University of Virginia Library

STAGE

'I Do! I Do!': Remarkable Show, Fair Dinner

By Paul Chaplin
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

For all the knells announcing
the death of theatre (mainly,
Broadway), it seems to me that
drama has found a vast audience
not only in suburbia, but also in
small towns. The small towns, like
Charlottesville, have depended either
on college drama or community
productions to provide theatrical
fare. But this has changed with the
growing popularity of the dinner-theater,
and Charlottesville can
not only boast of having one, but
an excellent one at that. Located
on Route 250 West, the Albemarle
Playhouse fills its role as a restaurant
very well. The buffet supper was a
cut about palatability, with sufficient
variety to please most tastes.
A strolling crew of waiters and
waitresses eliminates one thing I
find displeasing, namely talking over
dirty dishes while waiting for the
show. A little thing, but its nice
that the management takes every
measure to let the guests enjoy
themselves. Another aspect of this
effort is reflected in the dinner
entertainment provided by an enjoyable
strolling singer, Joyce Hill
Stoner. But the show is really
remarkable. It's the Tom Jones —
Harvey Schmidt musical "I Do! I
Do!," and it's a wonder how anybody
could create a two character
musical about fifty years of marriage.
I was expecting sentiments so
sticky sweet I'd get nauseous. Instead,
I experienced a totally entertaining
evening of theatre.

Little Dialogue

The show really doesn't have
much dialogue, and depends upon
the songs, which is as it should be
in a musical. In fact, I was especially
impressed with the fluidity of
the first six songs, forming a suite
expressing the joys of early marriage.
In this group is the popular
"My Cup Runneth Over," and a
clever treatment of a universal
problem in "Goodnight." After
a passage of twelve years, which
leaves the stage empty a bit too
long, the newlyweds, Michael and
Agnes have changed. Perhaps they
haven't changed, as much as faults
overlooked by love are now visible.
This is where Jones and Schmidt
surprised me. Michael admits he has
looked beyond his wife, for it's "A
well known fact" that women are
more attracted to men in their
forties. The honesty amazed me,
but the vanity fits perfectly when
we recall a few earlier remarks of
Michael. It is not easy to develop
and maintain character in a musical,
but Michael and Agnes are consistent
throughout.

Having ended on a reconciliation,
the first act seems more
enjoyable than act two. This is due
perhaps to a young critic's recognizing
the problems of a young
couple, and not having experienced
those of the older couple in act
two. The rest of the audience however,
nodded their heads in recognition
of every event, from wanting
the kids to get married, to wishing
the house wasn't so empty without
them. While this identification has
its appeal for older audiences. "I
Do! I Do!" is not restricted in its
touching young audiences. Jones
and Schmidt maintain their wit and
respect for the intelligence of the
audience, and show how crisises
and problems can build and increase
the love of two people as
they age.

Strong Actors

Naturally the success of the play
depends on two strong actors and
Ann Ault and David Harper are
faultless in their notes. Both have
fine voices, good timing and enthusiasm.
They gracefully mature before
us as they change from bride
and groom to an old couple. I
noticed a degree of nervousness
opening night, but these two play
their parts with case and confidence
that gives us totally convincing performances.

Only a few things flawed the
production. The orchestra was
good, but the opening night trumpeter
was have considerable difficulty
with the upper register. This
was occasionally disturbing. Michael's
costumes were anachronistic at
times, and I think a more flattering
bridal gown could have been designed
for Agnes.

Refreshing

Of course these are knit-picking
points, and a friend says if that's all
one can criticize, it must have been
good. I have to agree, for "I Do! I
Do!" has a simplicity that is beautiful
and acting that is outstanding.
Together they make a totally refreshing
evening of entertainment,
the type which I urge everybody to
see and enjoy without delay.