Bucket Brigade's original "marriage musical" 'Til Death returns for its 13th season! This was my 5th time seeing the show (counting a virtual version during the pandemic), and I was happy to spend a little time with old friends. Written by Bucket Brigade's married co-founders Vanessa and Jeremiah Gamble, and starring them and another married couple of #TCTheater artists (Anna and Damian Leverett whom I saw, alternating with Stephanie and Nathan Cousins) it's silly and sweet, over-the-top yet grounded in the reality of relationships. And while it would be (and has been) a perfect 90-minute-no-intermission show if not for the intermission, when they give me a cupcake and host a mini-concert* during said intermission, I'll allow it. 'Til Death plays Fridays and Saturdays through February 15 (plus one Monday night pay-as-you're-able performance featuring the full cast) at the charming and cozy Art House North in St. Paul's West 7th neighborhood, with two great restaurants within walking distance - Mucci's Italian and A-Side Public House (tip: make reservations).
Here's my (slightly modified) review of previous productions:
Olivia and Ethan, a couple who has recently separated, find themselves alone in a cabin in the woods on their 15th anniversary weekend, thanks to a Parent Trap like trick. Alone, that is, until obnoxiously happy newlyweds show up at their door with car trouble. Freddy (her) and Leslie's (him) ooey-gooey overly affectionate love is in stark contrast to Olivia and Ethan's troubled marriage. But nothing is as perfect as it seems, including Freddy and Leslie's marriage. Each couple tries to help the other couple through their problems, and in doing so is somehow able to see their own problems in a new light and work through them as well, agreeing to live happily ever after... 'til death.
This lovely small-scale musical features piano accompaniment by Jill Dawe (with arrangements by Michael Pearce Donley). Art House North is an old church turned into an art space, which makes for a unique and intimate space to watch theater. There's no need for amplification in a small space like that, which allows the beautiful voices of the four actors to ring out clear and pure. The score is clever, funny, and tuneful, with some nice repeated themes throughout the show, a fun dance number or two (movement coach Maureen Sherman-Mendez), and even a couple of hilarious slow-mo "fight" scenes. The last few years they've brought in Craig Johnson as director (based on original staging by Joy Donley), whose work is always clear and grounded; the show is well-paced and balanced between the comic and poignant moments.
The former altar space of the former church has been turned into a cozy cabin by scenic designer Katie Phillips, with warmth created by lighting designer Shannon Elliot. Behind imaginary walls we see the bathroom and a bedroom, in addition to the open kitchen and living room areas, which allows for private and not so private conversations between various pairs of characters as they move around the space. Food and snacks play an important part in the story, and it's fun to watch the actors really eat real food (and sometimes make a mess).
'Til Death is a funny and poignant story with catchy songs and great performances by two married couples as two married couples. These are professional actors, they don't have to actually be married to play a convincing married couple, but knowing that they are adds a level of truth to the proceedings, I imagine for the actors as well. But you don't have to be married to relate to and enjoy this endearing little show about love, life, and relationships, both the challenges and the rewards.
*The opening night intermission mini-concert was by local musician Obadiah Gamble, who just happens to be the Gambles' son, playing and singing some jazz standards. I'm not sure if he'll be there every show, or if there will be alternating musicians. But either way, it's a fun way to spend an intermission (if we have to have one) - eating cupcakes and listening to live music.
