Cole Porter's YOU NEVER KNOW Graces Meadowbrook Stage

Now on stage at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester is Cole Porter's "You Never Know", a delightful musical from 1938. If you are like me, just say the words "Cole Porter" and I'll be there! This is the final production of the season, which has offered a wide variety of genres to fit everyone's taste.

I love Meadow Brook Theatre; there is always plenty of free parking, a safe neighborhood, and seats on a steep incline to guarantee you'll never have the back of someone's head blocking your view.

You will realize from the very beginning this show is one class act! The set is gorgeous, with a chandelier, grand piano, and Eiffel Tower in the background. Porter's music is light and airy, while the story line is funny and easy to follow. The lighting engineers create a festive and gay ambiance for Porter's classic songs.

Travis Walter opened the show wearing a spiffy tuxedo and highly polished shoes, announcing Dave Roy was filling in for Ron Williams at the performance we attended. Roy has a great voice and since the show is mostly driven by Cole Porter's songs, it worked out really well. Roy only had 4 hours to prepare for the part!

"You never know" is a parody on life in "respectable society," which isn't always so respectable!

You will love Gaston (Mathew Schwartz) as the amazingly energetic and somewhat frazzled butler who yearns to be one of the upper classes. His dance performance with Mimi (Sarah Parnicky) is like seeing Fred and Ginger come back to life. I love Brandi Knox as Ida; her wide smile reminds me of the fabulous Gladys Knight.

Cole Porter's "You Never Know" runs at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Michigan May 28 - June 22, 2014. Call the Box Office for tickets at 248-377-3300 or buy online at ticketmaster.com For more information about all of its shows visit their website at www.mbtheatre.com

Cast:

Anthony Guest

Brandi Knox

Sarah Parnicky

Mathew Schwartz

Stephanie Wahl

Ron Williams

Managing Director......Cheryl Marshall

Artistic Director..........Travis W. Walter

Choreographer...........John Sloan

Music Director............Greg Kenna

Scenic Designer.........Kristen Gribbin

Lighting Designer........Matthew J. Fick

Costume Designer......Corey Globke

Sound Designer..........Mike Duncan

Dance Captain...........Stephanie Wahl

Stage Manager..........Terry W. Carpenter