Honky Tonk Angels

On stage at Flagler Playhouse in Bunnell

By BOB FELDHEIM

Move over Dreamgirls ... move over Charley's Angels ... the Honky Tonk Angels are in town specifically at the new Flagler Playhouse in Bunnell, through February 9. They're putting on quite a show, a "juke box" show created by Ted Swindley (he wrote "Always ... Patsy Cline") featuring thirty of the all-time greatest Country and Western hits.

There's Nancy Carbone as Angela, a Texas housewife who's plumb wore out, sick and tired of singing alone in the double-wide trailer she shares with Bubba, her beer-swilling, truck-driver husband. Think "Tammy Wynette."

Then there's Kelly Nelson as Sue Ellen, a displaced Los Angeles secretary with two ex-husbands. She's miserable, subjected to incessant sexual harassment in the office. Think "Dolly Parton".

Finally, there's Dani' Neighmond as Darlene, stuck in a small Mississippi delta town with an overbearing coal miner father. Think "Loretta Lynn."

These three spirited young women, blessed with show-stopper voices and the ability and personality to put magic into their songs, are desperate for a better life. Think Nashville. They sing their hearts out under the imaginative direction of John Sbordone and Leigh Ann Singleton, with a perfect accompaniment provided by a trio led by pianist David Yancey. There's also a trio of lovely backer-uppers Nikkie Hottinger, Katrina Papilloin and Leigh Ann Singleton (herself) adding resonance and dimension, a nice, creative touch

There's one terrific song after the other, including: "Stand By Your Man;" "Coal Miner's Daughter;" "9 to 5;" "Don't Come Home a Drinkin';" "These Boots Are Made For Walking;" "I Will Always Love You" (which, sung ensemble, blew this reviewer away); "Paradise Road;" "Delta Dawn;" "Calling All Angels;" and "Time For Me To Fly." It's a thrilling mixture of laughter, friendship and perhaps a tear or two.

They meet each other, coincidentally, on the same Nashville-bound bus, discover they're sisters under the skin, and decide to form a group. Under what name? You guessed it The Honky Tonk Angels

The Flagler Playhouse was rockin' at intermission, as we broke for refreshments in the theatre's pleasant, spacious lounge. All this in one-hour-15-minute Act 1!

The show undergoes a complete transformation in Act 2. For some reason the playwright decided there was no more story to tell. The Honky Tonk Angels had arrived; they had their gig. Think "Honky Tonk Heaven." The balance of the show is a revue, with multiple costume changes, and good-natured clowning around with some of the audience, and more great songs:

"Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad;" "Night Life;" "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels;" "Cleopatra, Queen of Denial;" "Harper Valley PTA;" "Almost Persuaded;" "Sittin' On The Front Porch Swing;" "I'll Fly Away;" and "Will The Circle be Unbroken?" among others

Systems and furnishings of the 150-seat Flagler Playhouse elevated stage, klieg lights, sconces, fitted wall panels, restroom facilities and patron lounge have been substantially improved since the first show several months ago. This first-rate venue at the corner of U.S. 1 and Moody Boulevard is well on its way to earning a place among First Coast theatre-goers' favorites.

Call (386) 586-0773.