
DATE: Thursday, May 15, 1997                TAG: 9705130177

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 04   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: THEATER REVIEW 

SOURCE: Montague Gammon III 

                                            LENGTH:   66 lines

LITTLE THEATRE'S ``I DO, I DO'' A PLEASANT PRODUCTION

The Little Theatre of Norfolk finishes its 70th anniversary season with an easily likable production of the two-character musical ``I Do! I Do!''

The cliche about a young man's fancy at this time of year can apply to theaters as well. Kicking off subscription campaigns for the upcoming season, companies frequently turn to the tried-and-true appeal of romances for their spring shows. So it is with this show. ``I Do! I Do!'' a sweetly toned musical adaptation of an old warhorse called ``The Fourposter,'' follows Agnes and Michael from their wedding in the late 1890s through the day, 50 years later, when they move out of their big home for a smaller apartment.

They are enchanted but nervous at the ceremony, embarrassed but eager as they prepare for their wedding night, and in general pretty predictable as they live through all the phases of a generally happy and genuinely loving marriage, including the stresses that threaten to split them apart.

The pleasure of this show, smoothly directed and choreographed by David L. Burton, comes from the familiarity of the couple's experiences. Hardly any person will be unable to identify with some part of what these two experience.

Amusing bits of irony do pop up now and again. The newlyweds sing about how they can ``throw away every care and doubt'' because ``that's what married life is all about.'' ``It's a Well-Known Fact'' is a funny but biting look at male vanity, as the 40ish husband boasts that men grow more attractive with age while women's looks decline.

Agnes answers Michael's vanity with plans to be a middle-aged femme fatale in ``Flaming Agnes,'' a near show-stopper. This song and dance number is one of the best moments for Heather Renken, whose performance is a key element of the production's strength.

Renken often relies upon a toothy smile that blends a hint of youthful mischieviousness with an eager openness to all that life offers. Her basic character is pert and pretty, smart, chipper and girlish no matter what age Agnes has reached.

For the charming exuberance she displays, Renken seems to be playing close to her personal base line. That is, we're seeing the stock personality with which all her characterizations begin, before script and direction would draw her into more complexity. There is a sense she has untapped talents, like a thoroughbred pulling a cart.

In harness with her, and doing a very creditable job, is Michael Skoraszewski. He too is experienced and talented, projecting a native sincerity and singing in a pleasant voice.

His big moment is the duet ``My Cup Runneth Over,'' the song that Ed Ames picked up and recycled to great popularity. The lyrics have more impact as an exchange of affection than they did as a solo.

Under the musical direction of Leslie Draper, the two players blend their voices well in all their numbers. A layman gets the impression that Renken is more at home in a higher register than this score usually offers her, but she and Skoraszewski are always quite enjoyable to hear.

The whole show is pleasant, unthreatening, unchallenging, sweet and deserves popularity. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: ``I Do! I Do!'' book and lyrics by Tom Jones, music by

Harvey Schmidt

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 18.

WHERE: Little Theatre of Norfolk, 801 Claremont Ave.

TICKETS: 627-8551