My History of Marriage

Nan is a forty-something New York writer who has been in "post-divorce paralysis" for three years. Her friend and agent, Judy, has landed her a lucrative book deal, expanding on an article Nan did years earlier on the history of the marital institution. Proving anew that no one wants to live in an institution, Nan traces the history of her own failed marriage and of marriage in general, from Neanderthal times to the present. While the subject in real life may not always be all that enjoyable, "My History of Marriage" is highly enjoyable, thanks to a sprightly and competent cast of eight, two dozen effective songs (especially the duets), and topflight direction, choreography and technical credits.

As Nan, Lois Robbins provides the deliciously believable throughline for Lee Kalcheim's witty libretto. As Judy, Bonnie Franklin is sometimes relegated to subplot Siberia, but she ably delivers the first-act showstopper, replete with soft-shoe dance, about how a little girl who was gay in the Astaire-Rogers sense grew up to be not only gay in the modern sense but "lighter than air and grounded in me." Come to think of it, Franklin also made the most of a similar dichotomy between secondary character and showstopper in the original Broadway cast of "Applause" some 40 years ago. Franklin furthers the gay theme and the plot in a second-act duet called "Ozzie and Harriet" with Brittney Lee Hamilton as Ellen, Judy's life partner. Of course, the lyrics make reference to "Harriet and Harriet." 

The rest of the cast are equal to neatly melding past and present takes on marriage. Steve Blanchard as Nan's ex-husband, Michael Liscio, Jr. as their son, and Brian Sutherland as an ethically challenged and lascivious book editor are all a joy to behold. Philip Hoffman as Nan's suitor, a rabbi who started out as a stand-up comic, is especially memorable when he sings Shire's "Jackie Mason in Reverse." David Shire wrote most of the music and lyrics, Lee Kalcheim wrote the book and contributed lyrics, while Samuel Lord Kalcheim composed additional music. Despite the confusing credits, the score comes out all of a piece. Michael Bush has directed the proceedings with knowing élan, and choregrapher Kelli Barclay deserves special mention for her dances with desk chairs. A hand for the all-important band: musical director Steven Ray Watkins on paino, Jon Berger on drums and Julie Danielson on bass.

Presented by Just My Luck Productions as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival at the Signature Theatre Company's Peter Norton Space, 555 W. 42nd St., NYC. Oct. 5–14. Remaining performances: Sun., Oct. 9, 5 and 9 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 12 and Fri., Oct. 14, 9 p.m. (212) 352-3101 or www.nymf.org. Casting by Stephanie Klapper.