September 17, 2004

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Publication Date: Friday, September 17, 2004

A bit of politics, fun and corruption

What's more enjoyable than poking fun at American politics, especially during an election year. But that's only part of the entertainment in the Pleasanton Playhouse production of "Born Yesterday," a romantic comedy spiced with politics opening tonight and running through Oct. 10.

It's post-World War II in Washington, D.C., and Billie Dawn, an ex-chorus girl, is a trophy, albeit a bit coarse, on the arm of millionaire junk dealer Harry Brock, who's out to get a leg up in the Washingtonian world by whatever means necessary.

It's all brass and crass for the corrupt and uncouth Brock, played by Mark Jordan. Brock is an everything-has-a-price man and he wants his girl, played by Sandy Sodos, to knock 'em dead with her charm and culture.

The only problem is that she lacks the polish and education she needs in the politico setting. In a wacky Eliza Dolittle-like twist, Brock decides to buy Dawn's refinement by paying journalist Paul Verall, played by Jim Gioia, to tutor her in etiquette and history.

But in the process of the crash academia course to set Dawn on the road to becoming a worldly political intellect, something unexpected happens ... Verall and Dawn fall for each other.

Written by Garson Kanin, the play first opened on Broadway in February 1946, starring Judy Holliday, Paul Douglas and Gary Merrill, and was performed to sold-out audiences for four years.

In 1950 it was made into a film that featured Holliday as well as Broderick Crawford and William Holden.

In the Playhouse version, "Born Yesterday" is directed by Michael Manley, with the cast of 10 performing the comedy at the Playhouse's black box theater. It is produced by Susan Hovey with set design by Mark Mendelson and lighting by Robert Anderson. Costume designer is Courtney Flores; the prop master is Jared Hussey; and JoAnn Loitz is the stage manager.
Buying into Washington

What: "Born Yesterday" Who: Pleasanton Playhouse Where: Studio Theatre, 1048 Serpentine Lane, Suite 309 When: 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday; Sept. 17-Oct. 10 Cost: $20, adults; $18, teens under 18 and seniors over 60. Group discounts for 20 or more are available. Tickets: Call 462-2121 or visit www.pleasantonplayhouse.com

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