Thoroughly Modern Millie should be renamed
Surprisingly Amusing Millie. This show is quirky and downright funny, the songs are catchy, and the acting and singing are superb. Sutton Foster won the 2002 Tony for playing Millie, and this time the Tony was justified. Ms. Foster was adorable and her singing rang. In addition to Millie, the supporting cast was also terrific.Leslie Uggams (of, among other things,
Roots fame) sang with a terrific deep reverberating voice. Her white mink coat and sequinned dresses were so fabulous that my friend and I had to suppress all urges to run on stage and tear them off of her. I was a little worried, however, with the introduction of Mrs. Meers (played by Harriet Harris, who is Frasier's boss in
Frasier), an Asian woman who preys on and sells white orphan girls trying to make it in NYC because her acting and portrayal of the evil Hong Kong Madame was very stereotyped. However, the audience thought the character was very funny and Ms. Harris provided ample comic relief. While the men are terrific as well, the show is dominated by strong female characters.
In all, it was wonderful and strong and made me excited all over again that I moved to NYC. The Marquis Theatre in general is one of the best theaters to watch a show because it is a newer and relatively small theater so all the seats are good.