Mater Dei’s ‘Millie’ is a fabulous adventure

by Katherine Schloss, published in the OC Register, 04/14/2017

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” follows Millie Dillmount, a young girl from middle-of-nowhere Kansas, on her journey to becoming a feisty flapper and securing her boss as a doting husband.

The show is chock-full of dynamic ensembles — from the flouncy and giggly girls who reside at the Hotel Priscilla to Bun Foo’s brothers, who are sweet, charismatic and speak fluent Mandarin — all serving as wonderfully punctuated layers within Millie’s adventures.

McCallister Selva is a wide-eyed Millie, entrancing the audience with her boundless energy and witty portrayal. She is strong in all things, and her bold choices reflect on the rest of the cast, spreading an infectious energy. Her quirky and goofy side shows in the subtle things she does, such as gazing lovingly at her boss behind his back.

Courtney Hays is a graceful Miss Dorothy, foiling Millie’s often impulsive and reckless behavior with a cheery disposition and ballerina-like movements. With perfect curls and a pristine vibrato, she joins Millie in singing “How the Other Half Lives,” proving that opposites attract as they tap in sync and blend gorgeous harmonies. Her attraction to Trevor Graydon (Chris Rodrigues), Millie’s stiff boss, is comical as they suddenly sing of their love-at-first-sight experience. Rodrigues is also impressive in “The Speed Test” in which he dictates a letter to Millie with incredible speed and stamina.

Millie’s unlikely friend turned lover, Jimmy, is played by Harrison Patri. His chemistry with her shines through as he sings “I Turned the Corner” in a beautiful and engaging voice.

Cassidy Sledge bursts onto the scene as the dazzling Muzzy Van Hosmere, performing “Only in New York” with a poised, smooth, jazzy voice. Her warm and endearing Southern accent contrasts wonderfully with her sparkly show of glitz and glamour.

The makeup and hair team brings to life the lavish atmosphere of a 1920s party with period-esque bobs and smokey eyeshadow. Mrs. Meers (Annie Flati) stands out in her white foundation and jet black wig, both of which enhance the illicit feel to her character.

Mater Dei’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie” reminds us that we can paint the town red and let loose while still managing to find true love in the midst of all the insanity that is life.