Quick Hit Theater Review: Closer Than Ever



George Dvorsky, Christiane Noll, Sal Viviano and Jen Colella. Photo: Carol Rosegg.

Closer Than Ever
Music By David ShireLyrics By Richard Maltby, Jr.
Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Choreography by Kurt Stamm
Music direction by Andrew Gerle
Starring George Dvorsky, Christiane Noll, Sal Viviano and Jen Colella
York Theatre at Saint Peter’s

What's it about?
A collection of songs about relationships, love and life. Each song is a little vignette, with the actors assuming characters. There is a wide range of topics with songs varying between upbeat ensemble pieces and poignant solo balads.

What are the highlights?
Christiane Noll is always a treat to hear on a New York stage and this is no exception. Her exception acting skills also add a lot to the character portrayals. Her rendition of "Patterns" is particularly moving. Maltby does an excellent job directing, setting mood quickly and efficiently. Each song is entertaining and the pace of the two-hour-and-15-minute show (with one intermission) is just right.

What are the lowlights?
Dvorsky was suffering from some voice strain the day I attended. It became progressively worse throughout the performance.

Other information:
Closer Than Ever plays Mondays & Tuesdays at 7 pm., Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 pm. Tickets are priced at $67.50 and are available at www.yorktheatre.org; 212-935-5820, or at person at the box office at the York Theatre at Saint Peter’s (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), Monday through Friday (noon to 6 pm).

A Closer Conversation with Maltby & Shire, an intimate conversation with the award-winning Broadway songwriting duo, Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire, Saturday morning, July 14 at 11:30 am at The York Theatre at Saint Peter’s. These long time collaborators will discuss their legendary career including such highlights as the Broadway musicals, Baby and Big, the classic Off-Broadway revue Starting Here, Starting Now, and much more. Seating is limited. Admission is $20 and will include La Colombe coffee, orange juice, and appropriate morning snacks from PMS Kookies (This Chick Bakes).

Christians might also like to know:
-- Sexually suggestive lyrics
-- God's name taken in vain
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