Musical Theatre News: Long Story Short at the San Diego Repertory

If you are in the San Diego area, RUN! Do Not Walk to the San Diego Repertory's production of Long Story Short!  A short musical (only 138 minutes without intermission) based on the play An Infinite Ache, it tells the story of 50 years in the life of a couple, from their first date to their last moments together. There are about twenty musical numbers that propel the story of their lives, in funny, thoughtful, bittersweet, and tragic turns.  Melody Butiu and Robert Brewer are perfection as Hope and Charles, always in character, never descending into parody and always tinged with the sweetness of their deep feelings for each other.  I am not particularly sentimental, but I admit that this delightful and heartwringing piece had me in tears several times throughout the performance, as well as barking with startled laughter and smiling with recognition at some of the universal moments that are so winningly displayed.

I could nitpick that there are striking resemblances to other marital life musicals, like I do! I Do!, or The Last Five Years, or The Fourposter, but frankly it seemed fresh rather than derivative and I enjoyed it so much that I found  no fault with the generic truths of relationships.  This is the third production of this workshop piece, and it is my understanding they hope to eventually take it to Broadway.  I certainly hope they do.  Not only do I recommend this musical to anyone with a hint of romance in their soul, but I could also see this little gem becoming a staple of regional or community theatre, and one that would be a very welcome addition.  The music and lyrics by Valerie Vigoda and her husband/partner Brendan Milburn are touching, singable, and ring true.  I hope that if it does not make its way to New York, Vigoda and Milburn will at least try to put together a concept album, because the songs deserve a wider audience.  I can imagine several of them as part of a good cabaret set list.

Again, I urge you... if you are in San Diego, take your husband, take your lover, take your best friend, but take SOMEONE you care about to see Long Story Short!!!