Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

October 15, 2024

REVIEW: K and E Theater Group, “Promises, Promises”

K and E Theater Group, Northampton, MA
through October 20, 2024
by Michael J. Moran
 
The original production of “Promises, Promises” in 1968 boasted a witty book by Neil Simon, a brilliant score by Burt Bacharach, and clever lyrics by Hal David and won two Tony Awards. Its mix of light-hearted satire and serious drama can be challenging to balance and may explain why the show has only been revived on Broadway once. But K and E’s ebullient production seems to have found the sweet spot for putting it across to modern audiences.   
 
Based on Billy Wilder’s 1960 film “The Apartment” and set in 1962 Manhattan, the story focuses on Chuck Baxter, a junior executive in a large insurance company, who hopes to advance his career by lending his apartment to his married superiors for trysts. Chuck also falls for Fran Kubelik, a waitress in the company cafeteria. Romantic complications ensue, taking an unexpected turn for the worse, before a hard-won happy ending for the leading couple.

Dion, Choquette and Berube
Casey Dion is an appealing Chuck, softening his fierce ambition with self-deprecating
narrative asides to the audience. Shealyn Berube is a sympathetic Fran, whose ambition is more for love than status. Joshua Aaron Mason is haughty as company personnel manager J.D. Sheldrake. Myka Plunkett is a hoot as flirting Marge MacDougall, and Gene Choquette is hilarious as Chuck’s neighbor, Dr. Dreyfuss, who delivers some of Simon’s funniest lines with perfect timing. The vehemence of Aileen Merino Terzi’s parting words to Mr. Sheldrake as Miss Olson, his secretary, also reveals an edgy MeToo sensibility in the script of this “Mad Men” era tale.

Musical highlights include: an exuberant “Overture,” which showcases Bacharach’s catchy irregular rhythms and wordless choruses; Berube’s stunning “I Say a Little Prayer” and “A House Is Not a Home;” the playful “A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing,” by Dion and Plunkett; and Dion’s powerful take on the title song. Music Director Elizabeth Monte’s seven-member onstage band offers animated support, notably Laura Ross’ mellow guitar and Pete Grimaldi’s hot trumpet.
 
Director-choreographer Eddie Zitka (the “E” of K and E, with co-founding partner Ken Comia) keeps his 13-member cast in constant motion, rhythmically moving elements of his ingeniously minimal set on and off the Northampton Center for the Arts stage. Period-appropriate costume design by Moonyean Field and Zitka adds further zest. 
 
This entertaining trip down memory lane is highly recommended for mature theatergoers.