Though she protests that she plays too many servants, Kathleen Betsko Yale is marvelously good at parts other actors cast away. She gets all the juice from Clara the maid, and though we may see her as Gertrude and Medea next season, one certainly hopes that she can be coaxed back to play one of her pragmatic menials again soon. This is a handsome production that builds up to its proper momentum. Geraldine Duskin has provided both the set and the very stylish costumes. BABY Mary Kate O'Connell holds the local franchise for David Shire material, and she has, once again, hauled out his Broadway musical Baby to most appealing effect.
Baby tells the tale of three couples and the problems they encounter with fertility and infertility.
The show is moved along with Shire's terrific melodies, complemented by Richard Maltby, Jr.'s equally fine lyrics. Roger Paolini has directed the production and he has worked with some tried and true musical performers, like O'Connell herself, as well as some pleasing new talent. Bill Lovern, Paul Maisano, and Mary Moebius reel in this alternately hokey and soggily sentimental show with great skill. Jessica Gisin proves to have a remarkably good voice, and is paired with Dylan Ezra, who has an unmistakable comic gift. The evening provides a pleasing diversion and offers all the laughter and tears one would expect of a show with the name, Baby.