Standing Ovation for “Stand By Your Man – the Tammy Wynette Story”
Intimate Cinnabar Theater on top of the hill in Petaluma opened their newest musical to thunderous applause this weekend. Amusing and fact-based, "Stand By Your Man" weaves the history of how a Mississippi hillbilly became American’s first lady of country music. Written by Mark St. Germain, the show features powerhouse singer Shannon Rider Urquhart in the title role, and this gal can act as well as she sings.
Talent abounds with the six musicians onstage, including Jim Peterson, Dave Zirbel, Paul Urquhart, Stuart Rabinowitsh, Tim Sarter, and Chris Rovetti. They riff through 26 of Wynette’s hits, including Stand By Your Man, D-I-V-O-R-C-E and Til I Can Make It On My Own. Several of these fine-looking men intermittently put down their instruments to take turns in a role or two, including Peterson who beautifully sings and enacts country legend George Jones.
The lines are funny and true, particularly when Tammy says “I’m not old, I’m like my car. I’ve got some good years left.” George Jones cracks up the audience with “I’m part of the “in” crowd: intense, indestructible, and intoxicated.”
All the actors in this large cast have fun onstage, matching their roles to their looks and mannerisms, particularly Dave Zirbel as Burt Reynolds and Mollie Boice as Tammy’s mother Meemaw. Boice even takes a solid turn at the microphone to show what momma can do. Back-up vocals and sweet harmonies are compliments of Audrey Tatum and Chiara Sarter, who effortlessly handle multiple roles, with Fiona Sarter as Gwen. Austin Humble and John Craven round out the cast, skillfully playing so many different characters it’s a wonder they don’t get confused. Kudos go to director Elizabeth Craven for making “Stand By Your Man” such a stand up winner.
Playing Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees now through April 10th with tickets $35 general/$32 seniors/$25 under 30 at (707) 763-8920 or www.cinnabartheater.org. Cinnabar Theater is at 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, across from Corona Road. This show is teen-friendly.