Summer is the time for younger performers — teenagers and pre-teens — to stretch their theatrical muscles. Two weeks ago, South Coast Repertory's Young Conservatory Players took an impressive trip "Into the Woods" and now the Newport Theater Arts Center is "45 Minutes from Broadway."
To say that Shubert Fendrich's little showbiz playlet, set to the music of George M. Cohan, is derivative would be overstating the obvious. The show contains elements of "42nd Street," "Dames at Sea" and "Some Like It Hot," all played out in the style of "Bugsy Malone."
Yes, it's kid stuff and, as the title implies, it's only 45 minutes long. But director Kyle Myers has infused his pint-sized cast with plenty of sass and sparkle, creating a lighthearted, and lightweight, exercise that'll have the parents beaming.
The story centers on a theater director — Rod Bagheri, who also doubles as musical director — with a show to put on and no money to mount it since his diva-licious star (Kimberly Lewis) has fled for greener pastures.
