I Do! I Do at Westchester Broadway Theatre brings chuckles of recognition from the audience. Marriage just hasn’t changed all that much over the years. Covering half a century, from 1920 to 1972, the musical is based on the Jan de Hartog play The Fourposter. In fact, the bed in the center of the room is the third character on stage.

Michael and Agnes Snow anticipate a life together filled with nothing but blue skies; they have to learn to cope with the storms that are inevitable in the process of building a strong relationship. Stress appears when Agnes gets pregnant, then gets pregnant again. The set fills up with toys, and the money begins to dwindle. Bickering increases, and Michael turns out to be the kind of guy who assures his wife he’ll be able to fill his time with other activities while she looks after the babies.

I Do! I Do! was written for Mary Martin and Robert Preston. In 1967, they were the Broadway stars of the day. Then as now, a simple set was used; it was designed to reflect the fact that nothing extraneous would detract from their performances. A trunk at the foot of the bed contains an elaborate hat for the “Flamin’ Agnes” number, and there are costume and hair changes throughout the show. But the main focus, just two forceful characters relating to each other, remains intact.

The music is beautifully integrated into the story; “My Cup Runneth Over” and “What Is A Woman?” are probably the best known. The melodies are strong and straight forward; the book and lyrics by Tom Jones and the music by Harvey Schmidt reflect their most famous collaboration, The Fantasticks. There are also echoes of The Music Man and My Fair Lady. The score is very much of its day, and the antithesis of Sondheim’s complicated work, which now dominates American musical theater.

Mark Zimmerman as Michael, and Lauri Landry as Agnes, have big shoes to fill. They do an admirable job, particularly in the fight scenes. Their battle over expenses, infidelity, and jockeying for power in the relationship leads to Agnes walking out, and Michael carrying her back in. We root for these two crazy kids turned troubled adults. Zimmerman and Landry ably bring them to life.

Each actor has strong credentials. Mark Zimmerman not only has been in the theater for 30 years, appeared in seven Broadway shows and a number of national tours; he also was President of Actors’ Equity from 2006 through 2009. If he looks familiar, you may recognize him from his over 500 commercials and numerous TV appearances.

Lauri Landry is equally professional. Her resume is filled with Broadway shows, national tours, and prestigious concerts. TV fans will recognize this lovely actress as Nicole Love of the soap Another World.

I Do! I Do! runs through March 20th. Westchester Broadway is the finest dinner theater in our area; I recommend the prime rib. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, and a perfect setting for any celebration.

Westchester Broadway Theatre
1 Broadway Plaza
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-592-2222; www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. She is a voting member of Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association, International Association of Theatre Critics. www.michalljeffers.com