‘Boyfriend’ updated for modern times

Friday, May 31, 2002 | 9:03 a.m.

What: "The Boyfriend."

When: 7 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; performances continue Thursday through June 9.

Where: Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.

Tickets: $7; $5 for teens and seniors; $3 for children age 12 and under.

Information: 229-6383.

At a finishing school on the French Riviera in the 1920s, love-struck teenage girls prepare for an upcoming ball during which they will pair with the perfect boy.

It's an innocent and lighthearted tale played out in the musical comedy "The Boyfriend," which will be presented this weekend and next by Rainbow Company Youth Theatre at Charleston Height Arts Center.

The musical was written by Sandy Wilson in the 1950s and spoofs the typical boy-meets-girl, 1920's musical.

It focuses on the character of Polly Browne, a girl whose wealthy father forbids her to have a boyfriend, fearing that any boy would only be after the family's money.

But fate introduces Browne to a wealthy young boy named Tony, who at first presents himself as merely a delivery boy.

Adding to the deception, Browne pretends to be a secretary rather than a privileged schoolgirl. As the dance nears further mixups occur.

"It's very light, fluffy," said Karen McKenney, artistic director of Rainbow Company and director of "The Boyfriend." "The music is really fun. The dancing is enthusiastic."

Such a story, however, is so far-fetched in today's society -- where girls pursue more in life than a hand in marriage -- that McKenney made a minor adjustment: Rather than marriage after a day of infatuation, the girls look forward to having a boyfriend.

"I just couldn't look at the 16- and 17-year-olds and condone their getting married," McKenney said with a laugh. "I felt it's not so believable in today's world."

The production features a 24-person cast, more than a dozen song-and-dance numbers and a 10-piece orchestra. Christine Harper is choreographer and Joseph Cottone is musical director.

McKenney said she chose to stage "The Boyfriend" because of its roles for young actors and its fun song-and-dance numbers.

"It seemed like an apropos close of the (company's) 25th season."