Time for a quickie?
by Gretchen Collins, 08/25/2005
Debbie Does Dallas opened at the Nightingale Theater (583-8487 [As of February 2007, 633-8666]) August 18. If you missed it, there are three more performances August 25-27. Ably directed by George Romero, five cheerleaders played by Annie Ellicot (Debbie), Diane Gingrich, Katie Feiock (Tulsa Contemporary Dance Theatre), Kaycee Johnson, and Megan Keough (Tulsa Ballet) go to work to make Debbie's dream of becoming a Cowgirl Cheerleader come true.
Unfortunately, minimum wage just isn't cutting it. When Debbie is offered $10 from her employer for a look at her "girls" she snaps it up. Soon all the cheerleaders, with the exception of brainy Tammy, are doing "favors" for, well, just about anyone. The women of the troupe were in perfect form for teenage girls, right down to, "Okay, bye."
The men of the company, Dale Sams, David Dillinger Jefferis, and Jason Watts, did triple duty and more. Watts played six characters! They were hardworking and energetic, and pulled off what had to be some embarrassing moments with aplomb.
The dance numbers are well executed, with music by Mercury Retrograde. Annie Ellicott and Diane Gingrich have fine voices. The sets were colorful and clever with a football field for the floor and a backdrop of lockers. There are only a couple off-color remarks--this comedy uses innuendo and the vivid imagination of its audience. While this isn't for the kids, it is grin all the way and a laugh-out-loud for adults.