The Baker’s Wife

 The Baker’s Wife
Classic Stage Company
November 15, 2025

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

The Classic Stage Company production of The Baker’s Wife is lush, romantic, and heartwarming.  This Joseph Stein / Stephen Schwartz musical was originally scheduled to open on Broadway in 1976, but, due to numerous production challenges, never did.  Joseph Stein’s book is fresh and vivid.  Stephen Schwatrtz’s music and lyrics are emotionally stirring.  The collaboration between director Gordon Greenberg and choreographer Stephanie Klemons gives this gem of a musical the life it deserves.  The staging is brilliant, and the stellar cast is superb. 

The people of a small village in France gather to welcome the new baker, Aimable (played by Scott Bakula), and his much younger wife, Geneviève (played by Ariana DeBose).  Since the previous baker’s passing, they have all missed the enticing aroma of fresh baked bread pervading the air in the early morning.  Aimable exceeds everyone’s expectations with his breads, croissants, and sweet pastries.  When Dominigue (played by Kevin William Paul) stops into the bakery to pick up the Marquis’ order, he is smitten by Geneviève.  He tries to charm her, but she makes it clear that she is married and not interested.  This does not discourage Dominique.  He continues to pursue her, until she finally gives in and runs off with him.  Aimable is heartbroken and unable to bake any longer.  The people of the village unite to find Geneviève and bring her back.    

Ariana DuBose
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

Ariana DuBose and Scott Bakula are amazing together as Aimable and Geneviève.  Their bond is strong from their first entrance, and their mutual affection is palpable.  As the audience gets to know them, the flaw in their relationship that allows Geneviève to succumb to Dominique’s masculine charms becomes evident.  Geneviève comes to a solemn realization after leaving her husband.  Ms. DuBose plays this moment with sincerity in the song “Where is the Warmth?”  Scott Bakula genuinely portrays Aimable’s broken heart when Geneviève leaves him.  He goes into deep denial, causing a lethargic depression.  The scene where he is reunited with Geneviève is skillfully written, exposing the intense despair and betrayal felt by Aimable.  Mr. Bakula plays this flawlessly, masking his feelings, then igniting an emotional outburst, then finally addressing his wife with direct honesty.  

Ariana DuBose, Scott Bakula, & the Cast
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

The passion of the full story is explored through the people of this small village and how they open their hearts to the new baker and his young wife.  Judy Kuhn is endearing as Denise.  Her husband, Claude (played by Robert Cuccioli), continually takes her for granted.  The love for his wife is rekindled when Geneviève returns to Aimable.  It is a heartwarming moment.  Alma Cuervo is feisty as Therese, who comes to her senses and leaves her emotionally abusive husband, Barnaby (played by Manu Narayan).  This adds sadness to the otherwise happy ending, yet completes the story with a simple layer of reality.  All the people of the village transform through their experience with the baker’s loss and reunification with his wife.  Mr. Narayan and Mr. Cuccioli develop a comically antagonistic rapport as Barnaby and Claude that resolves itself when they partner to search for Geneviève.  There are also outstanding performances by Arnie Burton, Kevin Del Aguila, Nathan Lee Graham, Sally Murphy and Kevin William Paul.

Judy Kuhn
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

The scenic design, by Jason Sherwood, is ingenious.  It surrounds the Classic Stage Company three-quarter space, fully enveloping the audience in the atmosphere of this small French village.  It is a quaint and warm setting, and beautifully executed. 

The Classic Stage Company production of The Baker’s Wife has been extended through December 21.  Ariana DuBose’s moving rendition of “Meadowlark” in the first act is not to be missed.  Get a ticket right away!  

Domenick Danza

Company

 Company
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
July 6, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Company

Director Marianne Elliott has successfully transported Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company into the 21^st Century.  The Broadway revival examines the phases of life and relationships, and gives you pause to ponder what it takes to get through them.  You think about who you have to become to find happiness.  You wonder why the things that work for someone else are not right for you.  The choreography by Liam Steel is sharp, witty, and fast paced.  His movement and staging further explores the dichotomy in Mr. Sondheim’s lyrics, the deep and personal dive in Mr. Furth’s book, and Ms. Elliot’s bold, neon-light interpretation of the piece.

It’s Bobbie’s (played by Katrina Lenk) thirty-fifth birthday.  Her friends are throwing her a surprise party.  She’d rather be alone.  All her friends are married.  Bobbie evaluates her life by looking at her own reflection through the eyes of her friends and their relationships.  They want her to get married, yet all of their relationships bring up a fear of commitment.  There are three men she has been seeing: PJ (played by Bobby Conte), Theo (played by Manu Narayan), and Andy (played by Claybourne Elder).  Each one brings out a different aspect of her personality and desires, but none of them gives her what she really needs.  It is her friend, Joanne (played by Patti Lupone), who finally pushes Bobbie to take an honest look and accept herself as she is. 

Katrina Lenk & the Cast of Company
Photo courtesy of Company

Katrina Lenk brings a vibrant perspective to the role of Bobbie, who was originally written as a male character.  She has a strong, beguiling presence and a superb singing voice.  Her character’s search is sincere, even though it is more motivated by the people around her than from her individual need.  This creates confusion for the character, which is genuinely portrayed.  It is through the search itself that she discovers her own need.  It is an interesting interpretation and journey, with a palpable ending.  Her rendition of “Marry Me a Little,” which is added to the end of Act I, is stunning.  

Terence Archie Patti Lupone, & Katrina Lenk
Photo courtesy of Company

Patti Lupone holds nothing back as Joanne.  She tells it like it is, and does not allow Bobbie to evade the issue at hand.  She holds up a clear mirror for Bobbie to take a cold, direct look at herself.  Her performance of “The Ladies Who Lunch” is honest and sad, yet grounded in a will to survive. 

Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber are hysterical as Sarah and Harry.  Matt Doyle and Jacob Dickey (understudy) are neurotic and romantic as Jamie and Paul.  Jeff Kready and Nikki Renée Daniels are endearing as David and Jenny.  Rashida Scott and Javier Ignacio (understudy) are full or surprises as Susan and Peter.  Terence Archie is grounded and solid as Joanne’s third husband, Larry.  

Claybourne Elder plays the flight attendant, Andy, for every possible laugh.  His timing is perfect.  He plays the character with a superbly dry balance of naivete and brazen sex appeal.  Bobby Conte’s interpretation of “Another Hundred People” is unique and effective.  Manu Narayan portrays Theo with a refreshing and heartbreaking sincerity. 

Bobby Conte & Katrina Lenk
Photo courtesy of Company

The set, designed by Bunny Christie, depicts numerous NYC apartments that inhabit the action.  The geometric spaces create stringent, realistic limitation.  The structures move and connect in unexpected ways and at unexpected times.  Lighting, designed by Neil Austin, creates an open, vast atmosphere that closes in on the tight, crowded living spaces.  He then illuminates them with neon lights boarders to highlight the intimacy of the action. 

Company is closing on July 31.  If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to get your ticket right away.  It is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. 

Domenick Danza