DIETRICH & CHEVALIER, THE MUSICAL
Marlene Dietrich would never be considered one of the world’s great
singers, but something about her personality and her deep, rather hoarse voice made
her an icon and a big Hollywood star during the 1930’s and 40’s, At the same time,
the suave and charming French singer Maurice Chevalier was a Hollywood favorite
as well. The two worked for Paramount Studios where they met and fell in love.
Though both were married, they had a love affair that lasted for many years. (Dietrich
was never one to feel inhibited by marriage, nor was Chevalier).
In Dietrich & Chevalier, the Musical, playing in The Other Space
at the Santa Monica Playhouse, Playwright Jerry Mayer puts the events that took
place between these two popular entertainers into a real life story with fifteen
of the songs for which both they were known. Directed by Chris DeCarlo, the charismatic
Ray Baker is superb as Chevalier, from his French dialect to his nearly exact mannerisms,
and to his singing style. Cissy Conner is lovely as Dietrich and the two together
bring the story to life. Zack Medway is wonderful performing the roles of seven
characters that intertwine in the lives of Dietrich and Chevalier.
During World War II, some time after the two had departed as lovers,
Dietrich found out that Chevalier was being accused of conspiring with the Nazis.
In truth, he was blackmailed into having to perform in France in front of audiences
that included Nazis. German-Born Dietrich, on the other hand, became a U.S. citizen,
made anti-Nazi broadcasts, joined the army and entertained millions of Allied troops.
The play is a flashback of their first encounter, their love affair, and finally
Dietrich coming to the defense of Chevalier.
Plays Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211,
4th St. in Santa Monica
through May 4. For tickets, call (800) 838-3006, or online
BrownPaperTicket.com/. Use code “flyeer” for discount.