“Showplace: The Story of Steel Pier” is an Original New Musical that is Shore to Please

By: Amber Kusching

Steel Pier, named for the steel girders that supported the structure, has been an integral part of the Atlantic City Boardwalk for over 120 years. Opening on June 18, 1898 as a performance and entertainment pier, the Steel Pier quickly drew crowds with its renowned performers, and amazing and unique acts. Many celebrities walked the boards, ranging from the Three Stooges and Frank Sinatra to The Beatles and Benny Goodman. Though most people nowadays know it for its amusements and 227-foot Ferris Wheel (the third largest in the United States), the pier has an extensive and rich history. This serves as the inspiration for Rob Kristie’s original full-length musical “Showplace: The Story of Steel Pier.” Village Playbox’s production is the regional premiere of this play.

Kristie’s musical tackles 70 years of the pier’s history, honing in on the love story of Robert Luke and coworker-turned-love interest, Terri. “The story of Robert and Terri is a fictional story,” Rob writes in the playbill. “However, many of the people in the show and the incidents in my story really happened. Some were told to me by former employees and customers, some things I read in books and articles and some things that happened to me.” 

The play starts with an Older Robert Luke (played by Glenn Fennimore) sitting outside the entrance to the Steel Pier. He is joined by his son Jaydam (played by Jospeh Edel) and granddaughter Samatha (played by Aislinn Papeika). When Jaydam and Samantha exit to get some Vanilla Fudge (no nuts), Robert Luke launches into a song about all the people who frequented the Steel Pier in the previous decades. Mid-song, he trades places onstage with a Younger Robert Luke (played by Zach Taglioli). The younger Robert Luke takes over the narrative, and the play quickly falls back in time to the 1920s. The main plot of the play is the story of how Robert (adamant that he never be called Bobby) came to work at the Steel Pier and stay for almost 50 years. The play includes many memorable characters such as Luke’s boss, and later friend, Lou Palumbo (Ed Silbermann), Palumbo’s boss, the conniving Mr. Callus (Michael Hicks), the eager-to-help handyman James (Lewie Homan), the diving horse rider Sonora (Gabbi Wyers) - who is based on the real-life rider Sonora Webster Carver and, of course, the determined love-interest Terri (Piper Byrne) among others. 

It is a huge undertaking to tell a story spanning 70 years and this leads to a lot of exposition, specifically in the beginning of the play. It seems as though the writer is trying to name as many celebrities as possible and attempting to cram such a rich history into such a small amount of time. I almost wish there was a brief history of Steel Pier included in the playbill to help offset this.

This production is a play for all generations. From mentioning the celebrities of a bygone era to the timeless tale of true love, there is something in this show for everyone. Kristie’s musical is fun and has a light spirit to it. Thanks to the direction of John Blackwell  Assistant Director, Steve Allen, and stage manager Drew Russell DuBoff the audience feels involved in the play. Many times, the actors directly engage with the audience, even frequently parading through the aisles. The audience also feels invested because of the characters. Kristie’s characters are engaging and dynamic, overall well-developed, and the audience genuinely wants to see them succeed. 

The show also features nods to some nostalgic and New Jersey-specific references like Mr. Peanut, mobsters, hoagies, and Tastykake (who also happens to be a sponsor of this production). One theme that stands out in Kristie’s play is the meaning of “home.” Terri and Sonora have a duet centered on this theme where they compare their hometowns and declare what they miss. But, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Robert Luke considers Steel Pier his home.  All roads lead back there, even when he is at death’s door. By the end of the play, the audience reflects on where they consider home. 

All the actors in Village Playbox’s production are magnificent. This play is clearly well-cast. It is a cast of true cohesion. Taglioli’s performance as the leading Robert Luke is genuine and relatable. Byrne as Terri is a delight and her facial expressions are unmatched. Silbermann as Palumbo shows variety and urgency while staying grounded. Hicks as Callus is convincing as a selfish manager. Homan as James commands attention though his character is sometimes left in the background. And Wyers as Sonora portrays the heart-breaking story of the character beautifully. Some other highlights include Stu Sklar’s impressive celebrity impersonations as Lou Costello and Al Jolson among others, and Bill Binder as the threatening gangster.  Rounding out the strong ensemble are cast members Ben Tatam as Tony, Lilly Jones as Mr. Peanut, Marie Altmann as Nurse, and Jessica Shockley as Mother. 

Most of the songs in “Showplace” do not further the plot, instead they are a reflection of the previous scene. However, there does not seem to be any character revelations during most of the songs, proving that the show could maybe be just as well done as a straight play.  

Overall, the actors singing the songs are anything but forgettable.. Under Kristie and Keith Elliot’s music and vocal direction, the actors’ voices shine. Notable performances include the strong harmonies in “Home” and “We Believe in We,” as well as the dual melodies in “Happy New Year 1954”. Many of the musical numbers lacked movement and dance; however, some numbers include more excitement and definitely win the audience’s attention including the songs “The Magic of Jazz” and “Hegeman String Band Theme” (which includes a surprise I won’t spoil here) which were clearly crowd favorites. These later two songs also feature moves by the dually talented Piper Byrne who not only plays Terri, but has choreographed the show. 

There is clear intentionality to this play with everything from the costumes by Donna Allen and Anita Rowland, to the inclusion of saltwater taffy at the concession stand. And I specifically enjoyed the running joke of the “R” in the “Steel Pier” sign blinking in and out, humorously making the sign read “Steel Pie.” The set (constructed by Paul Becker) features an ocean view backdrop, a piece of the infamous Steel Pier Diving Bell, a rotating wall serving as both the gates to Steel Pier as well as Palumbo’s office, a light-up “Steel Pier” sign, and a far wall stage left with games and prizes. Unfortunately, the later-mentioned wall was never used in the play except for one scene when some members from the ensemble interact with it. I do wish this piece of the set was utilized more, perhaps as the milk bottle game (which was a prop-piece that came out) or Terri’s fortune-telling booth. 

Gary Kochey’s lighting design is clean and effective. Moving seamlessly with the actors without the use of any spotlights and blinking ferociously during a lightning storm. Overall, the story is focused on fun and nostalgia. It is mostly a feel-good musical with comedy and whimsy perfect for an escape. The cast is fabulous and the direction is well done, however,  the material could use some additional development. If you want to have a good time and see a story based on one of South Jersey’s own historical monuments, you don’t want to miss this show. 

You don’t need a fortune-telling parrot to tell you to grab your tickets now as the show has already had several sold-out performances. “Showplace: The Story of Steel Pier” plays now through November 22^nd. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.villageplaybox.org/showinfo.htm