No, No, Nanette at the Downey Theatre

The Downey Civic Light Opera is currently running the popular 1920s era musical “No, No, Nanette” at the Downey Theatre. Support our local community theater– make sure you get out to see the show. Then come back here and comment about what you think.

Certainly a DCLO show is a special experience, especially because you are hosted by Marsha Moode herself, the Executive Producer and Director of the shows– she’s basically the one woman who does everything and keeps the organization running. She insists that she takes tickets at the door, and after the intermission she makes several announcements and introduces the second half of the show.

No, No, Nanette was first produced in 1925 based on a play called My Lady Friends that was popular in 1919. Familiar songs include “Tea for Two” and “I Want to be Happy.” There was a popular Broadway revival in 1971 that sealed the musical’s fate as a musical theatre favorite. There were films made both in 1930 and 1940 based on the musical.

It’s light and fun family entertainment, with a plot that leans toward the farcical. A semi-wealthy Bible salesman gets into trouble when it’s revealed that he has been giving away money to three beautiful young women (though he never laid a hand on them), all unbeknownst to his conservative wife and his niece and ward, Nanette. Nanette feels a bit stifled in her current lifestyle. Even though she’s been proposed to by the love of her life, Nanette insists that she must experience the world first, if she can ever get her aunt and uncle to be less strict. Mix it all up and we end up with everyone surprising everyone else as they converge on Atlantic City, where everything crashes together.

Check out the pictures, which are much more about the experience attending the theatre. The lobby, the “Be a Star” contest, programs, and intermission with Marsha.

By Andrew J Wahlquist

Born, raised, and raising a family in Downey, Andrew is an independent filmmaker and theatre enthusiast. He works in the film business in post production for feature films.

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