BWW Reviews: Old-Fashioned Fun at I DO! I DO!

Currently showing at Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh, the 1966 Musical I Do! I Do! Follows a married couple throughout the journey of their marriage, from their wedding night in their new home, to the day they move out of that home fifty years later. The couple, who comprise the entire cast, Agnes and Michael Snow, is played by real-life married couple Annie Floor and Erik Floor.

The benefits to casting a real-life married couple in a show like I Do! I Do! are many. The chemistry between the two is evident and delightful. They portray characters who are multi-faceted and relatable. In addition to their off-stage connection, Annie Floor and Erik Floor happen to be talented individuals. Their singing voices fill the space, and their talent makes it irrelevant that their accompaniment is a sole keyboard. As actors, they make the most of the set, which is just their bedroom. They even perform a softshoe number in which she is barefoot and he is wearing a pair of bedroom slippers. Annie shines in "Flaming Agnes," which had the audience in stitches, and Erik is particularly charming in "The Father of the Bride," and their voices combined come together nicely in their duets. The choreography fills the space well, and the scenic design (by Chris Bernier) is well-executed and feels like home.

Originally written to span the fifty years from 1895 to 1945, this production takes place starting in 1952 and going forward fifty years. Through this update, the material feels delightfully nostalgic for those in the crowd who experienced those years. It's still got that old-fashioned charm, evidenced by a scene at the beginning of the show about wedding night jitters which would be entirely out of place in a contemporary work. The characters' only flaw is that they are perhaps a little too wholesome - even when it comes to things like cheating. Despite being moved ahead almost 60 years from the original time setting, some of the things in the show go beyond nostalgia and read to a contemporary audience as simply outdated. The characters' idea that their children aren't fully grown and independent until they are married ("When the Kids Get Married," "Father of the Bride") is almost shocking in this day and age, and is likely to distance the show from the 20-something set, particularly those of us who are purposefully and happily single.

That's not to say that the younger audience members can't relate to the show at all. There are certainly touching moments with more of a universal appeal. Michael is finding it difficult to be mad at his son when he realizes that his son spent the night out wearing his father's tux - and that it fit him. Everyone remembers moments, either in their own lives or the lives of their children, when a child takes their first steps toward adulthood. Additionally, through their struggles raising children and balancing the household budget, Agnes and Michael realize that "love is what makes it sort of fun." This idea that the hard things in life are worth it because of the bigger picture is a universal one.

I'm more than willing to admit that perhaps this 27-year-old teacher-slash-theater-writer who tries to duck out of the reception hall at the mere mention of a bouquet toss is not the ideal demographic for a show like I Do! I Do!. However, I will also give the show plenty of credit - it was clearly evident that the audience (largely consisting of married couples) loved the show. They found it funny, relatable, and relevant. They absolutely enjoyed themselves. The production is well done, with a talented cast and creative team, all of whom deserve kudos.

I Do! I Do! runs through June 9th. For tickets and more information, visit www.theatreraleigh.com.

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