BABY is a gem of a musical
by Laura Bloom Farber
Baby, now playing at Revolution Stage Company, is a lovely, intimate musical with a book by Sybille Pearson and a glorious score by composer David Shire and lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. A mostly through-sung piece with minimal dialog, it tells the story of three couples expecting babies: Lizzie and Danny, two college students, Pam and Nick, a couple in their thirties desperate to conceive, and Arlene and Alan, an empty nest couple in their forties surprised by Arlene’s pregnancy.
Candace Coe, a young woman with a powerful voice, portrays Lizzie. Her big solo, “The Story Goes On,” ends Act One on a high note. As Danny, Joseph Portoles’ acting and singing convincingly conveys his love for Lizzie. As Pam and Nick, Heather Joy’s wonderful physical comedy and Jacob Samples’ beautiful voice, express their mutual love as well as their frustration. Sonia Reavis, as Arlene, beautifully portrays Arlene’s ambivalence about her pregnancy and her marriage. Her well-sung “Patterns” is one of the highlights of the show. Michael Pacas gives an effective performance as Alan. Completing the cast are Katrina Dixon and Jason Ayestas who each play several different characters with great humor.
Director Rebecca McWilliams draws fine performances from her cast and presents a cohesive story. I was delighted to hear the live band, led by musical director Douglas Wilson, rather than pre-recorded tracks, as were used in a previous show. The spare set by designer and builder Miguel Lauro is augmented by projections which effectively convey the change in locales.
I admit to a prejudice in favor of small musicals if they are good and Baby is very good.
Baby, Revolution’s last show of the main 2023-24 season, will play through June 9th. General Admission is $45.00. Tickets for seniors, students, veterans, first responders, and military members are $35.00. For more information or to purchase tickets to Revolution’s plays or special events, go to the Web site, www.RevolutionStageCompany.com. The theater is located at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, in the same shopping center as the Palm Springs Revivals.