THE LAUGH TRACK – ICT Beverly O’Neill Theater
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were on the top of TV’s most watched sitcoms and were the industry’s first millionaires. ‘I Love lucy’ premiered on CBS on October 15, 1951. It ran for six seasons and ended in 1957. It was a comedy that focused on the over-the-top Lucy Ricardo and her husband Ricky. They were played by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The show followed the couple and their adventures in New York. In 1953 – Lucille Ball becomes the first woman nominated for an Emmy.
None of this would happen if Madelyn Pugh didn’t move to California and get a job as a radio writer; first for NBC and later for CBS, where she met Bob Carroll. Pugh was the only female writer at the time, which created obstacles. She partnered with Bob Carroll Jr. and together they wrote about 400 TV programs and about five hundred radio shows. When they became interested in writing for Lucille Ball’s new radio show, ‘My Favorite Husband,’ they helped create a vaudeville act for Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, which became the basis for the pilot episode of ‘I Love Lucy.’
Although they never won, Pugh and Carroll were nominated for three Emmy Awards for their work on the series, which Ball played in one form or another for over 40 years.
The show begins with filming the iconic TV show that changed television. It was the most watched show in the US for four of its six seasons. The show broke ground by portraying an interracial marriage at a time when networks doubted audiences would accept it.
International City Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of ‘THE LAUGH TRACK,’ which covers how Pugh (Alli Brown) and Carroll (Josh Odsess–Rubin) started writing together for ‘I Love Lucy’ Show. Lucy (Jennifer Sorenson) is a perfect Lucy. She captured her moves, silliness and fun. For Lucy, there are two things that matter, love and work. She always worked. Her husband Desi (Bill Mendieta) is chosen ideally as well. Watching them together with all their characteristics so beautifully captured by both actors is a delight.
It was fun to step back into the 1950s and experience watching Lucy and Desi on the stage. It reminded me of the vibrant and beautiful, favorite redhead that people loved so much. Everyone loves to laugh and she was a total gift for comedy, with her bold approach to entertaining and making everyone happy. Laughing is such a healing gift that everyone needs. And she never gives up.
All the characters were carefully cast by Michael Donovan (Casting Director), and the scenes were precisely reenacted. Also in the cast are Alyssa Corella (Nellie/Norma) and Hunter Bodine (harry/Eddie/Hunter). Perfect scenes, perfect costumes, all the actors were on the dot with their characters.
This new comedy about the business of being funny is written by Wendy MacLeod and directed by Brian Shnipper. The production opened on November 6 and runs through November 22 at International City Theatre’s home in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
ICT’s creative team includes scenic designer Mark Mendelson, lighting designer Donna Ruzika, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Hunter Moody, and prop designer Patty Briles. Casting is by Michael Donovan, CSA and Richie Ferris, CSA. The stage manager is John H. Freeland, Jr.
Artistic Director/Producer Caryn Desai mentioned in her note, ‘Finally, as we wrap up our 41st season with The Laugh Track, we hope to see you in 2027 for our 42nd anniversary. Join us in celebrating our humanity with stories of desire, discovery, and determination.’
The Laugh Track runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $56 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, except opening night (Friday, Nov. 6), and $59 on opening night and at Sunday matinees. Parking is $15.
Running time is 90 minutes – no intermission.
International City Theatre is located in Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Beverly O’Neill Theater at 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org