Thoroughly Modern Millie is a fun spectacle, whose awesome performances are overshadowed by the tastelessness of the text itself.
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: Thoroughly Modern Millie is not a play without controversies. The fine line the text toes between pastiche and racism is too fine. With the subplot of a white woman dressing as a Chinese woman and running a white slavery rink (which could so easily be fixed by having her simply dress as... anyone else) one wonders why production companies still feel so beholden to the text and can’t seem to fathom the notion of shaking things up a little.
The theory that the only stereotype presented in this play is, in fact, the character of Ms Meers and that the play explores her ignorance and racism is noble. However, practically what plays out on stage is a white woman doing grotesque impersonations of Chinese accents for laughs – not so noble.
Plus, the reveal that two of the ‘poor’ characters were actually multimillionaires the whole time – living without money for a while was just a quirky punishment from their mother! – is, once again, not noble.
Thoroughly Modern Millie, as a text, meanders between uninspired and vulgar.
However, this particular production is filled with incredible performances. Annie Aitken as the lead delivers a highly masterful musical performance. Aitken’s Millie is so entertaining, open and fun, every moment when Aitken is on stage is a blessing.
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Claire Lyon as Miss Dorothy Brown is delightful. Her comedic timing mixed with that incredible voice was perfect. Nigel Huckle as Jimmy Smith is the right mix of sweet and suave.
A highlight of the show was the set. The sparkly curtain that runs along the back of the stage as a backdrop, the orchestra playing on stage the entire time, and the minimalist props allowing us to use our imagination make for a show you can’t take your eyes off. The costumes and ensemble create a super, vintage feel that you can’t help but bop along with.
Ultimately, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a fun show, as long as it stays in its rom-com, starry-eyed storyline. Every couple of scenes, however, the show unwittingly asks the audience to question their morals. The play may be set in the 1920s but we’re watching it in 2019 – maybe it’s time to bring Millie up to speed.
