I do! I do! – A Musical about Marriage
This little gem of story was the first two-person musical ever performed on Broadway starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston, written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the creative duo behind The Fantasticks and 110 In the Shade.
Little & McCulloh are perfectly matched for this endearing production, a remarkably intimate, romantic piece. We are invited into the bedroom of newlyweds Michael & Agnes who anticipate a wonderful blissful life…"Together Forever" as one of the early musical selections would have us believe. As we all know, reality sets in as the young couple struggle to maintain their happiness, passion, devotion and yes even a sense of humor, through all the joys, pains, trials and tribulations that they share in their 50 years of marriage.
The best way to describe this story is through the titles of the songs. "I Love My Wife", Something Has Happened", Love Isn't Everything", "Flaming Agnes", The Honeymoon Is Over", "My Cup Runneth Over", "When the Kids Get Married ", What Is A Woman?", "Some One Needs Me", "Roll Up the Ribbons" and "This House".
Brad Little is best known for his appearances as the Phantom in numerous US and International productions of The Phantom of the Opera and Barbara McCulloh has enjoyed many musical and drama productions from Peter Pan (Mrs. Darlington), The King and I (covering Anna) with Lou Diamond Phillips, to Brighton Beach Memoirs and many more productions between them.
This Broadway pair last appeared together as husband and wife in Bristol's 2006 production of Maltby & Shire's Baby. But there's a deeper connection to the Little couple as Bristol Riverside theater, director Edward Keith Baker shares the special reason for selecting this couple and this show to open their twenty first season. In his director's notes, Baker shares, "Twenty years ago, two young performers came to the Bristol as part of the casts of The Robber Bridegroom and Irma La Douce. They met, married and went on to star on Broadway, regional theaters and around the world. It seemed they were a perfect match for this delightful musical that I believe will make you laugh, identify with and be deeply moved by what they uniquely bring to this story".
Brad and Barbara did just that. Both performers possess an abundance of talent, charm and compatibility that only an enduring married couple could survive.
Book & Lyrics by: Tom Jones, Music by Harvey Schmidt. Based on the Fourposter by" Jan de Hartog, originally directed by: Gower Champion.
I do! I do! plays at the Bristol Riverside Theater from Oct. 2-21. For more information contact: www.BRTstage.org or 215.785.6664
Photos courtesy BRT: Brad Little and Barbara McCulloh
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