After more than 20 years, Rochester Community Players is once again staging a musical, making the upcoming production of “Baby,” in association with Harris Beach law firm, a special ending to our 99th season!
With lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.; music by David Shire; and book by Sybille Pearson, “Baby” is the story of three couples working their way through pregnancy toward parenthood. Directing the production is Michael C. Krickmire with Jim Schmitt as Music Director.
The three couples in “Baby” reflect very different ages and circumstances. There is an unmarried, college-age pair living together; a mid-life husband and wife yearning to start a family; and an “empty nest” couple recently returned from an anniversary trip. Happiness and heartache, humor and hardship—all are part of the journey toward parenthood faced by the play’s three couples.
“Emphasizing the humanity of these characters, showing the realities of their different stages in life, and highlighting their emotional connection to the show’s lyrics and music are my primary goals as director,” says Krickmire.
RCP first produced “Baby,” also directed by Krickmire, 30 years ago at the Orcott-Bottsford Fine Arts Center on East Avenue, where RCP was in residence from 1992 to 1995. The upcoming production in November is an updated version presented through special arrangement with, and using materials provided by, Music Theater International (MTI).
When Baby opened on Broadway in 1983, its lyricist was also the show’s director. In 1984, Maltby won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics and David Shire won for Outstanding Music. The “New York Times” theatre critic, Frank Rich, said, “At a time when nearly every Broadway musical, good and bad, aims for the big kill with gargantuan pyrotechnics, here is a modestly scaled entertainment that woos us with such basic commodities as warm feelings, an exuberant cast and a lovely score.”
Rich also praised the music and lyrics saying, “To keep up with the varied ages of the characters, Mr. Shire writes with sophistication over a range that embraces rock, jazz and the best of Broadway schmaltz … Mr. Maltby’s lyrics are not just smart and funny, but often ingenious.”
RCP’s performances of “Baby” at The Theater at Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut Street, are Friday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Go to theaterais.com/boxoffice to purchase tickets.
College students Lizzie (Sofia Fragnito) and Danny (Joshua Gleason) have more than classes and exams to think about!
Pam (Kathryn Rebholz) and Nick (Gabriel Brett) are hoping to one day need a nursery in their home.
Alan (John B. Manly) and Arlene (Gabriella Nozik) are “empty nesters” recently back from an anniversary trip.
Cast
| Role | Performer |
|---|---|
| Lizzie | Sofia Fragnito |
| Danny | Joshua Gleason |
| Pam | Kathryn (Katy) Rebholz |
| Nick | Gabriel Brett |
| Arlene | Gabriella Nozik |
| Alan | John B. Manly |
| Female Ensemble | Alyssa Blodgett, Kara Deporter, Regina George |
| Male Ensemble | Greg Ludek, Luke Dempster |
Production Crew
| Director | Michael C. Krickmire |
| Musical Director | Jim Schmitt |
| Choreographer | Regina George |
| Stage Manager | Elaine Sauer |
| Stage Manager | Noah Morris |