BASICS: ROMANCE/ROMANCE, a musical, book and lyrics by Barry Harman, music by Keith Herrmann, directed by Lisa Ludwig, presented by O’Connell & Co., starring Bobby Cooke, Jenn Stafford, Thomas Evans and Gretchen Didio, April 14 – 23, Fridays – Saturdays at 7:30, Saturdays – Sundays at 3 (only 8 performances in total) at Shea’s Smith Theatre, 716-847- 1410.
RUNNING TIME: 2:15
www.sheas.org/performances/romance-romance
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: The show is composed of two acts linked only by the common theme of love and one song used in both acts. The first, “The Little Comedy,” explores the budding relationship between two members of the upper class, Josefine and Alfred who, to escape the boredom of their lives, have adopted personas other than their own. She takes on the role of a working-class woman and he pretends to be a starving poet. How well can they handle life without the trappings of wealth?
“Summer Share,” the second act is set in The Hamptons, where two married couples are spending the season in a rented cottage. Sam, who is married to Barb, and Monica, who is married to Lenny, find themselves gradually progressing from harmless flirtation to the serious possibility of an illicit affair.
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION: The first act of Romance/Romance is based on a hundred year old story by Viennese author,
Arthur Schnitzler, whose play La Ronde, has had many adaptations throughout the years. Schnitzler’s works, which often had sexual themes, were considered quite scandalous in Germany in the late 1800’s. This time around, a Schnitzler work is presented as an operetta about the joys of adventure.
The first act is a candy confection — silly and sweet — and I found myself smiling throughout. A spritely pace has been set by director Lisa Ludwig. There are lovely period costumes by Elaine Heckler, and the terrific musical accompaniment is by Joe Isgar and David Cash. Thomas Evans and Gretchen Didio do a nice job playing a myriad of supporting roles.
Act 1 stars two of WNY’s top singer/actors, Bobby Cooke and Jenn Stafford. Bobby confidently performs what must be a physically taxing role with wonderful energy and a twinkle in his eyes. Mr. Cooke is at his very best when he partners with Ms. Stafford and their duets really sparkle! Ms. Stafford is a gem – her solo “Yes, It’s Love” is a highlight of the evening. And with “The Night It Had to End,” Ms. Stafford impressively manages to give a three dimensional performance in a fluffy comic operetta. She is a top tier actress and a pleasure to watch on stage.
Act 2 is also based on a play that was written in the late 1800’s — this time by French playwright, Jules Renard whose plays were often about love and relationships in the countryside. It reminded me vaguely of Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. Renard’s play is now set in the 1980’s on Long Island and the mood and the music of Act 2 are darker – very different than they were in Act 1. This act’s themes include cherishing romantic notions and wondering if you should chase your dreams. It’s a moment of midlife madness in Montauk.
In this act, all four performers get a chance to shine. Thomas Evans and Gretchen Didio have a fun duet, “Think of the Odds,” with cute choreography by Julia Murphy. Mr. Evans and Ms. Didio also make a mark with their reflective “Small Craft Warnings.”
Act 2 also affords the four actors the opportunity to sing together and — wow!!! They all give the music 100% and it’s a great sound.
It’s almost a shock to see Bobby Cooke and Jenn Stafford when they come out on stage in modern dress for this act, and their versatility is impressive. I especially liked Mr. Cooke’s heartfelt “Words He Doesn’t Say” and the haunting “Moonlight Passing Through a Window.” And Ms. Stafford is stunning – a tour de force – comedy, drama, singing — she has it all!
This is a charming and very solid production of a musical rarely performed here in WNY. Direction, musical direction, and performances are uniformly fine and there is some exceptional work.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!