Closer Than Ever: A production that sparkles

Cast of Closer Than Ever.  Photo: Jay Kopinski

The 1000 Islands Playhouse has opened their season with a sparkling production of “Closer Than Ever,” the revue by lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. and composer David Shire. I’m dating myself, but I was at the opening night of the New York production 25 years ago and have never forgotten some of these songs.

I appreciate them even more now, as the show is a series of songs about different aspects of middle age, both funny and moving. Each song is like a miniature play about parenting, parents, dating, looking back at teenage years, second marriage, etc. The music is interesting and the lyrics perceptive and smart, so don’t just bring your eyes and ears, bring your brains.

The four performers are all first-rate singers and actors. The group numbers have a great blend in spite of the actors’ differing vocal qualities in their solo numbers. Patricia Zentilli is especially effective on ”Patterns” and “I’m Not Complaining,” while Leon Willey does a great job on “One of the Good Guys,” one of my favorites.

Sharron Matthews is a powerhouse singer and hilarious on “Miss Bird” and her duet with the excellent bass player Paul Clifford in “Back on Bass.” David Keeley is powerful on “Go On” and his performance of “If I Sing” is simply wonderful.

The group numbers are good and well-staged by choreographer Valerie Easton, especially the work out, “Dating Again,” and “Friends.” I think my favorites are “He Loves Me Not” with its surprise twist and “Fathers of Fathers,’ a male trio in which Music Director and fabulous pianist Steven Greenfield also sings.

Ross Nichol’s set of levels and doors enclosing the grand piano works well and his lighting is very good. Cindy Wiebe’s costumes are just fine and Adam Harendorf’s sound is excellent.

Director Daryl Cloran and Music Director Steven Greenfield have pulled this all together into an entertaining package. You need really good singers who can act to make this show work, and they certainly have them.

“Closer Than Ever” affected my companion the way it did me 25 years ago. She said, “I’ve never heard any of these songs before, but some of them are going to stick.” They’ve certainly stuck with me. This show isn’t done very often, so don’t miss the opportunity to catch this terrific production.

“Closer Than Ever” Plays through June 13 Tkts: 613-382-7020

Co-production of 1000 Islands Playhouse & Western Canada Theatre, Kamloops, BC

Lyrics: Richard Maltby, Jr., Music: David Shire, Conceived by Sreven Scott Smith

CREATIVE TEAM

Director: Daryl Cloran

Choreographer: Valerie Easton

Set & Lighting: Ross Nichol

Costumes: Cindy Wiebe

Sound: Adam Harendorf: Sound

Music Director/Pianist: Steven Greenfield

Bass: Paul Clifford

CAST

Steven Greenfield

David Keeley

Sharron Matthews

Leon Willey

Patricia Zentilli