“I’m pregnant!” Those two little words have an enormous impact on the lives of the women who find themselves facing that reality.
For hundreds of years, couples have dealt with all that the imminent arrival of a baby brings. The news may invoke joy—or dread. It may come as a shock or bring huge relief. Some may wrestle with the possibility of ending the pregnancy. Then there are the practical things: Do we get married? Move to a bigger place? Can we afford this? Who’s going to stay home with the child? Can we both still have careers?
The musical Baby (with music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr.) takes us on a journey as three couples of varying ages explore these questions. Based on a story developed by Susan Yankowitz, the show opened on Broadway in November 1983 (notably starring Liz Callaway as Lizzie) and ran for more than 240 performances.
Revolution Stage Company’s production of Baby opens as the three aforementioned couples each discover they’re expecting: college students Lizzie (Candace Coe) and Danny (Joseph Portoles), 30-something married couple Pam (Heather Joy) and Nick (Jacob Samples), and empty-nesters Arlene (Sonia Reavis) and Alan (Michael Pacas).
Though not quite prepared for this major step into adulthood, Lizzie and Danny rise to the occasion; Danny takes responsibility and proposes marriage immediately. Their relationship is solid, but Lizzie’s not too keen on the idea of a wedding. She starts planning out how she can continue her college education while balancing a job and motherhood.
Pam and Nick are overjoyed at the thought of being parents, but are unaware of the emotional roller coaster the process will turn out to be.
It was a champagne-drenched weekend celebrating their wedding anniversary that landed Arlene and Alan in this situation, and they’re not sure it’s where they want to be. After raising three daughters who are off at college, the idea of another round of diapers and formula is daunting.
The journeys of the three couples intertwine after Lizzie, Pam and Arlene find themselves sitting in the waiting room of the same OB-GYN, hilariously played by Jason Ayestas, who also nails several other minor roles throughout the show.
It would not be fair to give much more away. Each couple has a different dramatic arc, and each has a different outcome.
Congrats to director Rebecca McWilliams for eliciting strong performances from her cast. The whole show is warm, touching and funny, and it flows smoothly. I was particularly impressed with the many set changes, which all went off without a hitch. Both McWilliams and stage manager Nathan Cox deserve credit for that.
This ensemble cast is terrific. Candace Coe is the epitome of a wide-eyed coed, filled with big plans and optimism about life. She’s in love and with child, but determined to fulfill her career dreams as well. (She and the other women express that well in the musical number “I Want It All.”) Coe has a pretty voice and just the right mix of strength and vulnerability onstage.
Congrats to director Rebecca McWilliams for eliciting strong performances from her cast. The whole show is warm, touching and funny, and it flows smoothly.
Joseph Portoles is a standout as young Danny. He’s jettisoned science as a college major and has decided to embark on a musical career—he’s going on tour with a punk band—but he’s still determined to do the right thing by his girl and the child he has fathered. Portoles is a triple threat—the real deal. He can dance, act and sing. Boy, can he sing! His rendition of “I Chose Right” is one of the show’s highlights. I first saw this young man as part of an elite group of students from Rancho Mirage’s Musical Theatre University, and I knew then he had a bright future ahead as a performer.
As the exuberant Pam, Heather Joy is spot-on. Always fun to watch, Joy does not disappoint. Full of sparkle and energy, she sometimes literally bounces across the stage, yet she also nails the moments when her character experiences frustration, heartbreak and grief. Her strong vocal pipes are an extra bonus.
Jacob Samples is simply superb as Nick. He’s totally believable as a loving and supportive—yet sometimes frustrated and insecure—husband helping his wife deal with infertility issues. Samples reaches out and grabs our hearts at times, and at others makes us laugh out loud. His singing is nearly flawless; his “At Night She Comes Home to Me” is another show highlight.
Sonia Reavis is perfectly cast as 40-something Arlene. After years of raising kids, she’s finally got alone time with her husband again, and she can now write that novel she’s been putting off. Her shock at learning she’s pregnant at this stage of life rings true. Reavis has a great presence and makes Arlene so relatable; the audience is rooting for her, no matter what decision she makes about the pregnancy. Her tour-de-force musical moment is the heartfelt “Patterns.”
Rounding out the main cast is Michael Pacas as Arlene’s husband, Alan, and he’s quite good. Alan is a genuinely nice guy who’s still in love with his wife after all these years. Also stunned and conflicted about the news that he’s going to be a father yet again, Alan is willing to do whatever his wife decides. Pacas’ “Easy to Love” is lovely.
Katrina Dixon shines in several minor roles, including a snooty real estate agent.
This production features an excellent live three-piece band on far stage left, conducted by musical director Douglas Wilson. Alex Danson on piano, Bob Forte on drums and Emiliano Villarreal on bass add just the right touch.
The one small flaw in the opening-night show was that early on, some of the actors’ dialogue was a bit drowned out by the band. Other than that, the sound, lighting and slide projections were all top-notch, as always at Revolution.
Baby has great humor, warmth and poignancy. Even if you have no interest in pregnancy or babies, you’ll enjoy it. It’s ultimately a show about the human condition—and love. Go see it.
Baby will be performed at various times and dates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, June 9, at the Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $45 with discounts, and the show is two hours and 15 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.