Dames At Sea at Hayes Theatre

The New York Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...But it still provides lively diversions for those in search of yesteryear's delights, particularly the skillful pastiche songs by Jim Wise (music) and George Haimsohn and Robin Miller (lyrics). Variously wistful and perky, they include "It's You," "Broadway Baby," "Choo-Choo Honeymoon" and "There's Something About You." And there's a whole lot of hearty hoofing, although the exuberant choreography by Randy Skinner, who also directs, had so many dance breaks that I eventually found myself pining for a break from all the breaks."

Hollywood Reporter - Recommended

"...The musical is right in the wheelhouse of director-choreographer Randy Skinner, who never met a nostalgic dance interlude he didn't like. He identifies the vintage with a black and white Vitaphone movie titles sequence, complete with picture cards for each of the cast, their faces framed by nautical lifesaving rings. The opening number, "Wall Street," tips its sequined top hat to Gold Diggers of 1933, right down to the dancing currency, while key characters borrow their names from Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell and Joan Blondell, the stars of that film and its kin, such as 42nd Street and Footlight Parade. You don't have to have a TCM habit and a soft spot for the movie musicals of the period to appreciate the homage, but it helps."

Vulture - Not Recommended

"...Not to pile on, but I was surprised to find most of the dancing, and for that matter the performances in general, so ineloquent. Mara Davi, as Joan, gets closest to the authentic style, and hilarious Lesli Margherita, as Mona Kent, gets closest to its camp equivalent. (Sometimes she winks so hard she appears Parkinsonian.) The two sailors, played by Cary Tedder and Danny Gardner, hit the sweet spot in-between - Gardner especially is a lovely stylist - and John Bolton does what he can in the blustery older gent roles."

Time Out New York - Recommended

"...The cast of six works hard to sell it, though, including Eloise Kropp as a bright young hoofer, John Bolton as her shambling director, Cary Tedder as her sailor-songwriter beau and Lesli Margherita (camping overtime) as a ruthless star. Director-choreographer Randy Skinner gives them furiously fast tap numbers to perform, as though they were pumping invisible air pedals to keep the show from deflating. In the end, no such luck: pfffffft."