My overall impression
A TON OF FUN!!
Get ready to smile , chuckle, guffaw, tear up, & if you’re like me- howl out loud with this hilarious nod to not only some of our most beloved syndicated housekeepers and maids, but a tongue in cheek made -you -look send up of today’s generation of reality shows. The merging of worlds can be a bit dizzying but if you grew up watching most of these shows it turns into a real party as you wait to see who shows up next.
Stand outs include Composer Joe Greene whose jaw dropping spot on Edna Garrett had me both guffawing and mortified reliving all those strange Mrs. Garrett quirks including the cemented hair do and Katherine Hepburn vibrato ( butter ‘em up!!!) , and the absolute show stealer Gabby Sanalitro whose darling and naughty Rosie the Robot stays completely true to character without becoming a caricature which too often is symptomatic in shows like these. Her strong vocals and skillful range are evident further into the hour when as a simpering Consuela she brings about a completely other worldliness and dimension to these otherwise two dimensional cartoon characters.
This review would not be compete without mentioning the cast member on stage the entire time- the costumes ( that darn Joe Greene again!!). Never did it become more apparent that Alice’s uniform, Tony’s lack of clothing, Mrs. Garrett’s jewel tones , and Nell’s MuuMuus ( not to mention those outstanding foundation garments underneath !) brought a collective common reference for so many of us growing up in a time when there were only three channels on television and you answered a phone that was connected to a wall. Suddenly we were all kids again sitting cross legged after dinner waiting for adventure, comedy, love, and triumph, all in those 22 or so magic minutes of our sacred youth. The Real Housekeepers of Studio City offers a fun visit to a time that for so many seems just like yesterday in the syndication of one’s mind.
- PINKY JONES, Los Angeles
