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Bed and Sofa by Cygnet Theatre Company  You can tell this isn’t going to be your run-of-the-mill
musical just from the title – Bed and Sofa: A Silent Movie Opera. Based
on the 1926 Russian silent film Bed and Sofa, this satirical story takes
us back to Moscow’s roaring twenties that weren’t really “roaring,” and not
just because the film was silent. A poor economy and a housing shortage have
forced some humble and crowded living conditions.
Enter Volodya, a new arrival to the city who finds no place to live until he runs into his old friend Kolya who invites him up to his small home that he shares with his wife Ludmilla. The latter is immediately touched by Volodya’s kind and respectful (and handsome) manner – a pleasant respite from her cheerfully tyrannical husband who considers her more of a maid than a partner. She very politely suggests to her husband that Volodya be allowed to sleep on the sofa, a suggestion that the clueless Kolya enthusiastically and unsuspiciously embraces. Mix in some extended business trips for Kolya and some cold, lonely nights for Ludmilla and Volodya, and the trio soon begin a quickly revolving rotation of who is to sleep in the bed, and who is to sleep on the sofa. This unusual piece of theatre, written by Polly Pen and Lawrence Klavan, is pure delight on so many levels. The oddness of seeing a black-and-white operatic musical (the great set and costumes are all done in black, white, and shades of gray). A very atypical but completely entertaining musical score that blends opera with music and lyrics that have a “silent movie-ish” feel. A story that takes you on an ever-turning roller coaster of emotions. Not to mention Sean Murray’s skillful direction and a tiptop cast of three great local actors whose stunning vocals make the music and the characters soar to life. As the husband Kolya, Eric Anderson is in top form (which is saying a lot for this tremendous performer) with his powerful voice and comic timing and expressions (especially in his hysterical “naively happy” moments, such as when he thinks Ludmilla likes it when he lovingly reminds her to clean the floors while he’s gone). Michael Elliott brings his smooth voice and charming romance to the story (until his own chauvinism begins to peek through). And Julie Jacobs is perfect throughout with extraordinary vocals that can seemingly do anything, beautifully capturing the most dramatic moments of the show and hilariously portraying the most humorous moments with her natural wit. The three combine for several tense and humorous scenes – most notably the “Coffee Beans” number when Kolya returns home early (to the surprise of the lovers!) and they do their best to act like nothing has happened while feigning great interest in Kolya’s excited announcement that he has brought home real coffee beans.Performs through July 18, 2004.
~ Cast ~
Kolya: Eric Anderson Volodya: Michael Elliott Ludmilla: Julie Jacobs Director: Sean Murray Music Director: Don LeMaster Scenic Design: Sean Murray Lighting Design: Karin Filijan Costume Design: Shelly Williams Sound Design: Kenny Lewis |