Theater Review: 'Love Affair: A New Musical' at Legacy Theatre

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Legacy Theatre in Branford offers the world premiere of “Love Affair A New Musical,” a new work with book, music and lyrics by Joseph J. Simeone. The very romantic musical is based on the 1939 film “Love Affair” by Donald Ogden Stewart, which was remade into “An Affair to Remember” in 1957.

Artistic Director Keely Baisden Knudsen notes that “The sweeping strains of an at-sea love that overcomes all distance, circumstance and challenge are booming from the historic walls of our theater.” The premiere production is the work of Matthew Couvillon and writer Simeone, who co-directed and choreographed, as well as serving as production designers.

Simeone, who starred in “A Bronx Tale” on Broadway, writes that this musical “is not just a story set in the glamorous 1930’s; it’s a reflection of the timeless quest for true connection and the courage it takes to pursue one’s heart against all odds.”

I have never seen the classic film version, but it seems that most of the important elements of the tale have been retained here. Music Director Bill Speed of Guilford leads the singers from behind a beautiful piano at the corner of the audience area and did not overwhelm the performance as he expertly played the extensive score. I suspect that the addition of the musical numbers helps to propel this sentimental and somewhat improbable story of romance and adventure.

The small cast is led by Equity actor Michelle Aravena, a tiny powerhouse that brings to life Terry McKay, an American singer, a self-described “fading ingénue.” Aravena, who was seen on Broadway in “Beetlejuice” and “A Bronx Tale,” and played Rosina in the touring company of the latter.

Michael Starr, a member of Actors’ Equity who has worked at Hartford Stage and Goodspeed, takes on the role of the French playboy Michel Marnet and what a talented dancer he is.

Equity’s Emily Steinhardt shines in the added role of Phyllis Knoefler, the cynical and very funny best friend of Terry. Whether singing a torch song next to the piano or subtly encouraging “A Change of Heart,” the actor nails her well-drawn character. Steinhardt appeared in “Private Jones” at both Signature Theatre and Goodspeed.

Janet Dickinson, a veteran Equity member, steals many scenes in the role of Madeleine and “Multi-Role 1” in her Legacy debut. She is charming as the wise aunt of Michel (“Could You Wait for Love?”) and a riot as various characters in the ensemble. Dickinson was part of the original cast of “Anastasia” and “Bullets Over Broadway on Broadway.

Steve Taylor, who appeared on the ABC soap opera “Loving” when his hair was still brown, plays the role of Terry’s boss and fiancee who loves her “enough for the both of us,” Amber Emerson, who covers for Terry and Phyllis, and Sandy Hook native Dominic Pagliaro, who covers for Michel, play a multitude of roles as they change costumes quickly.

Jamie Burnett was responsible for both scenic and lighting design. In the printed program, the co-directors note that they were captivated by the jewel box of a theater’s golden proscenium frame and chose to create an art-gallery-like wall as their canvas, using vintage travel posters as the backdrops. The first act is set aboard the S.S. Napoli and the second takes place six months later in New York City.

With minimalistic props (by Nate Bloom) and vintage costuming to suggest spaces and characters, they ask patrons to use their imagination to fill in the details “turning this love story into a living work of art.” Costumes designed by Elizabeth Bolster are elegant throughout the two acts, perfectly matching the bygone era.

The new musical includes additional book by Annaliese Jakimides and additional lyrics by Ethan Kanfer.

Fans of the very old movie in which the lovers literally make an appointment to meet at the top of the Empire State Building will probably enjoy this production more than I did, but I appreciated the hard work that has gone into bringing it to the stage.

“Love Affair: A New Musical” continues at Legacy Theatre, located at 128 Thimble Island Rd. in Branford, through Aug. 25. Tickets at tix.com/ticket-sales/LegacyTheatre

Nancy Sasso Janis is a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle (ctcritics.org)

Production Photos by Sam Bibbins