Jim Tommaney chronicles his 15-year relationship with Ethel Merman through Merm and Me, a testament to a legend of American musical theatre. While Tommaney explains on the program that Merm and Me is a "romantic comedy with musical flourishes," he also claims it's a documentary. The latter is more correct, to say the least.

After a couple of years in the Miami Design District, Tommaney has moved his Edge imprint out west to Main Street Playhouse. The Miami Lakes studio space is still in its infancy after being built a year ago. Lumber has been thrown to the east side of the area while Ben Trautman's set design has been shifted to the west side. While the junk is sometimes distracting, Tommaney's production values have improved since our last encounter, with Six Degrees of Separation.

Merm and Me takes place at a Manhattan apartment in 1985, a year after Ethel Merman's death. Tommaney is in the guise of Mr. Jim (Ross Pivec), who narrates how he and his three friends will try to reach Miss Ethel from the great beyond for one last get-together. Other associates include Goldie Hawkins (Ivan Saltz), Madeline Gaxton (Marjorie Manushaw) and Josie Traeger (Margie Ricke). After joining hands, and just as fast as you can say "kumbaya," the Merm (Lori Dolan) appears.

Tommaney's documentary style shows Merman's acolytes all sitting around, spitting out statistics of her career. Her relationship with Tommaney's character is not explored until the second act, and even then it lacks in examination. The other three friends keep the stats going all the way up to her last movie and last television appearance. There are a couple of serious tones, especially when explaining about Merman's daughter (Ethel Jr.) from her first marriage. Merman takes center stage and waxes dramatic about trying to save her daughter, who died of a drug overdose.

Merm and Me tries to separate Ethel Merman from her stage and screen alter ego. The other characters are used as wallpaper when this would be much improved as a one-woman show. Ivan Saltz, Marjorie Manushaw and Margie Rickie may be accomplished talents, but they are wasted here, as there are no character traits or personalities from either of them. Tommaney's character could also use a boost by using another experienced player. Ross Pivec's delivery is dull, and even when the climax is set, there is still no feeling or compassion.

While Lori Dolan possesses comedic skill, she is rail-thin compared to the robust Merman. And, when playing one of the most versatile and volatile entertainers of the 20th century, the gal's at least gotta sing! After the running of the stats, I felt like screaming, "Shut up and belt already!", but Dolan doesn't even get to sing one note. Tommaney uses audio and video footage to bring back the Merm. Even with a past relationship, the duo has to have some spark. The chemistry between Dolan and Pivec is in deep freeze.

Merm and Me scores points for giving us a history lesson on one of the great entertainers of the modern era, but Tommaney fails in his storytelling. Ethel Merman needed no sidekicks in her performances, and even though she has an audience, it's not needed on stage.

Edge Theatre's production of Merm and Me plays until January 23rd at the Main Street Playhouse located at 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes. For tickets, please call (786) 355-0976.

EDGE THEATRE - Merm and Me

Cast: Lori Dolan, Ross Pivec, Ivan Saltz,
Marjorie Manushaw, and Margie Ricke

Set Design: Ben Trautman
Lighting Design: David Scorca

Written and Directed by Jim Tommaney

See the current theatre season schedule for southern Florida.

-- Kevin Johnson