Dames at Sea set sail at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach

By Diana Saenger

What better time than summer to take a light-hearted voyage on the ocean of imagination? That’s the course set for the musical comedy, “Dames at Sea,” which docks at the intimate stage of North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, July 5-29.

“The play, about a girl arriving in the Big Apple with nothing but a pair of tap shoes in her suitcase, first opened in 1968,” said director Rick Simas. “It came from a short sketch and a one-act musical that was performed in a small theater. That’s very different for North Coast Rep where we’re taking this big huge musical and doing it in a very intimate way. We’ve never had a tapping show before, and there’s a lot of tap.”

NCRT has gone the extra mile to ensure this show earns high marks. Tap choreographer Lisa Hopkins has been hired to work along with choreographer Susan Jordan-DeLeon, who earned her M.F.A. in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University.

Simas said just like back in the 1930s when “Dames at Sea” helped lift spirits during the Great Depression, today’s audiences will find it brings joy to the tough recession we are experiencing.

“Our show is a sweet valentine to the Busby Berkeley musicals. It has great melodic songs, wonderful dancing and is really fun.”

If you go

Tickets: $35-$52

Box Office: (858) 481-1055

Website:

northcoastrep.org