The ensemble in Signature Theatre’s production of Kander & Ebb’s ‘‘The Happy Time”: (left to right) Lauren Williams, Emily Levey, David Margulies, Rachel Zampelli and Kate Arnold. The play is the second production in the company’s Kander & Ebb Celebration; it runs from April 1 to June 1.
Planners of Signature Theatre’s lovely and spacious new building in Shirlington made a smart move when they designed two theaters in one complex. The flexible Max Theatre hosts larger productions and can hold several hundred audience members.
The Ark space seats 110 and is a perfect venue for John Kander and Fred Ebb’s seldom-performed 1968 play ‘‘The Happy Time.” The vibrant production has the feel of big-time Broadway play in the smaller room.
Signature is holding a Kander & Ebb Celebration through June. ‘‘Kiss of the Spider Woman” is currently playing in the Max and ‘‘The Happy Time” is the second installment of the tribute to the team, who brought such classics and ‘‘Cabaret” and ‘‘Chicago” to Broadway.
The excellent cast and moving score makes for a wonderful night at the theater. ‘‘The Happy Time” is the story of a world famous photographer Jacques (Michael Minarik) returning to his home in St. Pierre, Quebec in the 1920s.
Jacques is successful but not particularly happy. The photographer is a character who immediately throws the whole family into an uproar.
Minarik is wonderful as Jacques. He had a tremendous voice and brings the right combination of confidence and self-doubt to the role.
The nephew, Bibi (Jace Casey), is particularly moved by the exploits of his uncle. The just-reaching-puberty Bibi is a seemingly perfect child, until uncle Jacques brings out a more mischievous side.
Bibi is a demanding role for a child actor and Casey handles it well. All of the child actors in the production do a good job at being convincing kids, not always easy to do.
The music by Kander and the lyrics by Ebb are a delight. The numbers range from a slow plaintive love song, ‘‘Please Stay,” beautifully sung by Laurie (Carrie A. Johnson), to the joyous and slightly ribald ‘‘Catch My Garter,” by the ensemble.
The superb supporting cast is headed by the veteran actor David Marguiles as grandfather of the fractious clan. Marguiles brings a fine comedic touch, a nice voice and veteran acting skills to the role.
The members of the ensemble play school girls, teen family members and burlesque queens adroitly.
Director Michael Unger keeps the production moving at a lively gait and costume designer Kathleen Geldard has created beautiful period piece dresses and suits, which look fresh and stylish.
Todd Edward Ivins uses back screen projections to enhance the mostly bare stage. Choreographer Karma Camp has done a great job with the open space, particularly during the vaudeville scene with ‘‘the Four Angels.”
‘‘The Happy Time” may have been written in 1968 about the 1920s but it has a timeless relevance anyone who has left home can relate to. It may be on a small stage but it has a big heart.
The play runs until June 1 at the Signature Theatre’s Ark space. Call the Signature box office for more information at (703) 820-9771.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story