By LeAnna Hamblin
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace has brought true love to the stage in their production of I Do! I Do!, written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the same men who created the timeless musical The Fantasticks. This touching musical, based on the Jan de Hartog play The Fourposter, invites the audience to share in the intimate 50-year love story of a devoted husband and wife. When the original Broadway version of I Do! I Do! premiered in 1966, starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston, it was nominated for seven Tony Awards.
When approached by the theatre, director Carol Balaich was hesitant to direct a two-person show. But she was quickly convinced to head-up the project when her own son, Nicholas Balaich and his wife Jamie Balaich were asked to star together as husband and wife, bringing a level of authenticity rarely seen onstage. The family collaboration creates a beautiful piece of art to the stage and is presented to the audience in such a way that one cannot help but reminisce about lessons learned through love. I Do! I Do! is set to a delightful score which is presented by the talented Angie Petty on piano, who is an integral part of the show. The music reflects the current tone of the show, whether light and comical or emotional and intense and truly reflects the roller coaster of emotions that a relationship endures.
I Do! I Do! begins just before the turn of the 20th century with the carefree and playful newlyweds nervously approaching their wedding night. The first night brings bliss and blunders as new husband Michael tries his best to make sure everything is perfect for his bride, Agnes. N. Balaich is hilarious (and respectful) as he is forced to make some interesting costume changes (and “un-changes”) onstage so that his wife (on- and offstage) can exit the stage in order to make the more time consuming and necessary changes. In the song “Goodnight,” as the wedding night finally commences, J. Balaich is brilliant in showing her nervous and insecure side that every new bride experiences. But as the nerves wear off, N. Balaich is like a playful puppy who is much too excited to go to bed. Michael eases Agnes’ nerves by showing her how he really feels in the comical number “I Love My Wife.”
As time passes on and the honeymoon comes to an end, C. Balaich makes some very intriguing choices in how to show the passage of time, like Agnes re-entering the stage very pregnant—twice, and the addition of facial hair on Michael, showing how he’s maturing from a young groom to a responsible family man. Another time stamp on the show is the beautiful costuming created by Tami Richardson and Jim Tatton as well as the many wigs that J. Balaich adorns. All the quick wardrobe and wig changes that are necessary due to the time constraints of a two-person cast can only happen with the help of J. Balaich’s backstage wardrobe assistants Olyvia Winter and Ivy Combe.
Although the time period of the show and the music might seem dated to some, I Do! I Do! is a completely relatable story. Both Michael and Agnes endure the challenges of young parenthood, teenage angst with their children, and finding a purpose and place in the world as they learn to relate to each other. N. Balaich and J. Balaich bring such believability to the stage, the audience can’t help but feel the emotion of what a real relationship goes through with each passing phase of marriage. During the middle part of the performance, not everything in the world is right between Michael and Agnes. Agnes feels that all her life, she has lived and breathed through other people and that she has lost the love from her own life. But Michael realizes that he is only himself because of Agnes. Some of the issues they face may feel a little too real and quickly resolved, but that does not distract from the fact that there is hope in love and life.
Every show must have some magic and the enchantment for I Do! I Do! happens throughout. But for me, the most magical part of this production was toward the end of the show when we see Agnes and Michael age literally right before our eyes. There are no special effects and no smoke and mirrors (well, maybe a small mirror or two), but with an assist from stage manager Austin Glenn, the way N. Balaich and J. Balaich so poignantly sit side by side and age together is one of the most touching moments I’ve ever seen onstage between two actors. It makes one want to cling to what time they have left with their true love.
As the show comes to an end, Michael and Agnes leave almost everything behind with which another young married couple can start their lives. And as they depart, they leave the audience with the thought that marriage is a very good thing, though it’s never easy. Still, it fills their house with life and love. I can only hope to feel that way 30 years from now.
And on a personal note: lest you think because so many of the people involved in this show are related this is some kind of vanity project, meaning the talent is sub-par, do not worry. This reviewer adored this show. The talent and the direction are super and I highly recommend this show.
Whether you are newlyweds or tired parents of teenagers or empty nesters living out your golden years together, this show is an absolute must see. My only regret is that my own true love wasn’t sitting by my side as I felt the heart come from the stage and enter my soul. I will be returning to see Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s I Do! I Do! with my spouse to experience this magnificent show together and all it has to teach us about the ups and downs of life.
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse presents I Do! I Do! Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones, Music by Harvey Schmidt, based on The Fourposter by Jan de Hartog
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 S. Washington Terrace, UT 84405
December 31, 2018-February 9, 2019 7:30 PM, Mon, Fri-Sat.
Tickets: $10-$17
Contact: 801-393-0070
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse Facebook Page
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