You’ll want to see “Taffetas” again and again

“WOW!”

I seriously thought about submitting this one-word review for “The Taffetas,” Orcas Center’s summer musical revue, because the entire show can be summed up in a single word. Of course, there are other one word reviews that would apply: “Awesome,” “delightful,” “masterful,” and “heart-warming,” to name a few.

Here’s another word that fits: “perfect.” Generally, when I write these reviews, and I’ve written a lot of them over the past 16 years, I pick out the positive things and ignore the rest. In the case of “The Taffetas,” I can’t think of a single weakness; well, maybe, one. The show ran an hour and a half. Yet I was having so much fun I wanted it to go the entire night.

There’s an old saying that the sum is greater than all of its parts, and it certainly applies to “Taffetas.” These parts include four extremely talented singers and actresses; a director who has an extraordinary knack for harmonies and who leaves no detail untouched; dresses, sets and even hair-styles that reflect the ‘50s, and all the favorite songs of half a century ago. If you were a teen during the ‘50s, like me, you’ll probably find yourself singing along with virtually every one of the tunes.

One can always assume when taking in an Orcas Center show that you’ll have an entire spectrum of talents on stage: Superb, excellent, good, fair, and, well, not so fair. This is the first show I’ve ever seen at Orcas Center without a single weakness in the cast. Sharon Abreu, Holly Nichols, Christiana Speed and Lindsay Wellever are all superb. Their harmonies are so good that I challenge audience members to close their eyes and pretend that you’re back in the ‘50s, watching “Your Hit Parade” on TV or listening to your favorite DJ on the radio. I wouldn’t be surprised if you concluded that the harmonies in “Taffetas” were being performed by professionals.

But don’t keep your eyes closed all night. Watch the actresses as they sway in harmony to the music, then jump around and clap their hands ‘50s-style at the end of each piece. I credit director Greer with teaching Abreu, Nichols, Speed and Wellever all these little details that make this show a realistic reflection of the entertainment world during half a century ago.

That reflection even includes some hilarious skits in which the actresses attempt to sell some beauty products, then answer questions from an imaginary audience about their lives, hobbies, and boy friends.

Finally, there’s another saying that goes something like this. Anybody can talk the talk, but the key is being able to walk the walk. Those who walk the walk will go back and see this show a second time. It’s been more than a decade since I have seen an Orcas Center show more than once. But I’m going back to see “Taffetas” again. That is, providing I can buy a seat. Once the word gets around about this one, there may not be any left.

The show runs Friday and Saturday nights Aug. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17. It’s also at the Bellingham Port Aug. 6-7 and 13-14. For tickets to the Orcas shows, call the box office at 376-ACT1.

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