NEW YORK—This zany romantic comedy by Anita Loos offers many delights.
Loos, early in her life, enjoyed a successful career as a screenwriter, arguably the first woman to find her way into that niche. “Happy Birthday” came about when Loos’s friend, Broadway star Helen Hayes, urged Loos to write a play for her that was “full of fun and gaiety,” and Loos obliged.
Set in the slightly run-down but respectable Jersey Mecca cocktail lounge in Newark, New Jersey, Addie Bemis (Mary Bacon) has, for the first time, entered these portals. She hopes to run into Mr. Paul Bishop (Todd Gearhart), who works for the local bank, and whom she believes drops in on a fairly regular basis.
The establishment is ruled over by the imposing Gail (Karen Ziemba), who at first tries to get Addie to leave, for Gail fears that Addie’s father, Homer Bemis (Anderson Matthews), may make an appearance. Gail knows that there are domestic problems between the father and daughter and wants to avoid any unpleasant situation in her place.
However, Addie, who is a demure librarian, wins Gail over and persuades the older woman to let her stay. In fact, Addie is a complete teetotaler and politely refuses a drink when offered one by Gail. Also present are the bartender Herman (Ron McClary) and the waiter, simply called Dad (James Prendergast), who knows Addie from the neighborhood and is concerned about her well-being.
A few regulars are present; one couple dances quietly to the soft sounds of the jukebox. The atmosphere is sedate, and Gail proudly points out to Addie the bar’s motto over an archway: “Through these portals pass the nicest people in Newark!”
The group fills out. Gail’s son, Don (Tom Berklund), who is in the Merchant Marine and whose boat has just docked, arrives and gives Gail a warm greeting.
However, when Maude (Victoria Mack), the receptionist at the local beauty shop, enters and makes it known that she too is awaiting Mr. Bishop’s arrival, things get a bit livelier. Addie’s jealousy is aroused, and she soon sheds her usual shy personality, takes her first drink ever, and becomes the life of the party.
Addie also deliberately contacts Maude’s boss, Mr. Nanino (Joseph Masi), who is involved with his attractive employee, and urges him to come to the bar. When Nanino sees Maude and Bishop together fireworks ensue, and the two men physically tangle. Fortunately, Nanino is soon called away on more important private business.
Now balloons unexpectedly float up, confetti is hurled. The once demure Addie shines as the vivid center of attention. She is able to graciously bestow a financial gift on the needy Myrtle (Margot White).
Further, Addie is finally able to “be alone” with Bishop, and they share a private moment (via a deliciously creative effect by set designer Brett J. Banakis, which I won’t disclose).
Addie makes up with her father, who is impressed by his daughter’s unexpected display of forcefulness. At play’s end, it looks like Addie will get her wish and land the man of her dreams, Paul Bishop.
Produced by The Actors Company Theatre (TACT), the cast is made up of eight company members and seven guest artists. The latter includes Karen Ziemba, a multi-theater award winner known equally as a musical performer as for straight roles, in a powerful characterization of Gail.
Mary Bacon is particularly delightful as Addie, in the role, incidentally, that won for Helen Hayes the very first Tony Award for Best Actress in 1947. Under the direction of Scott Alan Evans (who is also co-artistic director of TACT along with Cynthia Harris and Jenn Thompson), the play sails cheerily along.
Also in the excellent cast are Darrie Lawrence and Nora Chester as two older “regulars” who help liven up activities at the Mecca, as well as Joe Tippett, Hanna Cheek, and Lesley Shires.
Beckett Theatre
410 West 42nd Street
Tickets: 212-239-6200 or visit www.tactnyc.org
Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Closes: April 13
Diana Barth publishes New Millennium, an arts publication. For information: [email protected].
