A wonderfully irresistible little chamber musical about people is playing up on Belmont Avenue. Alfie Byrne, a middle-aged bus conductor in 1960s Dublin, comes to terms with the importance of friendships, art and his repressed homosexuality while mounting amateur theatrical productions at the local Catholic church. This play is based upon the film, which starred Albert Finney as the everyday man obsessed with bringing art and a sense of family to his local community. The fact that Alfie also harbors a secret love for Robbie, his young coworker, only complicates matters. And then add to the mix Lily, Alfie's devoted sister who, by tradition, won't marry until her older brother takes a wife. Within this gentle, warm coming-of-age story, audiences will lose themselves in the charm, truth and sincerity of its characters.
This show has so much to recommend it. First, the piece itself is lovingly composed and written by Broadway veterans Terrence McNally ("Ragtime," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "The Full Monty"), with music and exquisite lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Seussical," "My Favorite Year"). This year celebrates the team's 25th year of collaboration. Next it's directed by musical theater expert Scott Ferguson (composer of the popular "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"), choreographed by the excellent Marla Lampert and musically directed/conducted by the talented and experienced Robert Ollis.
But in addition to this production's dream team is a cast of wonderful, seasoned actors. The entire company is a tightly-knit true ensemble of talented singers and actors who quite simply breathe life into this piece. The sublime Kevin D. Mayes is absolute perfection as Alfie Byrne. His effortless vocals and natural acting style are the very heart of this production. Nancy Kolton is both tough and touching as his sister Lily, while possessing possibly the strongest singing voice on this stage. As Adele Rice, the newest member of the theatrical troupe, the lovely Laura McClain, is every inch the princess that Alfie sees in her, despite her reluctance to accept such praise. And handsome Ryan Lanning once again commands the Bailiwick stage with his strong, clear tenor voice and a totally honest portrayal of Robbie, Alfie's secret love.
This production is an excellent example of how a modest theatrical production presented in an intimate setting can be so much more effective and moving than all the over amplified actors, crashing chandeliers and hovering helicopters of most much larger Broadway musicals of the past. Bailiwick should have another hit on its hands.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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