Bedfordtimesregister.com - 'Two by Two' arkload of fun

by Marsha McKenna

Senior Editor

Even though God told Noah that everyone must go two by two, you can ignore that edict if it means you make the trip by yourself or with a group to see the Stow Players' latest production.

"Two by Two," a musical based on the play, "The Flowering Peach" by Clifford Odets, tells the story of Noah and his family building an ark on God's command before He unleashes the great flood.

The music is by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Martin Charnin. The Players were directed by Gene Stebbins, with musical direction by Dustin Oliver.

This was my first time at Stow Players, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the theater-in-the-round concept they use. With a minimal amount of set and props, and the performers right in front of the audience on all three sides of the "stage," it's a much more intimate way to take in the whole production. And all the performers were excellent about projecting without screaming their lines and lyrics.

Celebrating his 600th birthday, Noah receives a verbal visit from God with a not-so-great gift -- God has decided the world is going to end. Thus, He instructs Noah to build an ark with the assistance of his family that will hold them and two of each animal in the world. While taken aback by this edict, Noah maintains his faith in God's word and summons his family to get to work.

With the assistance of his wife, Esther; his three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth; and Shem's and Ham's wives, Leah and Rachael, respectively, the work begins. But not everyone shares Noah's unwavering faith -- youngest son Japheth challenges God's decision and states he will not go along. However, that decision is taken out of his control and the whole family with their menagerie sail for 40 days and nights.

The voyage has its ups and downs, including an argument over installing a rudder on the ark. Along the way, Noah's faith falters but the end result is the beginning of a new world.

As Noah, Kirk Worcester gives an excellent performance as the family's leader. He never falters, taking his character from accepting God's directions to questioning his faith with a range of comedy and tragedy. From the hilarious "Ninety Again" and "You've Got to Have a Rudder" to the love ballad, "You," that he sings to his wife, Worcester's transitions seem seamless.

Pat Robertell-Hudson portrays Noah's wife, Esther. Robertell-Hudson uses an excellent level of body language to show her character's love and adoration of her husband, her mothering nature to her children and her ability to deal with the circumstances. During a family "discussion" on the ark, Noah instructs everyone to "Stay right here," and Esther replies, "Like where could we go?" with just the right comic touch. Robertell-Hudson's rendition of "An Old Man" is touching as she expresses her love and faith in Noah.

The three sons -- Shem, Ham and Japheth -- are portrayed by Michael Guffey, Dave Sherman and Brian Medellin, respectively. All three have very different perspectives on life: Shem is the businessman, oftentimes considered greedy; Ham is looking for happiness; and Japheth believes he can't have what he wants. All interact well with each other and their stage parents. Both Sherman and Medelin are on-stage with the Players for the first time, having been involved off stage in earlier productions, and make the transition well.

Shem's and Ham's wives, Leah and Rachael respectively are portrayed by Claudia Lillibridge and Kimberly Eppley. Her social standing is important to Leah while Rachael struggles with the disappointment of a loveless marriage. Guffey and Lillibridge perform one of the show's funniest numbers, "As Far As I'm Concerned," showing the gamut of their feelings and opinions of each other.

In her first role with the Stow Players, Tara Emery portrays Goldie, the family's choice as a mate for the youngest son, but plans don't go as planned. Tara gives her just the right touch of sauciness in her song, "The Golden Ram."

Ticket and show information

Performances of the Stow Players' "Two by Two" continue on Feb. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and a 2:30 matinee on Feb. 21.

General admission tickets are $14; senior citizens and students are $12.

Stow Players perform in-the-round at the Heritage Barn in Silver Springs Park, next to the Heritage House Museum. Entrance is from Young Road only.

For ticket information, contact 330-655-6051.

E-mail: mmckenna@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3918