What Could Be Better?

Baby

Three diverse couples, all living in a fictional university town and a different sector of that collegiate community, become united in this musical by, and about, pregnancy and childbirth. But as delightful as they are, the diversity of the six characters seems like a purposeful, cross-section of all the coupled, heterosexual members of society. In addition, there’s three very disparate conclusions to these couples’ individual pregnancies. As one couple sings, “What Could Be Better?”

Actually, the answer to that question could very well be Sybille Pearson’s bland book for this musical. The playwright’s decision to tell this story through this particular trio of couples comes off more like a sociological study, rather than a random look at three sets of life partners. The show is saved by the strength of its perky and sometimes poignant musical score. It’s seasoned with rock, pop, jazz and Broadway ballads, all composed by the talented David Shire; and skilled lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. provides the words of wit and whimsy found in each song. This is particularly true in the latter half of Act II, where Pearson’s script becomes a little too dramatic and a bit maudlin. But the intelligent and thoughtful score of this intimate, 1983 musical saves the show with several catchy uptempo numbers and a few moving ballads that truly touch the heart.

In addition to an ensemble of four very talented actors who play multiple roles and provide backup vocals (which includes Lisa Pogofsky Sobelman, Evan B. Smith, Aaron Rumack and Becca Duff, who was replaced at the afternoon performance I attended, by Isabel Koleno), six extremely gifted triple-threats portray the three main couples. 

First we meet the youngest couple in the story. They’re a sweetly naive unmarried pair of college students who love each other, but are on the brink of discovering their own individual potentials. As Lizzy, Madison Jaffe-Richter is an attractive and captivating young actress, as well as a very talented singer/dancer. This delightful young lady, along with the likable Ben Ballmer, as Danny (remembered for his appearance in Citadel’s IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY), discover that they’re unexpectedly pregnant, just as the couple is beginning their junior year. This news prompts Danny to propose to Lizzy, but she isn’t interested in getting married, just because that’s what society demands. And this becomes the crux of the couple’s conflict.

Next we’re introduced to married couple Pam and Nick, a twosome brought together by their mutual love of sports. Nicely played with unbounded enthusiasm by Katie Engler, she and her affectionate and caring husband, Nick, played with unlimited charm by handsome Mark Yucullo (seen as Einstein in Citadel’s delightful PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE) have been trying for years to start a family. When Pam receives word that she’s finally become pregnant, the couple have reason to celebrate. However, that news is short-lived and turns to disappointment when Pam learns that the nurse misread her file. Nick and Pam are not, in fact, pregnant. They then spend the rest of the musical trying again and again to conceive a child.

The third couple are empty-nesters, both in their forties. Arlene and Alan’s three daughters are now grown and have left the family home. The middle-aged couple decide to celebrate their anniversary with wild abandon. While at the Plaza Hotel, the couple discuss all the exciting possibilities and new adventures that await them, including maybe selling their house and moving into a smaller apartment. Then, unexpectedly, Arlene (a lovely, talented Julie Bayer, who was also enjoyed in Citadel’s 

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, as well as in their tension-filled production of THE MOUSETRAP) and Alan (portrayed by handsome and multi-gifted Joe Lehman, a talented Equity actor and the Director of Citadel’s AIRNESS and YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN) learn that they’re expecting another child! Upon hearing this surprising news, Arlene is understandably hesitant and worried, especially given her age. Alan, however, is thrilled to learn that their large, rambling house will soon be filled with the pitter-patter of little feet. And therein lies the conflict for Arlene and Alan.

The strength of Director/Choreographer Scott Shallenbarger’s production is an excellent cast of amiable, truly accomplished actors and vocalists. And although this isn’t a musical that relies heavily on dance, the few choreographed numbers, such as the delightful ear-worm, the “Fatherhood Blues,” is spritely and well-executed. Shallenbarger’s direction, while it could sometimes be a bit brisker, is solid, attentive and caring. Mr. Shallenbarger brings out the best in each of his talented actors, as does Musical Director Roger L. Bingaman, with his skillful melodic guidance. Mr. Bingaman’s brilliant backstage, four-member orchestra also provide excellent accompaniment that never overpowers the singers, thanks, in part, to Richard Neumann’s Sound Design and the skill of Sound Board Operator, Alex Trinth.

Citadel Theatre’s latest production is warm and winning, despite a book that’s often feels more like a situation comedy than a humorous and thoughtful musical about pregnancy. Created and presented by a wonderful and accomplished cast of Chicagoland artists, each individual actor/singer in this production is a star in his or her own right. All together, however, the cast unites to provide a strong collective experience. This production, which features wonderful musical numbers like “I Want It All,” “Baby, Baby, Baby,” “Patterns,” “The Ladies Singing Their Song,” “Two People in Love” and “Easier To Love” will touch hearts, invoke laughter and leave theatergoers with an afternoon or evening of thought-provoking entertainment. And, after all, “What Could Be Better?”    

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 19-May 19 by Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-735-8554, x1, or by going to www.citadeltheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.