It's a two-fer weekend of theater

Another theater doubleheader this weekend with "Disney's Aladdin Jr." playing at the Brewery Arts Center and the Western Nevada Musical Theater Company's production of "Grease" at the Community Center. Two very different shows, two fun nights out.

"Disney's Aladdin Jr." is put on by the BAC Stage Kids, and is targeted to the younger theater-goers. But don't let that deter you; this is a entertaining way to spend a few hours in the company of some up-and-coming actors and actresses. It's double-cast (except for the groups), so if you need to see a specific player, call the Brewery to find out which cast is appearing which night. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 883-1976.

On the other side of town, "Grease" is alive and very well with a stunning cast, headed by Therese Curatolo and Leoney Berg. This plays out at times as a spoof of the teenagers of the '70s, but at other times almost gets serious. One way to judge a musical is to see how much fun the cast is having. With "Grease," the fun flows right off the stage into the audience.

Too many really outstanding people to name them all, but Jennifer Dunn, height advantaged, is splendid as Rizzo; Ashleigh Petrell a witty Marty; and Lynette Brown a raucous Frenchy. Jessica Shull as Cha Cha dances sexily with Paul Stufkosky.

They're all good, the whole cast, marshaled ably by the ever-witty Stephanie Arrigotti as director-producer; choreographed by Gina Kaskie-Davis (even the male T-Birds dance well); with John Shipley playing piano and directing the five-piece orchestra that sounds like a whole symphony.

A musical is only as good as its leads, and here Curatolo and Berg play as if the show was written for them. Berg's strong voice and burly build give him authority to wimp a little. He makes it work.

But Curatolo is something special. She's got a lovely voice (she also sings opera) and a winning way right up to the last scene, which is preceded by Rizzo's "There Are Worse Things I could Do" and Curatolo's "Sandra Dee Reprise." Curatolo, who up to now has been the Miss Goody Two Shoes, emerges in "You're the One That I Want" and "We Go Together" with her hair down, her hemline up, and her neckline down for a magnificent vamp finale.

Call 445-4249 for tickets.

From the vaults

It's easy to see why Charlie Chaplin was such a star in the silents from watching "Modern Times," the last of his almost silents, co-starring Paulette Goddard, who went on to do speakies as both comedy and love interest. Chaplin does some incredible roller-skating scenes as well as playing a singing waiter who has forgotten the words to his song. Chaplin says more with a twitch of his fanny than most comedy club stars with a half-hour show. The closing scene is almost a smile in itself.

• Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.