Are We There Yet?- Blade Article 1/18/07

Article published Thursday, January 18, 2007'Are We There Yet?' arrives tonight in Maumee
From left, rear, Jeffrey King and Stephanie Dennehy, and front, from left, Joy Lemke and Larry Farley in Are We There Yet? NANCIANN CHERRYBLADE STAFF WRITER
MEL's Dinner Theatre in Maumee has chosen a musical revue for the third production of its inaugural season, and director Dave DeChristopher said that it may seem familiar even to people who have never seen it.
Opening tonight in the ballroom of the Maumee Elks Club will be Are We There Yet? by James Hindman, Ray Roderick, and Cheryl Stern, with music by John Galudini. The show is like the next step after I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.
In fact, that's where it got its inspiration.
One of the cast members of the original I Love You … , which generally is about the dating game, wrote Are We There Yet? as a celebration of the American family, DeChristopher said. It opens with a family road trip that features Mom, Dad, two children, and the inevitable question that gave the show its name.
Accompanied by pianist Gayle McClellan, Stephanie Dennehy, Larry Farley, Jeff King, and Joy Lemke present a collection of songs, dances, and sketch comedy that "span the spectrum of sights and sounds of modern family life," DeChristopher said.
"It's so much fun. It's one of those pieces that's much better on the stage than on the page."
And it's good for all ages.
Presented in the ballroom of the Maumee Elks Lodge, the show will be preceded by a prime rib buffet dinner, with dessert served at intermission.
MEL's Dinner Theatre presents "Are We There Yet?" tonight through Feb. 24 in the Maumee Elks Club, 137 West Wayne St., Maumee. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner is served at 6:30; the performance begins at 8. For the rest of the month, shows are scheduled Jan. 23, 25, and 29. Tickets are $35 for the buffet and show; $20 for show only with dessert at intermission. Information: 419-893-7272.