'Romance, Romance' - A Pre-Valentine's Day Musical

It's a shame Romance, Romance ends its run at the Vagabond Players on Feb. 8, just six days prior to Valentine's Day. So why not celebrate a little earlier with this quaint little musical by Barry Harman (book and lyrics) and Keith Hermann (music). Director Bill Kamberger continues his magic with not much material with enjoyable choreography by James Biernatowski and musical direction by Michael Tan (soon to tackle Sweeney Todd at the Spotlighters.)

There are not many melodies to remember in the 24 numbers but the quartet of actors, Douglas "DC" Cathro, David Gregory, Stacey Needle, and Shelly Work are all capable performers who give it their all.

Act I entitled "The Little Comedy" takes place in 1880 Vienna, Austria.

Act II, "Summer Share" occurs a century later in the Hamptons.

Needless to say, if you guessed Act II would be more enjoyable, you would be right.

Originally produced Off-Broadway in 1987, it opened on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theater in May, 1988 and ran for 297 performances. It was even nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical. The problem was this was 1988, the year of Into the Woods, Sarafina, and the blockbuster, The Phantom of the Opera.

The Viennese segment features Alfred (Gregory), a bored well-to-do successful gentleman. Josefine (Work) is an elegant, well off woman searching for authentic romance. So what do they do?  They dress down in an attempt to become part of the bourgeoisie and, well, you can guess what happens.  Two other characters join them, Him (Cathro) and Her (Needle).

Things come to life in Act II and you can almost see the relief of the actors who are allowed by Kamberger to come to life in the contemporary world of the Hamptons and the hint of rock music.  The story reminded me of the Billy Crystal/Meg Ryan classic film "When Harry Met Sally"  which asked the age old question can a man and a woman remain friends without sex getting in the way.

Once again, Work and Gregory have great fun sitting on a couch wondering...what if, what if...They make a delightful pair. Should they or shouldn't they, that is the question.

Each has a spouse, but each has been somewhat neglected. I won't tell what happens. Adding to the delight once again are the pair of Needle and Cathro as Lenny and Barb respectfully.

I wish I had heard the music prior to seeing Romance, Romance. I truly believe I would have enjoyed it more.

Romance, Romance continues until February 8, 2009 at the Vagabond Players at the foot of Broadway in Fells Point. (Try the terrific gelato next door at intermission). For tickets, call 410-563-9135 or visit www.vagabondplayers.org.

The performance is dedicated to the passing of the wonderful director Terry J. Long who passed away suddenly on December 17, 2008. He will be greatly missed.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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