BWW Reviews: SAVING AIMEE at the 5th Avenue Theatre

Saint or Sinner?  That's the question that the latest new musical tryout at the 5^th Avenue Theatre is wanting us to answer with the bio-musical, "Saving Aimee".  Problem is, as charismatic and engaging as the lead is, the book and songs don't engage enough to care for the answer.

Based on the life of 20's Pentecostal evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson (Carolee Carmello), we follow the rise to power of Aimee from childhood in Canada to fame in Hollywood and then her fall from grace due to her mysterious disappearance for five weeks and subsequent trial.  Was she kidnapped in Mexico or was she hold up in Carmel with her lover.  Was she a bringer of healing miracles or a gifted actress and con artist?  Philanthropist or fraud?  And does it matter considering all of the good she did and influence she had?

So yes, a very interesting figure with a fascinating journey which I'm sure could have made a wonderful musical.  This just wasn't that musical.  Most of the score by David Pomeranz and David Friedman is upbeat and lively but considering the subject could have been so much more.  And the book and lyrics from Kathie Lee Gifford have moments of goodness but are mired down by anachronistic jokes and simplistic cliché rhymes.  All of which leads to a show which at its best is fun but forgettable and at its worst confusing.  Specifically one song where reporters repeatedly begged the titular question of is she "Lost or Found" surrounding the details of her disappearance.  But the sentiment of "Lost or Found" seemed forced and really made no sense in the context of the situation. 

But as mediocre as the show is, the cast is sublime and has a lead with enough presence for 20 evangelists.  Carmello shines from the moment she sets foot on stage.  With a stunningly beautiful voice she manages to take us through every step of McPherson's life and transitions from one age to the next with unbelievable skill.  In fact at one point she goes from adulthood to teenager before our eyes both physically and vocally.  The always amazing Judy Kaye is on hand as McPherson's domineering mother and the wonderful Roz Ryan as the tough as nails brothel madam turned right hand to McPherson, Emma Jo.  And while this is definitely a great show for female actresses, the men shine as well.  Ed Watts on one hand is McPherson's dashing first husband and then comes back as her hunky swaggering paramour.  Brandon O'Neill is lovely as her meek second husband and then slimy as her alleged lover.  Ed Dixon is sweet and warm as her father and then blustering and self righteous as her rival Brother Bob.  And Charles Leggett as the desperate to prove her guilt prosecutor Asa Keyes punches up what could have been a throw away character.  And throw in an amazing ensemble cast and the show manages to entertain even with all its downfalls.

With a gorgeously simple yet grandiose set by Walt Spangler, the show has its "Wow" moments.  The opening and closing production numbers definitely pack a punch but unfortunately are the only songs that stuck with me (at least in a good way).  So as fascinating and impacting as this incredible woman's life is, the show itself left about as much impact as a fleeting tabloid headline.

"Saving Aimee" plays at the 5^th Avenue Theatre through October 29^th.  For tickets or information contact the 5^th Avenue box office at 206-625-1900 or visit them online at www.5thavenue.org.

Photo credit: Chris Bennion

 

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