This Mother’s Day weekend, treat yourself (and Mom!) to “The Nanny: A Fine Parody,” an evening of food, fabulousness and laughter.
Purse String Productions and LIVE! @ LaCage presents an all-new dinner theater production featuring Ceci Rodriguez as Fran Fine, Bryan Quinn as Niles Sheffield, Marcee Doherty as C.C., Corey Patrick as Sylvia, and Lee Rydzewski as Maxwell Sheffield.
The show is written by Chad Harrington, directed by Brandon Herr, and choreographed by Rodriguez of Purse String Productions. Founded in 2017, Purse String blends beloved TV parodies with drag performance, creating uniquely entertaining theatrical experiences, including Milwaukee’s annual Golden Girls Holiday Special.
The show is family-friendly – “rated PG,” per Herr – and the perfect night out for the moms in your life. Even if you saw earlier Nanny runs, you’re in for a treat: this is an entirely new show with a brand-new script.
What should audiences expect this weekend? We sat down with the team to find out.
Why The Nanny?
Brandon: Golden Girls has worked so well for us, because everyone has this deep emotional connection to the show. The nostalgia just takes you away. You just hear the theme song, and it immediately makes you feel better. So, when we were looking to try something new, we wanted something similar.
We believe The Nanny is what the world needs right now: a little drag, a little drama, a little musical theater, and a whole lot of laughter. By the end, you’ll swear that this was an actual episode you’ve seen before.
Ceci: This show is my childhood fantasy come true. Since I was a child, Fran Fine has been near and dear to my heart: she’s this quick-witted, sassy woman who loves fashion. It was a modern-day I Love Lucy, where Fran and her best friend were always having these wild adventures. And now I get to play her!
What’s your favorite thing about the show?
Brandon: Every single actor in our cast has their own moment to shine. When we get to showtime, and everyone is in costume, everyone just lights up. I love seeing everyone sparkle. It’s so fun to watch.
Ceci: There are 12 numbers in the show. That’s a whole lot of numbers! As a choreographer, I just love that our entire cast is integrated into every number. My favorite song comes near the finale, and it’s just fantastic: comedy, drama, everything. It’s a moment you’d never expect from the character.
What makes the dinner theater experience unique and different?
Ceci: People aren’t just watching our show: they are enveloped in the show. They’re not seeing the Sheffield residence from a distance; they are inside their living room with us. We’re out in the audience for many numbers, so there’s a lot of interaction and human connection. The stage is not a barrier. We love that!
Brandon: We have all these little moments where we break through the fourth wall. Where the audience feels like we’re talking directly to them, and we’re part of each other’s worlds. The more the audience gets into it, the more the actors get into it. And we remind our audiences that, first and foremost, this is a drag show. Hoot, holler, clap, laugh, cry. You’re allowed to react. We want you to have fun with us!
What will moms love about this show?
Ceci: I love how this show focuses on the essence of family: the people closest to us, who will show up for us. When you don’t know what to do, you do know who will help you find your way. The Nanny teaches us who is there for us.
Brandon: At the heart of our show, there’s a strong message about loving someone and helping them find their purpose and passion in life. Who would understand that message better than a mother?
Ceci: As a mom of four children – aged 5 to 16 – I know moms will love the free bottle of champagne that comes with a VIP ticket!
"The Nanny: A Fine Parody" debuts with nightly shows on Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; and Saturday, May 9. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner service at 6:30 p.m. and curtain time at 7:30 p.m.
The run concludes with a special Mother’s Day matinee on Sunday, May 10. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with brunch service at 1:15 p.m. and curtain time at 2 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early. Dinner service will conclude before the show begins. A 20-minute intermission will include dessert service.
Tickets
Tickets are $55 for general admission and $70 for VIP (including preferred seating, complimentary beverage, and a bottle of champagne for Mom!) All tickets include dinner, show, and dessert.
Guests will enjoy their choice of Usinger’s grilled pork chop, sirloin beef tips and gravy, chicken fettuccine alfredo or vegetarian fettuccine alfredo options, and spring mixed salad, vegetables and sides.
All theater guests should enter through the Events entrance just south of National Avenue. Accessibility Note: LIVE! @ LaCage is located on the second floor and is currently not wheelchair accessible.
"The Nanny" continues its run with two shows at Waukesha Civic Theatre on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14.
Interested in bringing "The Nanny" to your theater? Contact Purse String Productions.