Theater Review: BOTTG's BORN YESTERDAY by Garson Kanin

BOTTG takes Benicia to the movies with a terrific and topical production of BORN YESTERDAY, a 1946 comedy by Garson Kanin.

BORN YESTERDAY offers terrific direction, a sparkling set, a fun cast, and a mesmerizing performance by Camille Cooney in the lead role of Billy Dawn.

What’s the show about? Think My Fair Lady with a Washington DC political twist.

A man sets out to fix a perceived deficiency in his female companion because he believes her lack of knowledge and refinement threatens his social standing and opportunities. Her successful transformation from ignorant and disengaged to educated and self-empowered is ultimately his undoing.

Harry Brock (PATRICK KENNEY), a self-serving, thuggish, self-made multimillionaire comes to Washington DC to cut deals with law makers. Traveling with his lawyer, Ed Devery (DAVID FOUSHEE), his cousin Eddie Brock (EDDIE ROBERTS), and long time companion Billy Dawn (CAMILLE COONEY), Harry seeks laws and regulations more advantageous to his junk yard business. Senator Hedges (MICHAEL LESTER) agrees to meet with him. Harry introduces Hedges and his wife, (LIZ SWEENEY) to Billy, a former Broadway chorus girl.

Conversation reveals Billy’s cluelessness about Washington and the workings of U.S. government and Harry can’t have it. She’s making him look bad. To spare himself further embarrassment, he decides to hire someone to educate her. Harry hires Washington magazine reporter, Paul Verrall, (NICHOLAS DAHLMAN).

What Harry doesn’t know is that Verrall loves to expose political corruption. And what Billy doesn’t know is that she owns the majority of Harry’s business.

The writing is smart and the cast does it justice. As a whole, the ensemble is strong and the show plays well. All players bring life and interest to their characters, but Camille Cooney as Billy Dawn just shines. Great delivery, timing, stage presence, sass, vulnerability. Cooney brings star quality to this role. And while this strong performance could upset the balance of the piece, it works because the heart of the story is Billy’s transformation.

Can a 73 year old play be relevant today? Director Carlene Collier Coury believes so.

“It’s timely, intelligent, funny and one of my favorite romantic comedies. The play’s themes still hold up within our current political climate and the #MeToo movement.”

Worth seeing?

As the beloved SNL character Stephan might say…"Yes, Yes, Yes, This show has everything…" Camille Cooney, terrific direction, a sparkling set, and a delightful cast. Did I mention Camille Cooney?

Another reason to see this show: The beautiful set! And BOTTG's new lighting system makes it really sparkle. Kudos to Beate Bruhl, Chief Scenic Painter; Bruhl’s twin sister/painting assistant, Birgit Bruhl; Brian Hough, Set Design and Construction; and Miguel Solano, Lighting Designer.

Drop everything and go see BORN YESTERDAY. Another BOTTG success!

BORN YESTERDAY playing now through November 9, 2019 at the Historic B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J. Street, Benicia

General Admission: $22 Special $45 Show and Dinner Deal at Venticello's . Reservations and Tickets online at beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com