Welk's 'Millie' is Pure Delight
By Ruth Lepper

Diana Kaarina and Matt Lutz. Photo by Marc Northover

It's no wonder the 2002 Tony Award was won by "Thoroughly Modern Millie." It's a delightful musical comedy, set in the jazzy age of the 1920s. It was a time when a story like this, based on the book by Richard Henry Morris and Dick Scanlan, could actually have happened.

The Welk Resort Theater production, starring Diana Kaarina as Millie, is staging the show through Nov. 4. It is a high-quality production and sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Kaarina is a perky performer, truly coming across as the young woman wanting to break into show business. Millie meets a young man who doesn't measure up to her qualifications: she plans to marry a rich boss.

Director Todd Nielsen has found just the right actors to fit the characters in question. Matt Lutz is Jimmy Smith, a man with family secrets he keeps hidden from Millie. Quinn Van Antwerp plays the arrogant boss.

Millie hooks up with another young woman looking for fame and fortune on the stage. Sarah Bermudez is perfect for the role of Miss Dorothy.

Karole Foreman outshines herself as the socialite Muzzy Van Hossmere. She is superb.

Local actor Melinda Gilb, a favorite at theaters around the county, gives a hilarious portrayal of Mrs. Meers, the boarding house proprietress who makes money on the side by selling off her tenants.

Emir Yonzon and Kavin Panmeechao are a hoot as the Chinese brothers doing the dirty work for Mrs. Meers.

Choreography by Troy Magino shows off his hard work. The dance numbers are some of the highlights of the show.

Carlotta Malone's costumes are divine.

Tickets range from $42 to $45 for performance only and from $56 to $61 for performance and pre-show buffet at the Canyon Grille.

Matinee performances are on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, starting at 1:45 p.m. Evening performances are on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, with an 8 o'clock curtain.

Welk Resort Theatre is located six miles north of Escondido, not far off Interstate 15. For reservations and more information, call the box office at 760-749-3448 or 888-802-7469.