The Story of My Life Musical Bartram Reviews

Music and Lyrics past Neil Bartram

Book past Brian Hill

Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.

Produced by Chicago Muse

At Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre

Stunningly moving, heartfelt chamber musical is a marvelous art piece

Their initial production by Chicago Muse is a retooled and revised chamber musical – The Story of My Life – that lasted only 5 performances on Broadway in 2009. I'm utterly amazed by that since the new version I saw at Victory Gardens Biograph was a heartfelt, mannerly, intimate two-hander musical that the opening night audience enjoyed. By the end, there was hardly a dry out eye. The Story of My Life is cute operetta filled with smart, witty lyrics and soothing music (both by Neil Bartram) that garnered empathy from Brian Hill'south fine book.

The press notes land: "The Story of My Life tells the story of two childhood friends and how their friendship greatly defined their lives. Thomas Weaver(Jack Noseworthy) is a best-selling, honour-winning author. Alvin Kelby (Davis Duffield) was his best friend for 30 years. But time can test the bonds of friendship, and when it does, Thomas calls on the only resource he has – his stories of Alvin—to learn where things went wrong. A richly melodic musical, The Story of My Life is a soaring tribute to the power of friendship and the people who change our lives forever."

I totally agree with the above synopsis and let me add together that the sincere piece of work from Duffield and Noseworthy hooked us early on as I enjoy the look back on Alvin and Thomas' lives that was deftly delivered through a smart serial of talk-songs (think William Finn). This middle wrenching story is a not-sexual male to male loves story wherein Alvin and Thomas exceed mere friendship. They have a special complex bond that links then forever.

We realize that Alvin is the eccentric bookstore owner destined to exist the 'George Bailey' (think "It's A Wonderful Life") of the two friends while Thomas attends college and winds upwards a best-sell award-winning writer living in the large urban center. We understand that Thomas may take been the scribe – the 1 who wrote the stories – but Alvin was the muse whose imagination inspired Thomas.  Without becoming too sentimental, The Story of My Life weaves 30 years of friendship through a series of flashbacks that examines how and why things do get incorrect in a friendship.  We see Thomas struggling to write a proper eulogy to his honey friend. The power and depth of friendship and dear defines this wonderful musical with special tribute to the dynamics of the human spirit.

The fine orchestra – a piano, clarinet. oboe and cello under Roberta Duchak'southward exquisite musical direction both set up the tone (with some first-class Clarinet work by Rick Kissinger) and accompanied the vocals. Davis Duffield, as Alvin, was lovable and most empathic while Jack Noseworthy's strong voice nicely landed Bartram's songs.  I was peculiarly moved by Noseworthy's emotional rendering of the 'Butterfly' song.  With both players on stage throughout the 1 hour, 40 minute show, the stage chemistry was telling and honest.  The artistry in this intimate show is subtle yet evocative and its charm wins the states throughout. The Story of My Life demonstrates the  potential vibrant bond of lifelong friendship. It got me to call an old friend from my youth just to say: "Hello."  Don't miss this beautiful tribute to true friendship. It'll renew your faith in humanity. Kudos to Chicago Muse for mounting such a worthy bear witness.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Jeff Recommended

At Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago , IL 60614, 773.871.3000, world wide web.chicagomuse.org, tickets $46 – $56, Wednesday: 7:30pm, Th: 7:30pm ,Friday: 7:30pm , Saturday: three & 7:30pm , Sun: 2pm & 6pm, running time is 1 hour 40 minutes without pause, through january2, 2010

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Source: https://chicagocritic.com/the-story-of-my-life/#:~:text=The%20Story%20of%20My%20Life%20is%20beautiful%20operetta%20filled%20with,friendship%20profoundly%20defined%20their%20lives.

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