Worried Women Wrestle With The Rules

"Good Girls Do, But I Don't" can at least partially be described as about eight women, all over 20, who confront the "rules" on how to seek and find Mr. Right, and try and make decisions about following them. They explore their options in over an hour of charming song, dance, and varied theatrical approaches that both engage audiences, and at times literally move into their laps. Most of them seem to never make a decision of just how they are going to use, abuse, or ignore the rules. Only one is really ever clear about that choice. She says "No way." And that is because she is gay. The rest carry on delightful explorations of self and psyche in ways that mirror all the angst and introspection women seem to have - at least North American women - at the very least North American women who live in the United States. Often their explorations deal with stereotypes. Other times real insights are revealed. And sometimes those insights are graphic to the core.

The show is a non-stop bundle of energy that holds even the most sated audience members rapt. There are quiet parts that allow audience a breath, but caution in that breath is advised, or you might either miss a subtle point, or find a cast member in your face - or your lap. Director Joan Bruemmer has an excellent sense of performance life and keeps sections just the right length to read well. The music is both sung live, and recorded. The singing is well done with enunciation that can be heard and understood in both choral and solo modalities, and the recorded music choices are perfect for where they appear. The dance is engaging, mostly rhythmic ensemble works, and never takes any performer past her capabilities. Theatre voices project well and are understood, and there is lots and lots of great, well timed comedy.

 The group uses Ellen Fein's and Sherrie Schneider's book, "The Rules: Time Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right" as the jumping off place for their often acerbic explorations of their own aspirations and what society and those RULES mean to them. Whether you agree, or disagree with any of whatever conclusions they reach, makes no difference. It is really all about watching their journey.

The current venue for "Good Girls ..." is the the Packing House Center for the Arts at 835 E. 50th Ave, in Denver, CO. The show will go up there again next weekend (February 5, 6, 2010).  Tickets can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com/event/89216.

Donald K. Atwood

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