Thoroughly Modern Millie was the first show I saw on Broadway, when I was on a trip with my wife to New York for our first anniversary in the summer of 2002. So, I have very fond memories of that show and am pleased to bring it to the Westminster Christian Academy community.
Millie has a really interesting place in history. It debuted on Broadway 7 months after the Twin Towers were destroyed and it may have been just what America needed. Many were still reeling from the loss of loved ones and scared and uncertain about the future. Into that context came a show with energy, humor, wit, vitality, and a positive view of life, and America loved it. Millie was the most honored show of the season with 12 Drama Desk nominations and 11 Tony Award nominations. It took home the coveted Best Musical prize, and its run was extended twice because so many people wanted to see it. The show's Broadway run was followed by a national tour in the U.S. and in the United Kingdom.
The plot of Thoroughly Modern Millie revolves around a young woman who desperately wants to be a "modern"--typified by the belief that love is unimportant. "Modern marriage is a business arrangement" is what Millie read in Vogue, so it's what she believes! Getting herself a rich husband is what's foremost on her mind. Millie meets a young man who is also not looking for love. His goal: "Every night to date a different dame." He's looking for what he can get for himself, and isn't interested in the attachments that come with love.
Through the events of the musical, these two characters come to realize that there is much more to life than money and pleasure, more to life than what you can simply get for yourself. In a musical that can't take ANYTHING seriously (wait 'til you see the villainess--she's ridiculous!), true love, "affection," and companionship ARE taken seriously.
So, sit back and enjoy all the elements of this silly show: the secret identities; the age of flappers, prohibition, and speakeasies; a hilarious villain with "henchmen" who aren't evil; an over-dramatic somehow-rich orphan; the wise (not-so) old singing star; tap-dancing office workers, uptight office manager, and their charismatic boss; as well as boy and girl who aren't looking for love.
It's all those elements that drew people to the show back in 2002. There's definitely something good about providing something to laugh at and enjoy in the midst of uncertainty and fear. But I think there's something in this show that gives us something to think about as well: our "modern" culture still tries to tell us that love doesn't matter and that we should do all we can to get whatever we can. But we know that love DOES matter; we serve a God who is love. It was for love that God chose a people to reveal himself to. It was for love that he sent his son to be an atonement for sin. It was for love that Christ gave his life for us. It's love that holds the world together and sustains life, and it's love that gives us new life.
This musical isn't talking about God-love, of course, but all true love belongs to God, just as all truth is His truth, all beauty pours from Him, and all good gifts come from Him. What's amazing is that even this non-religious piece of pop-culture theatre aims to hold the line against the lie of selfish pursuit, and that is why we perform it here today.
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