NEW YORK — At the New York City Center, the new musical Reunions is an adaptation of two one-act plays, one written by J.M. Barrie and one written by Spain’s Quintero Brothers. This show, a two hour production with no intermission, combines the two plays in a very intriguing way. Both stories share the theme of lovers meeting by chance after years apart, but there is much more to the plot. Directed and choreographed by Gabriel Barre, with a book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, the production was an overall delightful look at lost love and reconnection. With six main players bringing the story to life and a fantastic group of musicians, this show has the makings of a great production.
Held in the black box location at New York City Center, one of the first things I noticed was the idyllic scenic design by Edward Pierce. Although the show runs without an intermission, it is separated into two distinct parts. The first is set in early 1920ish London and the second is similar time frame in Spain. The elements such as a gramophone, desk, and era appropriate seating during the first part were transposed in one of the most clever and charming scene changes I have witnessed on a stage. The scenic change was accompanied by an Entr’acte song that was equally as clever to signify we were moving from one tale to another, and for this reason alone I hope they never change this into a two act show. The costume design by Jen Caprio was exquisite, with beautiful dresses, jewelry, and hats. The theatre space was so small that I could see every detail and had to remind myself to pay attention to the story and not stare at the details of the clothing.
Chilina Kennedy and Courtney Reed in Reunions | Jeremy Daniel Photography
In the first story of the show, Sir Harry Sims, played by Bryan Fenkart, is preparing to be knighted and practicing the ceremony with the help of his staff and wife, Lady Emmy Sims, played by Courtney Reed. Because he has received so many congratulatory correspondence, he hires a typist to come in and respond for him. The typist, Kate, played by Chilina Kennedy, turns out to be his estranged ex-wife, and of course, drama ensues.
It is the beginning of the story where the room for improvement for this show resides. While each cast member, instrumentalist, and designer are fantastic in their parts, the storyline is a slow burn and it takes a bit to realize where the burn is taking us. Several songs in, during the number “I Had to Give Us Up,” Kennedy delivers both a dynamic performance and the crux of the first act of the show, which could have come a bit sooner. The way that Reed’s character follows that in the next scene was ideal, and the story moved nicely from there. Fenkart does a very good job of playing a rather unobservant man, too easily lost in his own life and pursuits to notice that his wife, (or wives), may not quite be happy with what is going on. The underlying point was not lost on me that while we may be 100 years in the future, we still have some of the same issues happening today.
Daniel Torres and Chip Zien in Reunions | Jeremy Daniel Photography
Musically, this show has great promise. In the first act there is a song entitled “The Usual Thing,” where Kennedy and Reed sing with perfect harmonies. There is also a gratifying moment where the typewriter matches the percussion with excellent flair. When the theme of the show switched from the first act to the second, the music transitioned to match it. However, there did seem to be a few too many songs. Tightening up the story of the Sims would provide a lot of strength to the show.
Within the transition to the second act, where Chip Zien as Don Gonzalo and Joanna Glushak as Dona Laura play two elderly people in Spain who had been star-crossed lovers a lifetime ago meeting up again, we see perfect pacing. This is also where the musicians shine. The lovely percussion cajon with a bird painted on it, and the prop birds that were flown on the stage as Glushak’s character fed the birds in the park gave the show a sweet, comfortable feel. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Zien and Glushak. Watching people take a chance on lost love, but do so with caution and understanding that comes with years of experience was more satisfying than a love story that pretends there is a happily ever after quickly and easily. This was also underscored more clearly because of the first story of failed love and missed chances.
The company of Reunions | Jeremy Daniel Photography
Perhaps the best part of this show was just being in such an intimate space with such talented star power. Each of the cast has a bio that gives any broadway fan butterflies, from the original Jasmine in Aladdin to 50 years on stage. When anyone travels to NYC, I encourage looking beyond the 41 houses of Broadway to have a chance to see some of the greatest talent in a more personal way.
