Melody Davi Update

Or, 'How Rumors Start On The Internet.' It's strange that two sisters end up being the lead of the same touring show, and that can lead to confusion......

I sent Tony Davi the following message:

This morning, I noticed that someone from Aubrey, Texas checked my Web Log while doing a Google search on the phrase "Melody Davi Replacement." I thought that was an odd search to make unless there was some news of which I was unaware, like an illness or an injury, and so I thought to check with you first and see if she's all right.

Tony responded:

Hi Marc,

Thanks for your concern.

No, Mel is doing well and is heading west. They are in Texas at the moment and my guess is that a theatre goer was confused by the playbill (that lists Melody) and the souvenir program. They still are selling the program the (souvenir program) that has Mara plastered all over it until they run out and reprint with the pictures of this years cast. Mel has had a couple of emails from people confused by that. Some have figured it out when they have gone to Mel's website and seen the link to Mara's website and realize that Mara did the same role last year.

In fact, here are a couple of reviews that came out last week. The show is going well:

From RadioPalmBeach

42ND STREET
WOW, those dancing feet! Dozens of pairs stirring up enough energy to power West Palm Beach, home of the revival of "42nd Street." A bunch of chorus gypsies count on one last chance to save the play. This chance comes in the form of Peggy Swayer (Melody Davi) who not only shows her stuff as her character, but as a performer she dominated the stage. Her dancing and singing kept the audience on the edge of their seats. I interviewed Melody Davi prior to the opening and was impressed with her interview, but never expected to see her perform with such timing and charisma as I witnessed tonight.

I would be remiss not to send out thumbs up to the whole cast, but I want to take a minute to single out a few of the members that make this show a exceptionally wonderful performance. Julian Marsh (Ron Smith) came off as the hard nosed director with a soft spot for Peggy, and it was believable. Maggie Jones (Maureen Veronica Illmensee) set the bar for the rest of the cast, she was a show stopper and proved it each time she entered the stage. Last but not least was Dorothy Brock (Natalie Buster) funny thing is she was cast, as having little talent, which only shows her real talent. She was believable till you heard her sing, I am sure that part was very difficult and she played it to a tee!!!

The show, directed with mach speed by Valerie Gardner Rives, sets out to do nothing but overwhelm, all unattainable without the rest of the off stage help. To put on such a performance takes so much talent and here at the Kravis Center they corralled what it takes to do just that. I must say "I couldn't imagine Broadway any Better" ...

Wayne Filowitz


Excerpts from Broadwayworld.com review

Broadwayworld.com Review: 42ND STREET-Sizzling-Scintillating-Spectacular

October 12, 2005 - by Beau Higgins

Were I a religious man, I would consider taking a moment to thank the gods of musical comedy. What the heck! I want you dear reader, to join me in thanking the musical comedy gods for sending us Natalie Buster, Maureen Veronica Illmensee, Melody Davi and Cody Walker. While we're at it, let's roll out a lush red carpet for Randi Kaye's achievement in making the part of Annie in 42nd STREET, sparkle and shine as it never has before. Sparkle and shine are certainly apt words for this production of the 2001 revival of Gower Champion's 1980 Broadway classic, 42ND STREET. Thankfully, glitz, glitter and garlands of talent are not truly blinding. As visually assaulting (in the best sense of the word) and bursting with talent as this 42ND STREET is, I do suspect I will regain full use of my eyesight by morning. This show looks and feels dazzling and darn it, it's good to feel dazzled! A glorious ensemble has been assembled to bring us the fabulous fable of the fired chorus girl who gets to "go on" for the injured star, in the simple backstage story that is 42ND STREET. .......................

Tom Frye is daffy and 'right on' as Bert and Ron Smith is fine as Julian Marsh. Hold onto your armrests when Melody Davi comes onstage. This beauty taps like a champion and sings with a brassy and bubbly belt. Her youthful exuberance is highly infectious. She is at once charming and sassy and simply splendid. The part of Maggie Jones doesn't always attract a lot of attention (although Mary Testa did reap a Tony nomination for the 2001 Broadway revival.) Maureen Veronica Illmensee is wonderful in the role. Her raw talent and sense of joy come through as loud and clear as her exciting singing performances, making this audience favorite's solo moments all too brief for this listener's ears. The gifted and dangerously handsome Cody Walker makes the part of Billy Lawler a star turn. He acts. He charms. He dances, he sings and he commands the stage. Mr. Walker is, at the very least, a triple threat performer, giving an award caliber performance here. Cody Walker is fabulous in 42ND STREET. I suspect this young man will be wowing audiences for many, many years to come. Natalie Buster, where have you been or where have I been? Do you realize how your performance tonight, highlighted by your enchanting and entrancing singing , enveloped and swept away your audience? This writer has never before seen a Dorothy Brock sumptuously and seductively owning the stage every time she appears. In 2001 Christine Ebersole won the Tony award for playing Dorothy Brock. Suffice is to say, had Natalie Buster, Dorothy Brocked on Broadway in 2001, she would currently be maintaining a bottle of Tony award polish in her residence. Bravo, Ms. Buster! 42ND STREET's last performance at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach is October 16. Do not miss it.