MAME Brings 'A Little Christmas' to Looby Theatre thanks to Circle Players

With the frenzied holiday shopping season upon us, theatre-goers may indeed be singing "We Need a Little Christmas" as they go about their errands, thanks to the Circle Players' production of Mame, opening December 4.

According to director Macon Kimbrough, Mame may not be a Christmas musical, but the lead character's joie de vivre may best be captured in the Jerry Herman-penned song, "We Need a Little Christmas."

"Mame is an uplifting musical about how people get through hard times," Kimbrough says. "It's not a Christmas show, but is a reference to the season when the lead character reveals her philosophy in the song."

Kimbrough had been dreaming of doing this musical for years, he says, and what appeals most to him about the show is its book, by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, coupled with Jerry Herman's "genius" as a composer and lyricist.

"It's just a wonderful show," Kimbrough explains. "I am a huge fan of Jerry Herman. The way he writes music and lyrics, it shows his love for the characters - there is no cynicism, it all comes from the heart."

Mame begins in the roaring '20s, when Mame Dennis is rolling in the dough and leads the life of an eccentric, Bohemian socialite. Things change when she is appointed guardian to her 10-year-old nephew Patrick. When the Great Depression hits, Mame becomes virtually penniless overnight - trying to make ends meet at any number of odd jobs, including one as a retail sales clerk, quite often failing but refusing to allow the times to dictate her mood or dampen her spirits.

Mame opened on Broadway in 1966 with Angela Lansbury playing the lead, ultimately winning a Tony Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Mame. The show didn't win the Tony for Best Musical, but it was an audience favorite, eventually running for 1,508 performances. In 1974, an ill-fated movie version of the musical, starring Lucille Ball in the title role, debuted.

Kimbrough thinks Mame is considered a classic because of its message of love and its hopeful spirit: "Mame is quite an unconventional character, but she has such a wonderful upbeat view of the world in spite of all her troubles, that's what makes her so lovable."

That spirit is exactly what Jamie London, who takes on the role of Mame in Circle Players' production, finds so exciting.

"Here is an older woman kicking up her heels, dancing through life," said London. "This show is all about living in the moment."

This is London's second role for Circle Players; last year, she played the Widow Corney in Oliver! after a long hiatus from a professional acting career. She now works as a teaching artist for the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Metro Parks and Recreation Department.

Kimbrough has cast 24 actors ranging in age from middle schoolers to older adults. Some cast members, unfamiliar with the music, were surprised at how hard the songs are, and London agreed. Learning the music, she says, was no walk in the park: "Jerry Herman is a genius, though. He wrote those dissonant harmonies that are so tricky to sing. But when it comes together, it's just great."

Circle Players will partner with Nashville CARES, a local non-profit organization which serves people living with HIV/AIDS, throughout the run of Mame. Nashville CARES will benefit from a portion of Thursday night ticket sales for Mame, when ticket buyers mention CARES.

In addition to the show's iconic title tune, the score features "My Best Girl," "We Need a Little Christmas," and "If He Walked Into My Life." The show is choreographed by Kate Adams-Johnson and runs Friday, December 4, through Saturday, December 19 at the Z. Alexander Looby Theatre, 2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, December 12. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for students and seniors ages 60 and up. Children ages 6 and under are free. All tickets $10 on Thursdays. Individual tickets are on sale online at www.circleplayers.net, by calling (615)-332-7529 or at the box office at the Looby Theatre one hour before each performance.

photo of Jamie London and Cary Street by Hatcher & Fell Photography