This Baby is Delightful and Pleasant

When Baby opened on Broadway in 1983 it used nothing more than a continuous curtain on figure-8 tracking to suggest various locales. The on-stage orchestra was visible throughout, and in between scenes a film played to show the development of a fetus. The writers, David Shire and Richard Maltby Jr., were on their way to becoming household names. The team of Maltby and Shire wrote the smash hit big, the musical and, independently, Maltby worked on Miss Saigon and Shire as an Oscar-winner for his film music. Baby went on to be nominated for 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Twenty-three years later, the Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana is staging this heartwarming musical about the tearful, rewarding and funny consequences of having a baby.

The musical tells the story of three couples on a university campus as they deal with this universal experience. Jessie Mueller and Jon Cunningham play the college students, barely at the beginning of their adult lives. The chemistry between them is very convincing and both bring strong dramatic performances to their respective roles. Cunningham is entertaining to watch on stage especially during the hilarious song, "Fatherhood Blues." The thirty-somethings, having trouble conceiving but determined to try are portrayed by McKinley Carter and James Rank. Rank's vocals are by far the strongest in this cast, and he really connects with the audience in his ability to make you laugh and cry with him. The middle aged parents, played by Iris Lieberman and Bill Scharpen are looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college when a night of unexpected passion lands them back where they started. During the upbeat numbers, Lieberman and Scharpen were both enjoyable to watch, but they left something to be desired in their more dramatic moments.

Despite the effectiveness of a large bed located at the center of the stage that the actors jump, stand, and roll around on, the rest of Ann N. Davis and Robert Martin's set did not work. The tinker toys that acted as tables, chairs, and even a place to put baseball bats in made the set look like it came from something out of a garage sale.  Also, the backdrop of trees and stars failed in its attempt to effectively illustrate the changing of the seasons.

Baby is not performed often, but the story is such a delight with witty lyrics and enjoyable dances, it's hard not to smile when watching it. The Theatre at the Center is a long ride from Chicago, but it modestly delivers a pleasurable evening of entertainment.  

Baby
When: Now through March 5th
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, IN
Prices: $35

Please note: When traveling to the theatre, there is road construction on I90 East, so plan extra time

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