Ben Dibble and Rob McClure. Photo by Matt Urban, Mobius New Media.
A little gem of a musical that only ran five performances on Broadway is back at Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington Delaware. The two character musical called The Story of My Life opened at the Booth Theatre in February of 2009 to some unfavorable reviews from the NY press. I didn’t understand it then and, after seeing the current production at Delaware Theatre Company, I still don’t get what’s not to like in Neil Bartram (music and lyrics) and Brian Hill’s (book) musical of friendship.
…powerful and moving.
Thomas Weaver (Ben Dibble) is a successful author who has to write a eulogy for his friend of many years Alvin Kelby (Rob McClure) who committed suicide by jumping off of a bridge on Christmas Eve. Alvin’s spirit starts to talk to Thomas and through stories from both their lives many things start to come out that were left unanswered in the two men’s friendship. Things like, when did they start to grow apart and ultimately what caused Alvin to jump that night. Some things you find out by the end and others you don’t. Here is a story of two kids that met at age six when Alvin showed up to class one day dressed as his departed Mom, complete with bathrobe. When he pulls the same stunt in Jr. High, it doesn’t fare as well. He is beaten up by some bullies and the bathrobe is thrown off a bridge. Moving forward, Alvin stays at home to work for his parents in their bookstore and Thomas goes off to college and becomes a successful writer but eventually develops a block and doesn’t write anything for a few years. When Alvin asks Thomas to write a eulogy for his Dad’s funeral, Thomas thinks using a quote from another writer without much else is the way to go. Alvin does not think so and gives the eulogy himself. So what did drive Alvin and Thomas’ friendship apart? Was it Thomas’s ego or Alvin’s over cheery and sometimes eccentric outlook on everything? That is up to you the audience member to decide because here is a musical that thankfully does not give you all the answers to some of life’s questions.
Ben Dibble. Photo by Matt Urban, Mobius New Media.
The performances by Dibble and McClure are one of the keys to the production’s success. If this show is played wrong it can come off as schmaltzy and insincere. The two men have gorgeous singing voices and are given a chance to shine both alone and together throughout Neil Bartram’s score. McClure’s vocals on “Mrs. Remington” and “Independence Day” are two highlights of the whole show, while Dibble’s performances of “I Like It Here” and “The Butterfly” are powerful and moving. Duets such as “Angels In The Snow” give the two guys a chance to harmonize and interact with each other while performing a lovely song. Acting wise, you can totally buy that these two guys were longtime friends, as the onstage chemistry is genuine and lovely to watch.
DTC’s Executive Director Bud Martin staged the piece and I cannot think of a better choice for the task. He was one of the original producers of the show in NY and has a passion and love for this work. In the more intimate setting of DTC’s theatre space versus the 766 seat Booth Theatre on Broadway, all the nuances of the relationships between Alvin and Thomas are better served and allows you to be a little closer to the action, making your experience more personal.
Music Director Tom Fosnocht has assembled a glorious sounding six piece chamber ensemble that features Fosnocht on piano with Stephanie Esposito (clarinet), Set Rodriguez (Violin), Kate Martin (Viola), Richard Jones (Cello) and Jerrell Jackson (bass). Together they play Jonathan Tunick’s orchestrations to perfection. I myself missed the trumpet and percussion parts, but it doesn’t detract from the chamber sound of the score.
Rob McClure. Photo by Matt Urban / Mobius New Media, Inc.
Scenic designer Dirk Durossette’s set had elements from the NY staging including the all white motif, but it didn’t feel as overpowering here, which is good. Lighting designer Jim Leitner adds some color to the proceedings and helps create changes in time.
In the end The Story of My Life might have been a victim of its small size on Broadway. This does not mean, however, that the show isn’t worthy of production and Delaware Theatre Company’s version proves that just because a show doesn’t run in NY, it doesn’t mean it can’t have a hefty run in regional theatres across the country. Here is a musical for the theatergoer that is willing to be a little more adventuresome. For those that choose to see The Story of My Life at DTC, you will be introduced to the underrated writing team of Bartram and Hill while seeing two fine performances. With the more intimate setting of the venue, you will hopefully be moved by this little musical that deserved better originally.
Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
The Story of My Life plays through December 22nd 2013 at Delaware Theatre Company which is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington, DE. Tickets can be purchased by calling 302-594-1100 or by clicking here.
