Let’s face it, being a girl has never been easy. But imagine what it was like if you were in the English countryside in 1810. And pregnant, and single.
The Old Globe Theatre brings us the world premiere of a story that lets us know just that, in a long but mostly delightful story about that time and place.
Jane Austen, you say? Well, yes. But this isn’t just a story, it’s a musical that tosses in a ton of tunes and gobs of dance steps to keep you not only entertained but often just plain laughing.
“Regency Girls,” with a book by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan, runs through April 10 on The Old Globe’s Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage. I would (in fact I will) say hurry and get tickets, but given its reception on opening night, I’ll bet it will be extended.
Josh Rhodes directed and choreographed the show. The music (including some 20 songs) is by Curtis Moore and the lyrics are by Amanda Green, and the nine-member orchestra keeps the music coming.
The cast of nine also includes seven ensemble members and four swings.
It’s damn near impossible to recite the story, because there’s just too much going on. The main character is Elinor Benton (played by Isabelle McCalla), who is young, pregnant and unmarried. She knows she’d better get out of there and fast if she wants to survive, so she suggests to her female friends that they all go on a road trip to find the one woman who might offer her a chance to change her fate. (Woman? Did I say woman? Yep. This is the updated 19th century.)
The girls run into several male creatures (okay, men) on the way, and several relationships of one type or another are formed.
Though book writers Crittenden and Allan began work on the script in 2018, they were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. And the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade (establishing the right to abortion) in 1973), adding more complications.
But never mind all that. The fact is that this is a play, offering loads of laughs and 20 new songs with titles like “Female Trouble” and “Galloping Dick” (there’s a character by that moniker; gotta love it). The songs are accompanied by a fine 9-piece orchestra in the pit, conducted by Patrick Sulken.
“Regency Girls” is a show like no other. Don’t miss it.
The details
“Regency Girls” plays through April 10, 2025 on The Old Globe’s Shiley Stage.
Shows are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.
Box office hours are noon to final curtain. For tickets call the box office (234-5623). Cash and credit cards accepted.
Free parking is available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available for $22 for pre-purchase or $25 for drive-up; evenings only.
