By Polina Tamarina of McLean High School

What do a sassy mobster’s wife, a pooch-toting hoop twirler, a brazen, curly-haired kid, and a sweet ex-lobster with big dreams and a beautiful heart have in common? Their joint participation in the bright and gaudy King Neptune pageant, of course, all chasing fame and fortune in the showy world of Hollywood. Wakefield High School brings this screwball comedy to the stage with its performance of Robert Schenkkan’s The Marriage of Miss Hollywood and King Neptune.

Just like its characters, this play has had no dearth of glimmering moments in the spotlight.   Set in 1929, this jubilant comedy tells the story of sly talent agent Manny Weisenberg and his quest to hold on to his distressed clients. Classically trained Bob “Whiplash” McCord sees greater horizons for himself than dabbling in silent Western films, while the pretty Cherie is sick of being cast as a crustacean to advertise for a local seafood joint and is ready to call it quits after a lack of more appetizing job offers. Meanwhile, two cronies of local mobster Joey Bananas are hounding Manny for a debt he owes their boss, and time is running out to pay the fee. Will Manny’s crooked scheme to solve all of his problems with one ritzy Hollywood pageant work, or will his web of lies crumble?

Despite some issues with emotional fluidity and control, the actors brought life to Schnekkan’s lines.

Heading off a buffet of quirky characters is Manny Weisenberg (Jose Rodriquez). Several of his climactic monologues were further augmented by clear diction and colorful hand gestures. His leading lady, Cherie (Arami McCloskey), brought spunk and a sweet, smooth voice to her kind and honest character, and her chemistry with Manny led itself to some charming, romantic moments between the two.

The mobster duo of Lola Gottalotta (Sofia Navas Sherry) and Joey Bananas (Sean Balick) evoked a number of giggles from the audience throughout the night. Lola’s swaggering walk and high pitched New York accent befitted her role as the sleazy companion to a feared gangster, and her impeccable comedic timing lent itself to some side-splitting dialogue. Joey proved that great things can truly come in small packages. His energetic, swanky delivery of some intimidating lines left both the actors and the audience quaking in fear. Other comedic highlights included bossy Geraldine (Carla Astudillo), whose energetic singing and dancing picked up the pace whenever it dropped.

The lighting crew adequately optimized visibility, and the execution of sound was flawless. Despite some issues with anachronisms in the costumes of a few characters, the props were spot on to the 1920’s era.

Wakefield High School’s period production of The Marriage of Miss Hollywood and King Neptune is sure to satisfy those who have a penchant for a classic tale of the coveted Hollywood stardom, and what some will do to acquire it.