Bringing back Off-Broadway

Ever wonder what happens to those great Off-Broadway musicals once they’ve finished running? Most are never seen again and, sadly, so much talent and music is forgotten. This year, The York Theatre Company, nestled in the lower level of Saint Peter’s on Lexington Avenue, revived several of those Off-Broadway musicals, capping their season with the award-winning “Closer Than Ever” by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire.

In his author’s note, Maltby acknowledged that, although the interpersonal issues facing people are pretty much the same, sometimes there is a “faint whiff of people talking about a different age.” Some of the songs have references to the 1980’s, which is when the show was written. Some things have been updated, as evidenced by cast members constantly playing with their cell phones.

“Closer Than Ever” features a talented quartet of singers with each song almost a story unto itself. Both Jenn Colella (“Urban Cowboy,” “High Fidelity”) and Christiane Noll (“Jekyll and Hyde”) have starred in Broadway shows. Noll, with her beautiful soprano voice, performs many of the more plaintive, mournful songs. Colella, a good comic and fine singer, does several lighter numbers. Rounding out the quartet is George Dvorsky, a big baritone with a comic flair, and Sall Viviano, a talented tenor.

There’s little to no dialogue and no scenery; instead stories are told through song. The first half of the show is concerned with dating and divorce and the search for that special someone. The second act is more about family, parents and children and lost opportunities, so it becomes a bit more plaintive. Consequently there are some songs that are less upbeat and seem to drag on. The set is six doors, which usually suggests a farce, but here the doors represent the first song “Doors” which suggest choices and opportunities, taken and lost. Some of the songs are more moving than others like “There is Something In a Wedding,” while others are funny and clever like “She Loves Me Not.”

“Closer Than Ever” is the final show in the York Theater’s retrospective look at Off-Broadway musicals, but fortunately the run has already been extended. First time around, in 1989, the show won an Outer Critics Award for Best Musical. This time around, it is winning new fans.

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