Die-hard fans of the 1967 film "Thoroughly Modern Millie" should be forewarned that of the 15 tunes in the stage version, only two are from the movie (the title song and "Jimmy").
The stage version has a considerably improved storyline and is still just as entertaining and energetic as the movie, as Salt Lake audiences will see when the national touring company of the Broadway show comes to the Capitol Theatre next week.
Dick Scanlan, who worked with the film's screenwriter, Richard Morris, to turn "Millie" into a stage production, said he watched the touring production take shape and continues to check on it periodically. There were minor modifications made in the staging to take the show on the road.
In New York City, the 1,595-seat Marquis Theatre, built a few years ago as an integral part of the Marriott Marquis Hotel, obviously has a stage large enough to accommodate some big special effects. But on tour, where some venues are seriously lacking, the same things don't always work.
The Broadway show — starring Susan Egan, Leslie Uggams and Dixie Carter in the roles of Millie, Muzzy and the villainous Mrs. Meers, respectively — had a big turntable to facilitate quick scene changes. "Removing the turntable for the touring show has worked even better," Scanlan said by phone from his New York office. "Also, the tour has no tap-dancing elevator. There was just no way to do it theatrically. That bit comes at the end of a scene on a realistic set, and it just didn't make sense artistically. I miss that but you just have to let go of it.
"When I prepare the stock and amateur companies, I suggest what a set can look like, trying to implement many of the touring show aspects into it."
There will be another tour starting soon in England and another U.S. stock tour coming in summer 2006. It's also being done right now at high schools for the performing arts in Los Angeles and outside of Boston — just to make sure it will work in smaller venues.
STEPHANIE POPE, who plays the role of Muzzy Van Hossmere (Carol Channing's part in the film), has been with the show for about six months. Born and raised in New York City, Pope and her husband recently moved across the Hudson River into New Jersey.
"We can see Manhattan from our window, and it's nice to have a slower pace," Pope said. "When I joined the cast of 'Millie,' I think even the creators thought I was too young. But it's called 'acting,' and I get up there and become Muzzy, and no one's complained, so I guess I'm doing it right.
"(The show) has old-fashioned qualities and values, but it's new-fangled at the same time. The fun thing is that Muzzy has a young spirit; the rest you can do with makeup and lighting."
Without giving too much of the plot away, those who've seen the movie remember Carol Channing as the mother of two other key characters. In the stage version, the two siblings are Caucasian, while Muzzy, in this case, is African-American. (The role was played by Leslie Uggams on Broadway.)
And there comes a time toward the end of the show when Muzzy announces that the two characters are her children — then quickly amends that they're her stepchildren. "It's always fun to hear the reaction to that line. There's a different reaction in every town."
But Pope can relate to the role of Muzzy. She has a 20-month-old daughter, who travels with Mom on tour, and a 19-year-old stepson going to college in Florida. "The role of Muzzy is so much fun. Audiences love her. You just can't go wrong. It's a great featured part but she is also so crucial to the story."
This company has two more stops (in Arizona) after Salt Lake City, then Pope is "going home and enjoy being a wife and mother for a bit. Marion (her daughter) has adjusted beautifully on tour. I try to stay in Residence Inn Hotels, which are very much like an apartment and they all look the same in every town, so she can find the bathroom."
If you go
What: "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Where: Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South
When: Wednesday through April 24
How much: $30-$57.50
Phone: 355-2787
Web site: www.arttix.org
E-mail: ivan@desnews.com