I Do, I Do is an Interesting choice in a Splashy Season

Wedding night jitters, family, mid-life crises and quarrels.  Fifty years of love and marriage is at the center of this intimate musical theatre work set to a tuneful, charming score by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, including the pop hit “My Cup Runneth Over.” 

This was an interesting play, it's hard to get into a play with only two characters (especially after some of the big splashy musicals like The Producers or Annie Get Your Gun) - but I was game to try, there were some hilarious moments based on all the good stereotypes, and some uncomfortable ones (maybe because the acting was so good?). 

I personally wouldn't have had the intermission after a pretty headed fight scene, and a lead into make-up sex but that's me. It was an interesting drama/ comedy in a splashy season of musicals.

“I Do! I Do!” stars real-life couple Matthew Ashford and Christina Saffran Ashford (pictured right) as Michael and Agnes. Audiences may recognize Ashford as Jack Devereaux on NBC's “Days of Our Lives.” Saffran Ashford may be recognizable from the variety of vocals she has recorded for movies, including “Aladdin,” “Mulan,” and “Enchanted.”

Both are familiar to Sacramento audiences, as Mr. Ashford played Thomas Jefferson in “1776” and Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls.” Ms. Saffran Ashford performed in productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Singin' in the Rain,” “Grease” and “White Christmas.” The production is directed by Emmy-nominated director Will Mackenzie.

 

I Do! I Do!  August 16-21, 2011  at the Wells Fargo Pavilion 1419 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814    Book and lyrics by Tom Jones.  Music by Harvey Schmidt. Based on the play "The Fourposter" by Jan de Hartog.