'Star-Spangled' performance

Actors make best of Neil Simon's script in River City Players' show

By Kathryn Alfisi ~ Southeast Missourian

The cast of "Star-Spangled Girl" is full of talent and energy. It's Neil's Simon's play that comes up lacking.

Set in 1966 San Francisco, the play is about friends Andy Hobart (Steve Ruppel) and Norman Cornell (Kyle Van Pool), who publish the protest magazine "Fallout" out of their apartment. Despite being horribly behind on their bills, things are all right until Southern spitfire Sophie Rauchmeyer (a last name that does not come immediately to mind when thinking of the South) moves into the apartment across from Andy and Norman.

Now, we know that Andy and Norman are anti-establishment because they tell us, but nothing besides that suggests that. They certainly do not seem like the type of guys who would be out in San Francisco in '66.

Norman becomes obsessed with Sophie, to the point of watching her board her bus every day to cleaning her apartment against her will and following her to her workplace at the YMCA.

Overcome with emotions

Norman's obsession comes across more creepy than funny, which is hardly the intent. Van Pool does his best at playing a man overcome with his emotions, but there is not much for him to work with. To his credit, he is able to bring some innocence and appeal to Norman.

Also forced are the feelings Sophie develops for Andy, making the play into a zany love triangle, which is predictable and tired.

What is surprising is that Simon's play manages to last two hours without much of a plot.

All of that said, "Star-Spangled Girl" has its humorous moments and makes for some enjoyable viewing. The cast is mostly to thank, bringing life to underwritten characters.

Ruppel brings an intelligence to the role of Andy while Edmonds' Sophie has a fierceness and zing, both of which make their characters appealing.

Roseanna Whitlow does a fine job of holding the production together and making the most out of the limited venue space she was given.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

Want to go?

What: River City Players' dinner theater production of "Star-Spangled Girl"

When: Today, Saturday, July 23 and 24; dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., performance starts at 8 p.m.; on July 22 is a performance only at 8 p.m.

Where: Port Cape's River City Yacht Club, 19 N. Water St.

Info: Port Cape at 334-00954