Nick Valle and Allie Armontrout Photo courtesy of La Comedia Dinner Theatre

Saturday Night Fever closely (though not exactly) follows the plot of the blockbuster 1977 film of the same name. Nineteen-year-old Tony Manero has a dead-end job, friends with questionable character, and a lousy home life in Brooklyn, but is extremely talented on the disco dance floor. Seeking purpose and direction in life, he sees winning a dance competition as an opportunity to kick-start something positive in his life, and the chance to pair up with the mysterious Stephanie Mangano is motivation to try.

The book pulls many elements from the film story (screenplay by Norman Wexler, inspired by "Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night," a New York Magazine piece by Nik Cohn). This version was initially adapted by Robert Stigwood and Bill Oaks, and Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti are credited with the North American licensed version, which does vary from what played on Broadway (where credit was given to Nan Knighton in collaboration with Arlene Phillips, Paul Nicholas, and Robert Stigwood). It's generally faithful to the movie plot, with grit and plotlines not suitable for children. Several of the dialogue scenes are creaky and drag somewhat, but the story is clearly conveyed and there is depth in unexpected places.

The real appeal of the show is in the songs, including beloved disco hits by the Bee Gees which made the movie soundtrack a monster hit. "Stayin' Alive" opens the show effectively. "More Than a Woman", "Night Fever", and "How Deep Is Your Love" are just a few of the other numbers in the score. Other songs associated with the film or the Bee Gees are also included, such as "Jive Talkin'", "Nights on Broadway", and "You Should Be Dancing." For those familiar with the Broadway production, "Tragedy", "It's My Neighborhood", and "Immortality", which were all in the New York staging, are no longer in this licensed version of the show.

Chris Bieser serves as the director and choreographer of this production. The almost nonstop dances are fun and period-appropriate; the sheer volume of dances here is really impressive. Bieser does his best to keep the action moving along and has pulled strong performances from his cast.

Nick Valle is a charismatic Tony Manero, and he sings, acts, and especially dances very well. Allie Armontrout is an aptly hard-nosed Stephanie, and likewise impressive in all aspects of the role. A few supporting performers were a bit shaky vocally on opening night, but should settle into their roles as the run progresses. Especially praiseworthy among the supporting cast are Mallory Georgia Marie (supplying big-time vocals) as Candy and Allison Gabert (providing a few nuanced acting choices) as Pauline.

The set design by Gabe Davidson is multi-functional and incorporates projections along with other smaller pieces and props that assist with defining the setting and time period and are a smart use of the stage. The lighting by Edward Huber is apt and includes the expected disco ball effects, and the costumes and wigs by Emercita Erb and Mattison Williams are appealing and assist the audience in reliving the 1970s.

Saturday Night Fever is a rarely produced musical, and kudos to La Comedia Dinner Theatre for staging a worthwhile production. While the show itself is not a stellar one, it's great that audiences get to see it here in a presentation that features talented performers, professional staging, and plenty of nostalgia.

Saturday Night Fever runs through October 27, 2024, at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W Central Ave, Springboro OH. For tickets and information, please call 937-746-4554 or visit lacomedia.com.