By KEN KLINGENMEIER
It’s summer, and that typically means a rollicking musical provided by Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The Stark family’s issue this year is a country music themed journey – Ted Swindley’s song-filled The Honky Tonk Angels. This show is the tale of three disparate women from California, Texas, and the hills of West Virginia, who all decide that their lives need a break and a breakout.
Each one’s dream is to head to Nashville, Tenn., to try their luck and their skills at a country music experience. When Fate allows the three to meet on their Nashville bound bus, they hit on the idea of forming their own singing group – The Honky Tonk Angels.
Bridgette Ludlow plays unhappy double-wide trailer housewife Angela, Shelbi Berri is cast as Darlene – the WV hills girl, and Kaylee Verble takes the role of the slightly more sophisticated Californian by way of Texas, Sue Ellen. These three actresses do a wonderful job telling their stories, but the thrills of the production are due to their amazing performances of the show’s many country songs.
The trio provides an array of absolutely stunning blended harmonies, along with solo performances that range from comic to poignant. Ms. Verble, whose noted lead performance in B&B’s 42nd Street won a 2019 Mitty Award from ASOTA, plays her CaliTexan Sue Ellen with a brassy edge in such solo numbers as “9 to 5” and “Cornell Crawford.” Ms. Ludlow, whose local lead performance in The Color Purple won her a 2021 Mitty Award, does some fine comic work in Angela’s “Harper Valley PTA” and “Barroom Habits” before crooning a lovely “Almost Persuaded.”
Shelbi Berry, in the first lead performance I have witnessed from her, possesses a remarkable vocal range – with the ability to belt a phrase smoothly followed by a sublime voicing of heart-breaking effect. Her “Coal Miner’s Daughter” coupled with “Ode to Billy Joe,” offered early in the program, set the stage for what is a noteworthy performance throughout – which includes an enchanting “Angels Among Us.”
As I wrote previously, the threesome’s trio work is as good as you might ever experience. “I Will Always Love You,” “Amazing Grace,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “Sittin’ on the Front Porch Swing” are all memorable in the 30-plus song “score.”
The performers are aided by the clean precision of the band, led by Musical Director Kristy Templet. Jeff Stockberger directs with good balance, accompanied by Doug King’s boot-scootin’ choreography. Terry Woods’ costume design is on the mark and Ryan Koharchik’s lighting of Michael Layton’s set design is significant.
Bottom line: The Honky Tonk Angels is an entertaining journey – chock full of remarkable performances by three very talented ladies who know their way around crafting a song.
The Honky Tonk Angels continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through Aug. 14. Find show times and reservation info at beefandboards.com or call the box office at (317) 872-9664.