Promises, Promises

The Group Rep

Reviewed by Taylor Kass

Through Jan. 15

Only a few years after How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, the 1968 musical Promises, Promises provides a foolproof path up the corporate ladder — just lend out your one-bedroom apartment to married executives so they can secretly meet up with their lovers. Chuck Baxter (Alec Reusch) is just a lowly accountant when he first opens his door to a higher-up who needs a place for his mistress to “lie down for a moment.” Before he knows it, he’s trading his keys for promotions and raises until he finds himself in a love triangle with his office crush Fran Kubelik (Danica Waitley) and his married boss J.D. Sheldrake (Kevin Michael Moran). It’s enough to make an HR rep’s head spin. The Group Rep’s production of Promises, Promises, directed by Brent Beerman, is a charming dose of 60’s nostalgia. However, it lacks the finesse that would truly elevate this lesser-produced musical.

Promises, Promises boasts a book written by Neil Simon, who peppers in tongue-in-cheek dialogue and a bounty of witty jokes. Our leading everyman Chuck treats the audience to frequent asides, letting us in on a bit of the conspiratorial naughtiness. However, with the exception of the iconic tunes “I Say A Little Prayer For You” and “A House Is Not a Home,” the show’s music (written by Burt Bacharach with lyrics by Hal David) tends to blur together. Sweet hostess Fran (played by the compelling Danica Waitley, who is easily the best vocalist in the show) is laden with one slow, melancholic ballad after another. Contrastingly, the show’s up-tempo dance numbers, including the wacky “Turkey Lurkey Time,” lean more chaotic than energetic.

The production suffers from the occasional out of tune harmony and unbalanced ensemble moment where vocals are either too loud or too quiet. The choreography (by Hisato Masuyama and Paul D. Reid) doesn’t achieve the necessary polish, which is all too noticeable with a large cast on a small stage. Precision aside, Promises, Promises is undeniably fun — and despite its scandalous plot, it’s a sweet holiday treat.

Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm.; Sun. 2 pm.; through Jan. 15. www.thegrouprep.com or 818-763-5990. Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.