Classical music enthusiasts would love to have been in Vienna at the 1824 premiere of Beethoven's 9th symphony. Classic car collectors would do anything to have bought the first Mustang to reach the showroom. Fans of classic television would gladly pay any price to have the opportunity to attend a filming of I Love Lucy but, alas we know it's not possible since we can't go back in time. Or can we? Through ingenuity found at the Greenway Court Theatre, I experienced the closest thing you'll find to time travel. In honor of the 60th anniversary of  television's most popular situation comedy, S. Kahn Presents, Inc. and Millrock present I Love Lucy Live on Stage, the world premiere of a musical comedy which recreates a studio filming of two notable episodes about America's favorite redhead. 

To enhance the sense that you are really back in the 1950s, prior to seating, the audience is sprinkled with assorted cast members dressed in period attire, reading Look Magazine or chatting about hoping to see celebrities during their visit from the midwest. The retro mood continues inside the theatre as the announcer instructs us to watch the applause sign and that photography is forbidden. He then proceeds to confiscate an old Brownie style camera with pop-out flash bulb from an actor playing a tourist audience member. Getting the show started, he introduces the cast. One by one, they charge on stage to be  greeted with approving applause. A tradition carried through to today's TV sitcoms which are filmed before live studio audiences. Another honor to the series is the fact that an estimated 40 million people still watch I Love Lucy reruns every year.

A die-hard fan myself, I had trepidations coming to the show. Could such an iconic series be successfully recreated on stage some 60 years later? Would the actors look enough like the originals stars, would the voices be the same, would Lucy's wail of a cry come even close to that of Ms. Ball? From the moment the curtain opens to reveal the Ricardo's New York apartment, complete with windowless wall with upright piano, shuttered kitchen window and Chinese figures on the mantel, the answer was clearly - yes. The attention to detail doesn't end with the set. The suits, high-waisted pleated pants, colorful dresses and accessories are era perfect. Characters are multi-level as we laugh at Ricky's accent when using the word 'Dunt' instead of 'Don't' and Lucy's facial expressions that suit each new dilemma in which she finds herself. Sirena Irwin as Lucy has the expected perfect red hair color and sharp comedic timing.

Bill Mendieta as Ricky Ricardo has the right toned rolling Rs of a Cuban accent. Bill Chott brings that gruff teddy bear effect we've all loved about Fred, and Lisa Joffrey has that soft hearted Rosie the Riveter persona as Ethel. Yet, it's their differences from the character's they play that really enhances I Love Lucy Live on Stage. A wise choice was made to make this show a salute to the original rather than a carbon copy. Director Rick Sparks clearly understood that pure imitation would never have met everyone's hopes, which is why this show is a perfect mesh of the memorable qualities of the original show and character quirks. The result of actor and director interpretations more than meets 21st century audience expectations. 

The two episodes recreated are 'Lucy Gets Her Eyes Examined' and 'The Benefit.' Each segment moves fluidly from the Ricardo's apartment to the Tropicana nightclub, complete with Congo drum music stands and multi-piece orchestra. No sooner than we take it all in and connect  it to warm memories of the past, we are treated to Ricky's famous 'Babaloo.' Later, the sold out crowd is treated to his version of the I Love Lucy theme which many didn't know actually has lyrics. The vintage tone of the show is held together with live musical performances between scenes which recreate commercials for 50s era products such as Brylcreem or Chevrolet.

Without an intermission, the 90 minute show flies by and even leaves you wanting more -- just a brief moment of Lucy struggling to pronounce 'Vitameatavegamin', or trying to keep up with a rapid conveyor belt at a chocolate factory. Yet, whatever your favorite episode, nothing beats this once in a lifetime production. Scheduled to run through December, I won't be surprised if it runs even longer. Take advantage of this wonderful time travel experience and head to the Fairfax district's Greenway Court Theatre. As Ricky Ricardo might say: 'Eats shore to be a heet.'

On the web: http://www.ILoveLucyLive.com