Marry Me a Little & The Last Five Years
Up front we confess we are avid Stephen Sondheim fans who
have seen almost all of his incomparable musicals. Although their
success demands the skills of seasoned performers, they are usually
theatrical knock-outs when properly produced.
Up front we also admit that we are impressed with Jason Robert
Brown. We have seen three different productions of "The Last Five
Years" by this "new kid on the musical block," not to mention the
Ahmanson Theatre production of "13."
So when Tim Dang (artistic director of East West Players)
decided to produce works by these two composers in tandem, who
can resist?
For one thing, East West Players is well known for its inimitable
interpretation of Sondheim which, over the years, has resulted in
superb productions of "Sweeny Todd," "Follies," "Company," "Pacific
Overtures" and "Passion."
For another, both Jules Aaron (who directs Sondheim's "Marry Me a
Little") and Jon Lawrence Rivera (director of Brown's "The Last Five Years")
are widely acclaimed for award-winning work throughout the Southland.
In addition, Marc Macalintal is the musical director of both
difficult one-acts. (LA had the chance to see a sample of his expertise
in EWP's recent production of "Pippin.")
So what's our verdict? In a word, "Go!" In three words,
"Don't miss it." This EWP double bill is heart-felt, the
provocative material is high-quality across the board, the singers
are excellent, and you get twice the bang for your buck. But since
both pieces are challenging, it helps to know a bit about their
background.
"Marry Me a Little" is a compilation of Sondheim songs that were
left out of his other works for one reason or another. Enter Craig
Lucas and Norman Rene, who put them together in a patchwork musical
pastiche about loneliness, love, and loss.
Beautifully sung and portrayed by Mike Dalager and Jennifer
Hubilla, the songs relate the dreams of two single people who long
to be in love. Though they live in the same New York apartment
building, and pass each other coming and going, they have never met.
Then one day the lonely "Man" (Dalager) and the lonely "Woman"
(Hubilla) bump into each other by accident. They test the water,
move in together, and tentatively try things out--only to realize
that they only want to be "married a little." So they agree to
break up with no hard feelings, and go back to square one where
they started, because "It Wasn't Meant to Happen."
Throughout their performance, Dalager and Hubilla belt out 16
interwoven songs that evoke echoes of (among others)"A Little Night
Music," "Anyone Can Whistle," "Follies," and "Company."
Because Jason Brown's work has a more coherent story, it
resonates more successfully with the audience. As the title
implies, "The Last Five Years" covers the events of two talented,
young people (Cathy and Jamie) who met each other five years ago.
In order to fully appreciate this heart-breaking love story, you
need to be aware of the clever device Brown used to structure his
musical. Jennifer Paz, performing the part of Cathy, sings the
couple's poignant story in reverse; in other words, from their painful
break-up when Jamie moved out, back to their first date five years ago.
Conversely, Michael K. Lee (who portrays Jamie), relates their
relationship from the beginning and moves forward--from his first
glimpse of Cathy when he fell in love with her, to the day the marriage
ends.
In essence: Five years ago a Jewish boy named Jamie longed to be
a successful writer, while a Gentile girl named Cathy had dreams of
being a famous actress. It's love at first sight for both of them;
so they get married and pursue their separate careers.
Then fate steps in when Jamie finds himself on the fast-track to
success, while Cathy gets stuck in summer stock. Long distances
keep them apart, their marriage flounders, and they get divorced.
Though Paz steals your heart with her beautiful voice, Lee
steals the show every time he steps on stage. Keep your eye on this
guy. With superb singing, acting, and stage presence, he's a triple
threat.
Both sets were designed by John Binkley, with lighting by Jeremy
Pivnick. Because of overwhelming demand, "Marry Me a Little" & "The
Last Five Years" have been extended through June 12. Performances
continue at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St.,
LA, Wed.-Sat, 8pm; Sun., 2pm. For tickets call (213) 625-7000 or
visit www.eastwestplayers.org