Be My Baby
A Comedy by Ken Ludwig
Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available, call or email ahead of time
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable volume level
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: child loss
“Wow, that was fantastic…” said the sweet lady sitting beside me at the matinee performance at Richardson Theatre Center of Be My Baby. I turned to her and asked what made her exclaim this and she stated that she is a local theatre enthusiast who enjoys coming to a show to laugh, feel something and believe in another place for just a moment. And I do believe she just accurately summed up every lover of Theatre. And this production of Be My Baby certainly provides all of these things for the audience.
Be My Baby begins in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1963. The marriage day of Gloria (Molly Rose) and Christy (Jonathan Luce) is approaching. Gloria and her aunt, Maude (Ivy Opdyke) are arriving at the estate of Christy and his Scottish uncle John (Matt Gunther.) Immediately we are tuned in to the stark contrast between Gloria and Maude. Gloria has a vivacious energy whilst Maude is seemingly appalled at this entire idea. When they arrive at the estate, Gloria can hardly turn the car off in time to jump into Christy’s arms with youthful verve. Maude is left to introduce herself to John, a curmudgeon himself and well, as with any romantic comedy we can all prepare ourselves for the impending mishaps and sure fire predictable ending to occur. So as not to spoil much about the play, Maude and John will soon find themselves crossing the pond to America to retrieve a baby for the newlywed couple. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, same, but the adventures make for an entertaining show.
Oftentimes, this show felt like it could not decide if it were a comedy or a drama, as there are some quite devastating events which occur and then some big laughs as well. Director Rachael Lindley craftily handles these back and forth moments with precision and care. Lindley and her entire crew were tasked with multiple quick set changes and atmosphere creations and all were done precisely by this deft and capable crew,
Molly Rose takes the character of Gloria, who in all honesty could become quite unlikable in the wrong hands, and portrays her with finesse and charm. We witness her evolution from wide eyed bride to self realization of boredom and restlessness and Rose is able to portray all of these emotions with her skillful micro facial expressions. I would be remiss not to also mention costume designer Kristin Moore absolutely stuns with her dressing of Rose, she adorably looks like a 1960’s doll. Christy, played by Jonathan Luce has the token “straight man” role in the show and Luce brings a stoic, clueless feel to the role which many times made me want to shake his shoulders and say come on man, wake up, she isn’t good for you. Luce manages to allow us to stay in the moment with him by being so lovable and believable.
Although we are ping-ponged between emotions often, we are quite lucky to have Opdyke and Gunther steering us along. These two consummate professionals handle this script with ease and delight. The banter cadence Opdyke and Gunther provide helps us to stay focused with the ever changing momentum of the show. I refuse to believe that Opdyke is not in fact British, as her mannerisms, little huffs of disapproving breaths and such felt so genuine. Opdyke also manages to portray vulnerability in a way that takes honed talent. I could also listen to Gunther speak all day in that husky Scottish brogue, Gunther manages to make John both frustrating and fascinating at the exact same time, which is why it is no surprise we all fall in love. And again, I don’t want to spoil anything, but you’ll no doubt be head over heels once you see Gunther cuddling and cooing with the baby.
In the program, Adeana Carr and Budd Mahan are listed as ensemble. Which is a very simplistic way to describe their lovely stage work. Both Carr and Mahan morph from scene to scene with comedic expertise portraying multiple characters. They both clearly love being on stage, as they are sensational.
Be My Baby is a predictable story which has a twist or two of delight. For those who enjoy plays that pull on your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone, Be My Baby is surely meant for you.
Richardson Theatre Center is presenting Be My Baby through 8/31.
To The Stage,
Teri Lynn Williams
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