Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean

 

Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean

TheatreWorks @Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

June 18 - July 13, 2025  Tickets: theatreworks.org

Book: Ashley Robinson, Based on the play by Ed Graczyk

Music: Dan Gillespie Sells, Lyrics: Shakina

Director: Giovanna Sardelli

A Kate West Review

If ever there was a time to support the LGBTQ+  and the arts it sure is now. When memories and accomplishments of women and people of color are being erased from government archives, when immigrants' rights to due process are ignored, when grant funding is brutally cut, and when trans rights are endangered, it is up to the rest of us to wholeheartedly celebrate the existence of all of these life affirming joys before it is too late. 

TheareWorks does this admirably in their world premiere musical production of Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean. Based on the stage play by Ed Graczyk (which later became a Robert Altman cult movie classic with Cher, Sandy Dennis, and Karen Black) the new musical is delightfully poignant and ultimately timely. The music by Dan Gillespie Sells is lively and entertaining, while the lyrics by Shakina (also starring as Joanne) are insightfully heartbreaking.

In addition to the crowd pleasing music, the production cleverly (and subtly) changes some dynamics. For instance, Edna Louise (Ashley Cowl) is now of Mexican descent and showcases a powerfully moving song of discrimination. The scenes depicting the past are magically eerie, and more clearly defined than in the film (sorry Mr. Altman). Each of the actors gets a chance to belt out their repressed emotions, with particularly nice moments by Stephanie Gibson as Sissy, and Shakina as Joanne (which may or may have elicited tears from this audience member). 

The story revolves around Mona (Lauren Marcus) and her claim that she bore the lovechild of James Dean when he was filming Giant in their hometown. A group of dedicated fans became Jimmy Dean disciples and meet on each anniversary of his tragic death. This happens to be a significant year so everyone will be in town. Marcus does a fine job of depicting fragility (and borderline endearingly crazy) and the rest of the cast members are strong performers as well. Even Loretta (Judith Miller) as the diner's mother figure gets a nice solo moment.

Lauren Marcus as Mona

Shakina as Joanne

Stephanie Gibson as Sissy

Once the big reveal comes around, the audience is hooked and fully on board rooting for the universally likable cast. Ellie Van Amergongen gets quite the stage workout in portraying different characters, and everyone else's reactions to him are priceless. The ensemble works so well together that time just flies by and it's over before we are ready.  

Kudos to Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli for curating an involving and perfect new version of a profoundly important script. The opening night remarks before the show were greatly appreciated and much needed, as well. Again, everyone - please keep supporting the arts, and all of your marginalized community members. If we don't do it, who will?

Also, we are all looking forward to the cast recording (soon we hope?)

Read more!