Foothill on target with ‘Bullets Over Broadway’

Set in New York City in 1929, it’s the story of playwright David Shayne (Adam Cotugno), who has had no plays produced.

His luck changes, or so he thinks, when nightclub owner and mob boss Nick (Steve Repetti) offers to back it. There’s one caveat: His dumb blonde girlfriend, Olive Neal (Jocelyn Pickett), must be in it.

For his part, David says there must be no changes in the script and Helen Sinclair (Carla Befera) must play the lead. She hasn’t any juicy roles lately, so she joins in.

Because Nick doesn’t trust Olive, he assigns henchman Cheech (Nick Mandracchia), to make sure she doesn’t go astray.

As rehearsals begin, it’s clear that Olive can’t act, can hardly read and has a limited vocabulary.

Not only that, but the actors keep asking for changes, and David refuses. However, Cheech quietly gives him new dialogue that sounds genuine and meets the actors’ approval.

In the meantime, David thinks he has fallen in love with Helen even though he has a longtime girlfriend, Ellen (Allie Townsend). Moreover, Olive begins sneaking off with an actor, Warner Purcell (Andrew Ross), who has an affinity for food.

Before it’s all over, several people wind up dead, and others learn a hard lesson.

Each of the principal characters seems perfect for his or her role. All are good actors and competent singers. All have good comic timing.

The music comprises familiar tunes from uncredited sources, such as “Tiger Rag,” “Up a Lazy River,” “I’m Sitting on Top of the World” and others. They’re accompanied by a six-person orchestra, including music director Louis Lagalante on keyboard.

Choreography by Claire Alexander is another high point, especially as danced by The Atta-Girls and the gangsters. The latter get lots of laughs as The Four Franks in the suggestive “I Want a Hot Dog for My Roll,” sung by Olive.

Running about two and a half hours with one intermission, “Bullets Over Broadway” will continue through March 17 in the Lohman Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Because of some of the language and adult situations, parental discretion is advised.

For tickets and information call (650) 949-7360 or visit foothill.edu/theatre.