. Most of the first-act songs serve to introduce the characters. The central plot conflict isn't revealed until close to intermission. This piecemeal effect continues during the second act, where the songs generally interrupt the story rather than advancing it. Yet the numbers—except perhaps one called "Plumber's Cleavage,' about a burly workman's exposed posterior—are catchy and enjoyable. The opening group number "I Want to Bowl' is a standout, as is Asunta Fleming's heartrending delivery of the ballad "Too Soon."

The miniscule story has to do with a dastardly building inspector (an amusing Manny Lacuzzo) who has the hots for widowed bowling alley owner Rose (Fleming). He threatens to shut the joint down unless he has his way with her. Her loyal patrons rally to thwart his scheme. Meanwhile, Rose's stalled potential romance with a widower (Jon Powell) finally begins to blossom.

The radiant Fleming, boasting a low-key charm that gradually blooms, deftly anchors the proceedings as the beleaguered but resilient heroine, and Powell is an appealing leading man. Terri Homberg-Olsen and Leann Donovan are delightful as two regular patrons, while Judy Nazemetz gets the biggest yuks as a brassy middle-aged woman who has a makeover. Playing a betrothed young couple, Meyer De Leeuw as an amiable cowpoke and Jamie Dix as a spirited barmaid are welcome additions. Kevin High and Kyle Nudo lend fine support as goofy local yokels.

Designs—particularly Joel Daavid's set and Sharell Martin's costumes—are first rate. Mary Elker's spry music direction raises the roof, and Cole's choreography offers nonstop fun.

Presented by and at the Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Mar. 6-April 11. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (323) 960-7712. www.plays411.com/queens.