Lifes tough times dont do in Good Ol Girls

2/19/2010 03:12:00 PM

NEW YORK – You won't find a more entertaining 90 minutes of first-rate country music, mixed with stories of gals who've been done wrong but keep right on going, than the exuberant off-Broadway revue, "Good Ol' Girls."

It's currently twanging away in the Black Box space beneath the Laura Pels Theatre.

When life's struggles or a two-timing man gets them down, good ol' girls such as Sally Mayes, Teri Ralston and Lauren Kennedy simply burst into song. Pretty darn good songs, too, emotional ballads and rollicking tunes, written by acclaimed Nashville songwriters Matraca Berg and Marshall Chapman.

Paul Ferguson wrote and adapted the show, based on the stories of popular Southern writers Lee Smith and Jill McCorkle. Meant to celebrate the modern spirit of Southern women, sketches present various female characters describing memories, dilemmas or epiphanies.

The tales can be amusing, touching, inspiring or despairing — a lot like real life — and each leads into a relevant country song.

Randal Myler directs the production, which ambles along from one story to the next, sometimes getting bogged down during the patchwork quilt of vignettes. But strong singing and dramatic talents of the cast quickly revive the spirit of this show, designed to show that Southern women have come a long way — or have tried to, anyway.

Mayes is particularly charismatic, by turns comedic and poignant. She delivers homespun observations with aplomb, like "Bein' in love and bein' dumb are often simultaneous actions." Her lovely singing is showcased in a solo number, "Late Date With the Blues."

Teri Ralston, looking as though she just dropped in from the ranch, lends authenticity to her narratives, providing polished acting and musical skills.

Lauren Kennedy charmingly represents the younger side of good ol' girls, easily performing at the level of her more mature cast mates. Intense guitarist/singer Gina Stewart and the wry Liza Vann round out the terrific ensemble.

There is almost no stage or set design to speak of, but a scrim detailing a road map of the Carolinas creates a sheer backdrop between the performers and their capable four-piece country band.

These enthusiastic, talented performers deserve a larger theater and audience, but try to squeeze in if you can; this fun, folksy musical is well worth the subterranean trip.

"Good Ol' Girls" runs through April 11.