On a Clear Day
You Can See Forever
Irish Repertory Theatre
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| Photo courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre |
The
Irish Repertory Theatre’s rendition of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever is charming and delightful. Artistic Director Charlotte Moore adapted and
directed this production with a lighthearted touch and a sharp attention to
detail. The cast is diverse and
talented, skillfully bringing the Burton Lane score and Alan Jay Lerner lyrics
to dazzling life. The set design and
projection art by James Morgan captures the time period and engages the
imagination for this fantastical story.
It
is 1960s New York. Daisy Gamble (played
by Melissa Errico) goes to see a psychiatrist to cure her of her smoking
addiction. Dr. Mark Bruckner (played by
Ben Davis) discovers that Daisy has a sixth sense and is highly susceptible to
hypnotic suggestion. While under
hypnosis, she regresses to a previous life in 18th Century
England. She is Melinda Wells, a strong-willed,
passionate, and independent woman, quite opposite from Daisy’s
personality. Dr. Bruckner is beguiled by
Melinda, and schedules Daisy for nightly session. Daisy, sensing Dr. Bruckner’s attraction,
falls in love with him. When she
discovers he is more interested in Melinda, she flees. The flood of images from Melinda’s tragic
death prevents her from leaving. She now
has to face her true feeling.
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| Melissa Errico as Melinda Welles Photo courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre |
Melissa
Errico is heartwarming and likeable as Daisy Gamble. Her portrayal of Melinda Welles is bold and
outspoken. Her singing voice is robust
and full of heart. In her first session
with Dr. Bruckner she sing “Hurry, It’s Lovely Up Here,” where she explains how
she talks to flowers to get them to grow.
It is a gentle, loving, and honest insight to her character. In Act II, after she finds she is not the
main object of Dr. Bruckner’s affection, she sings “What Did I Have That I
Don’t Have?” It is a passionately
delivered, soul searching moment for Ms. Errico.
Ben
Davis is bold and commanding as Dr. Bruckner.
His rendition of the title song in Act I is captivating. His voice soars, filling the theatre with
deep and truthful emotion. In Act II,
when he realizes his true feelings for Daisy, he sings “Come Back to Me,” where
he beckons her to return. It is a daring
and humorous delivery. He and Ms. Errico
have a great romantic chemistry and comic timing.
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| Photo courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre |
The
ensemble is amazing. Music Director John
Bell and Choreographer Barry McNabb keep them sharp and succinct. On a
Clear Day You Can See Forever has been extended through September 6. There’s still time to see this beautifully
done and rarely produced gem.
Domenick Danza
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