SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 5, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — After the high-minded morality tale “Two Dollar Bill” in January, and the metaphysical murder mystery “An Inspector Calls” in February and early March, patrons of Pioneer Memorial Theatre can be forgiven for longing for some lighter fare.
“Cowgirls,” by Mary Murfitt and Betsy Howie, blew in like a gentle breeze last month and continues through this weekend. The 1996 musical serves up an amusing, somewhat thin plot that links together original songs about life, love and the Western spirit.
And all of that is wrapped in a larger theme of female empowerment by way of down-home lyrics, twangy interpretations and accompaniment by fiddle.
The six-character cast features a classical music trio, the owner of a failing country bar, and two waitresses who want to keep their jobs, and to have a shot at performing.
But the trio, pianist Rita (Lindsay Zaroogian), cellist Lee (Jessica Bradish) and violinist Mary Lou (Angela Chatelain Avila) are determined to keep the gig. They refuse to be fired by desperate owner Jo (Leenya Rideout), much to the annoyance of feisty waitresses Mickey (Karis Danish) and Mo (Ashlie Roberson).
Thus, the trio’s comical and awkward highbrow-to-lowbrow transformation begins.
But there’s something deeper going on, too. One character after another begins to recognize her self-imposed restrictions, and considers taking a baby step forward toward a freer and more fulfilling future.
Hitting all the right notes in their mostly comical roles are Zaroogian, whose pianist is an expectant mother insecure about her relationship with her husband; Bradish, playing a cellist who is a New Age enthusiast and vocal lesbian; and Avila as the nerdy cellist whose music fulfills her in a way no lover has.
Danish and Roberson are pure fun as the waitresses. Rideout, as bar owner Jo, displays her character’s deep, artistic soul, gained from a life of loss and sacrifice.
Production value is high, and the bar set looks authentic, down to its worn paint and barn-like woodwork.
“Cowgirls” is a fun show, one that could conceivably be attempted by a smaller and less professional theater company. Then again, not every smaller company is able to take a risk on a work unknown to local audiences.
“Cowgirls” runs at 7:30 p.m. today through Thursday, at 8 p.m. Friday, and at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Pioneer Memorial Theater is at 300 S. 1400 East. Show tickets are $40-$67, and can be purchased by calling 801-581-6961 or visiting the company’s website.
