New Musical A Holiday Treat
Despite Some Flaws, The Story Of My Life Is A Wonderful Time
Then there are the misses, too numerous to mention. (cough, cough, Napoleon, cough, cough)
The Story Of My LIfe is not one of those.
Written by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, two well known Toronto actors who now reside in New York City, The Story Of My Life tells the tale of Thomas, a successful novelist who must prepare the eulogy for his friend Alvin. Through a series of flashbacks, we are taken on the journey of these two childhood friends through the time when they last saw each other, 10 years prior to Alvin's death.
Bartram and Hill have crafted a musical with some memorable songs and a truly lovely story, but at times, they show borders on cutesy, and after a while, the numerous ballads all begin to sound the same. Hill's book is almost non-existent, however when needed, he has crafted dialogue to move the story along nicely. The show is packed with 25 songs, with numerous reprises in it's 90 minute running time, and some highlights include "Mrs. Remington", which focuses on Tom and Alvin's first grade teacher, and "I Like It Here" when Alvin reveals to his fiance that due to his hectic work schedule, that he wants to postpone the wedding while dining at a fine restaurant.
Brent Carver turns in a near perfect performance as Thomas, and Jeffrey Kuhn matches him in every department as Alvin. We see them develop from young boys through the perils of high school through to where they seperate to focus on their careers - Thomas becomes an accomplished novelist and Alvin stays in their hometown to run his fathers book store. Their performances are soft, sweet, and touching. They compliment each other beautifully, and each duet is sung with tight harmonies and uses their soaring voices to capture the emotion behind each song.
Michael Bush has done an admirable job directing the piece, using the vast space at the Berkeley Theatre effectively and uses his two actors well, teetering near the edge of reality without going off. Glenn Davidson's set and lighting design is useful, but looks to much like a scene from a cheesy holiday movie to really have any kind of impact. At one point, Davidson's lighting design flips between two solo lights so often that you feel like you're seeing a rock concert, which is really the only downer, lighting wise.
The problems with the show are small, and The Story Of My Life is a holiday treat for those who enjoy interesting and moving musical theatre, and shouldn't be missed.
The Story Of My Life
By Neil Bartram and Brian Hill
Directed by Michael Bush
Starring Brent Carver and Jeffrey Kuhn
Now playing at the Berkeley Street Theatre until December 9th.
For ticket information, click here.
**** (out of five)
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