BWW Reviews: LITTLE BY LITTLE Musical Charms Audiences at In Tandem Theatre

Is three a crowd as he familiar adage claims? Fate, friendship and the calamities in passing a popcorn box collide at In Tandem Theatre this spring. Without one word of dialogue, the 1999 musical Little By Little revisits the intricacies to falling in and out of love when three childhood friends grow up and out into the world.

This winsome production features more than 20 catchy numbers including "Popcorn" and how passing a box in the movie theater brings young couples closer, very close, together. Using only the monikers Man, Woman ! and Woman 2 in the production, the Annette Jolles and Ellen Greenfield story plots the course of two women in love with the same man.

A confident and fetching man Michael T. Black, who also doubles as the production's choreographer, chooses Jenna Vik's Woman #1 instead of Rachael Zeintek's Woman #2. A passionate woman who feels she alone has loved this man since they were teenagers while she also observes Woman 2 treats him casually, perhaps taking him for granted. Zeintek's unrequited love becomes irresistible when she sings "If You Knew," and she catches herself between the confidences of these two friends.

While the clever music composed by Brad Ross with lyrics by Greenfield and Hal Hackady explores ordinary emotions, these excellent voices exude extraordinary charisma on stage, which under less capable direction could transform into a sweetly sentimental evening. Director Chris Flieller captures genuine sincerity rather than easy sensibilities in these lyrics and the audience cares about the characters on stage. Then thanks to accomplished Musical Director David Bonofiglio, live accompaniment on the piano for the entire two acts moves the audience through these three characters' personal stories. While each actor shines in several solos performed through various musical genres, the songs bewitch the audience into believing these three lives might never be untangled.

Steve Barnes chose a simple set design consisting of three closets and three chairs, which when opened and rearranged allows each actor to change ages and personas throughout the performance directly in front of the audiences eyes. Bit by bit, these characters reach their professional years, and try to reinvent their careers and loves.. Flieller again opts for subtle costumes designed by Liz Shipe instead of charged clothing changes to keep the performance based in sensible reality.

After the hidden secrets of the three friends reveal themselves later in the performances near the musical's finale, although the ending might be foreknown, a darling Zeintek steals the show while Vik clings to her evocative song, "If Only I Had Known." This cast carries an unmistakable warmth through their voices which underscores the trials to being a threesome involved with a committed twosome. Where does friendship end and love begin?

Perhaps over an enticing box of popcorn, which In Tandem generously tempts the audience with before the show and during intermission, as the threesome reprises the song from their youthful beginnings and remembers the little things in life carry them through. The trio poignantly sings in the end, "love is many layers to be disclosed." A time when maturity, what is learned along life's walk, whether being brokenhearted or broken open for forgiveness, continues the passing of the popcorn box in a never-ending cycle. Be captivated Little by Little throughout this intimate In Tandem evening and leave the theater completely charmed. .

In Tandem Theatre presents Little by Little at the Tenth Street Theatre at 628 North Tenth Street, through May 24. For information about performances, subscriptions to the 2015-2016 season, or their June 6 fundraiser. Lift Your Spirit, please call 414.271.1371 or visit www.intandemtheatre.org..

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