Not Your Typical ‘Pinup Girls’

Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)

You won’t see any actual pinup girls onstage, unless you count the paper face masks depicting some popular ones from past wars in the number “Oh, You Beautiful Doll”. What you will see is a fictional stage troupe called “The Pinup Girls” in a show-within-a-show concept. Comprised of three ladies (Leanne, Megan and Dana) and one gent (Joel, comic relief as understudy for the absent Sharon), they offer a tuneful, nostalgic jukebox musical revue in honor of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, from World War I through Afghanistan. For their audience at the local VFW hall, the group sings patriotic and entertaining hits from Irving Berlin to hip-hop, and perform charming sketches based on actual letters from American servicemen, some dating back over 100 years.

Created in 2019 by off-Broadway actor and playwright James Hindman, and theatrical composer Jeffrey Lodin, “The Pinup Girls” had its world premiere in October of that year in Fort Worth TX. It was just beginning performances around the country when COVID hit, which needless to say, stalled its momentum.

The ensemble cast dances and sings well together (“Love Nest Built For Two”), and there’s a standout performance by the energetic Brittany Jeffery as Leanne (“Letters From War”). Both Brooke Quintana as Megan and Grace Choi (also the Dance Captain) as Dana deliver excellent vocals.

There’s plenty of comedy onstage, with much of the laughter coming from lone guy Joel’s hapless attempt to fill in for the missing fourth lady, Sharon, who had to drop out suddenly to have her baby. Played by Broadway veteran Justin Scott Brown, he’s at his hysterical dragtime best in “These Boots are Made for Walkin’” that had the whole house in an uproar.

Director Travis Walter has a very light touch here, letting each cast member shine in their own way, although at times the performances appear superficial, lacking a certain depth and detail given the premise of the show. Brian Kessler’s set looks like every VFW hall you may have ever seen, complete with low stage, flag bunting and wood paneling. The 3-piece band, capably directed by Zachary Ryan, provides strong backup.

Through laughter and tears, romance and grief, the songs and performers are there to tug at your heartstrings. Hits from yesteryear include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Please Mister Postman”, “Push it Good” (that’s right) and “You’re a Grand Old Flag”. “The Pinup Girls” is geared for a mostly senior audience, and those attending a recent matinee were tickled pink and left thoroughly delighted.

Now through May 15, 2022

Tickets $36 to $46

Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall

Oakland University

378 Meadow Brook Rd

Rochester Hills, MI 48309

(248) 377-3300

www.mbtheatre.com

A special note: As Covid-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website at www.mbtheatre.com for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.

Meadow Brook Theatre's season is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kresge Foundation, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.