| "The talented and prolific Morris Bobrow has done it again. He has come up with an entertaining 90 minute two-hander musical gem with all the earmarks for a long run. This time around Bobrow explores the relationship of a couple who meet by chance, are mutually attracted, eventually move in together, going through the trials and tribulations we all recognize from movies and TV, and maybe from your own experience. What makes this show a winner is Bobrow's extremely clever lyrics. The names of our potential lovers are simply Charlie, a writer, and Rebecca, a real estate person, who both profess that they prefer to have "romance at a distance." They meet and the rhyming couplets come fast and furious. There are love songs, ballads, ditties, patter songs and even a tango. This gives you an appreciation of what you're in for with this charming musical." -----for all events |
| "Party of 2 - The Mating Musical . . . a musical gem If you believe in love, and well you should, you must not miss this delightful bon-bon, a mini-operetta about the relationship of two independent people who meet, mate and move in together. The observations in this fast-paced and captivating production are profound and all too true. Bobrow's lyrics show an intelligent depth and understanding of human nature, its foibles and its penchant to rip itself into shreds of doubt. We are indeed our own worst enemies and in a relationship, the discomfort we create for ourselves doubles. Every sequence contains a solid nugget of really lovely truth, like when the two sing, "If we can do nothing together, then, together, there is nothing we can't do." So funny, so real, so true. You do not want to miss this wonderful slice of modern reality and discover Bobrow's solution to the souring relationship and the uncomfortable marriage. All the songs are memorable. The pace of this musical is perfect, the singing unforgettable and the script as authentic as it is funny. This reviewer cannot think of a better way to spend a Friday evening." --- San Francisco Bay Times |
REVIEWS
| "An Appealing Production of Party of 2 Party of 2: The Mating Musical is currently playing at the intimate Shelton Theater. Two charismatic singers and actors, Jennifer Ekman and Scott Gessford, make this young couple a pleasure to watch. Morris Bobrow wrote the music and lyrics of this charming chamber musical (he also wrote Shopping! The Musical which is now in its 5th year at the cozy Shelton Theater.) Party of 2 is full of tuneful songs with clever lyrics about a couple who meet at a party. There are love songs, patter songs and even a tango called "Before You," attractively choreographed by Jayne Zaban. The couple discovers they are attracted to each other, sex is good and so they move in together. However, there are trials and tribulations when they are living together. It's not a bed of roses. Each song advances the storyline, such as Charlie (Scott Gessford), a writer of commercials, opening the show with "I Like To Be Alone," singing that he likes romance from a distance. That soon changes when he meets Rebecca (Jennifer Ekman) at a party. It looks like love at first sight. However, she sings "Been Here" since she has just come from a failed relationship with a guy named Dave (not seen in this production). Charlie is hot to trot and he sings a snappy rendition of "We're On." Finally, Charlie and Rebecca happily sing the upbeat "Chapter Two," a consummation of sex. The couple moves into an apartment expecting that life will be a bed of roses, but there are thorns among the roses. Charlie has to compete with Rebecca's cat and dog for the girl's affection. He sings 'Number Three,' with lines like 'cat and dog, then me' and 'at least I'm Number One with two legs.' He also has to contend with Rebecca always talking about her last lover, Dave, and Charlie soulfully sings 'Dave.' The later numbers show the strain of living together since Charlie still has a wandering eye. Even the sex is not as good and he takes to watching porno movies to get into the mood. I won't tell how it ends but it is a realistic ending. Scott Gessford gives a beguiling and charismatic performance as Charlie. He has a full-flavored voice singing the tuneful songs and bright lyrics by Morris Bobrow. Jennifer Ekman with a bell clear voice gives a brilliant performance as Rebecca. They have great chemistry together." --------talkin' broadway |
| PARTY OF 2 The Mating Musical |
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| Nominated for 4 San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards For Outstanding Achievement In Performing, Directing and Entire Production |