The original ‘Closer Than Ever’ created in
1989, played the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York from October 1990 to
July 1991. It incorporates previously unknown songs from Maltby and
Shire's shows, such as ‘Baby’ and the unproduced ‘Love Match’,
‘Closer than ever’ was written as a companion piece to their
previous revue, ‘Starting Here, Starting Now’, which reflected the
optimism of youth and first dates, first loves, and first kisses.
Richard Maltby, Jr wrote the lyrics for
‘Closer Than Ever’, some of his other work includes ‘Baby’,
‘Big’, ‘Miss Saigon’, and ‘Nick and Nora’.
David Shire is responsible for the music for
‘Closer Than Ever’, his other work is mainly for television and film
scores including, ‘All The President’s Men’ and ‘2010’. He was
awarded an Oscar for the song “It Goes Like It Goes” from the film
‘Norma Rae’ and two Grammys for his contribution to ‘Saturday
Night Fever’.
With 23 tracks in the original show it is often
difficult to decide which to leave out, usually relying on the
individual abilities of the cast to help make the final choice in this
case 17 musical numbers.
In this case that difficult task fell to Juan
Miralles as director / producer, Jenny Kent musical director / producer
and Jodie Oliver, assistant musical director and pianist. I saw this
production in its last week when the actors were, Andrew Irvine as Man
1, Adam Mcardle as Man 2, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Woman1 and Catherine
Millsom as Woman 2. The performers complement and contrast with each
other beautifully in both physical appearances and in vocal talent. Each
individual had at least one solo number in which they were able to show
off and this they did usually giving the audience something to laugh
about. The use of four
boxes with detachable lids give, rise to anything from seating for each
character, storage for props and numerous rearrangements of layouts. I
have seen this show before on several occasions but seldom with as many
costume changes.
Although the Fringe is drawing to a close there
is still time to get to see this extremely good production before it
finishes on the 28th August.
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