Berkshires Trip Well-Spent at the World Premiere of ‘Cedar Street’

Experience a captivating love story between two mature adults in the world premiere of “On Cedar Street.” This musical, created by the composer of “The Secret Garden,” is currently being showcased at the Berkshire Theatre Group, featuring an incredible cast and creative team from Broadway.

The show opened on Saturday night and will continue its run until September 2nd.

Witness the compelling performance of Stephen Bogardus, known for his appearances in numerous Broadway shows, including “Love! Valour! Compassion!,” alongside Lauren Ward, acclaimed for her portrayal of Matilda in London and New York City, as they portray Louis and Addie, a widowed couple entering their senior years. The musical is set in present-day eastern Colorado, where the backdrop of worsening drought and wildfire risks adds an element of unease. The innovative set design by Reid Thompson, combined with projections by Shawn Edward Boyle, creates a visually striking experience on BTG’s Unicorn Stage.

Both Louis and Addie carry emotional baggage from their past marriages and struggle with strained relationships with their adult children. Alone and guarded, they find solace in one another when Addie surprising asks Louis to share a bed platonically, in the hopes of finding comfort in their sleep. A tender romance blossoms, but is soon threatened by Addie’s son, Gene, a struggling small business owner with a troubled marriage. Gene presents Addie with an ultimatum: she can either continue seeing Louis or have a relationship with her grandson. The situation becomes even more complicated with the introduction of their Cedar Street neighbors, including Ruth, a passionate town council member advocating for anti-fire measures, and Lloyd, an outspoken right-winger. Their interactions pose further challenges for Louis and Addie’s relationship.

“On Cedar Street” draws inspiration from Kent Haruf’s novel “Our Souls at Night,” which was adapted into a Netflix film starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. The musical’s book is written by Emily Mann, a seasoned playwright and Broadway director, known for her work at McCarter Theatre Center. Mann masterfully crafts complex and fully-formed characters in Louis and Addie, portrayed flawlessly by Bogardus and Ward. Their authenticity and palpable chemistry are complemented by their beautiful voices.

The enchanting music of “On Cedar Street” is composed by Lucy Simon, who previously created “The Secret Garden” in 1991. The score, with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, contains approximately 18 songs that occasionally leave a lasting impact, particularly within Addie’s character. However, some songs feel rushed and lack the standout moments that are often found in musicals.

While the show possesses great potential, there are some areas that would benefit from further attention. The script could benefit from the guidance of an exacting dramaturge to address inconsistencies and minor issues. Additionally, the casting choices made by director Susan H. Schulman may raise questions about the ages of certain characters. Despite these concerns, Berkshire Theatre Group should be commended for assembling such a talented cast and crew for the world premiere of “On Cedar Street.” Comparable to “The Bridges of Madison County,” this musical carries a heartfelt story and deserves a promising future. The love between Louis and Addie is one that audiences can truly invest in and believe.

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