Musical Affirms, "I Do, I Do"

Fifty years ago, Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt created the amusing and classic musical "The Fantasticks." It became the longest running show ever (it is still running!) and its songs, such as "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," are now classics. Over its fifty year life, the show has entertained one generation after another,  as much because it is a favorite production at schools and in repertory companies. Now Westport Playhouse features actors Kate Baldwin and Lewis Cleale in one of Jones and Schmidt's lesser-known works,  "I Do, I Do." It opened on Broadway in 1966 with Mary Martin and Robert Preston as stars. With music, dance and lively characters, it tells the story of 50 years in the marriage of Agnes and Michael. 

Westport Playhouse's staging of "I Do, I Do,"  from August 10-28 is directed by Susan H. Schulman, whose credits include the Tony Award-winning musical “The Secret Garden,” and the revival of “Sweeney Todd,” for which she received Tony and Drama Desk award nominations. She also directed the revival of “The Sound of Music,” a Tony Award-nominated production.

Kate Baldwin, who plays Agnes, received Tony and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for her role on Broadway in "Finian's Rainbow.”  Her co-star, Lewis Cleale, starred in the world premiere of “Giant” and was part of “Sondheim on Sondheim” with Barbara Cook and Vanessa Williams. With this much talent on board, all signs point to an evening of theater that will become its own classic. Tickets are $40-$60. Opening night tickets include a post-performance reception and are $65. For more information, visit Westport Playhouse's website.

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