Theatrius
  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us
  • Search Icon

Theatrius

Theater Reviews—San Francisco and Beyond

“Starting Here, Starting Now” Sings of Romantic Interludes—at SF Playhouse

“Starting Here, Starting Now” Sings of Romantic Interludes—at SF Playhouse

September 16, 2021 Patricia L. Morin

Shire & Maltby Create a Collage of Musical Delights

by Patricia L. Morin

San Francisco Playhouse, under the innovative direction of Susi Damilano and Choreographer Nicole Helfer, offers us a refreshing “Welcome Back” from the horrors of the pandemic.

Although “Starting Here, Starting Now” goes easy on storyline, the show leans heavily on the ups and downs of romance. Composer David Shire and lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. evoke touching experiences that we have all shared.

Happiness is fragile in this musical, but optimism is its binding golden thread. Maltby’s heart-felt lyrics are ingenious, backed by the Shire’s diverse musical skills.

Keith Pinto, Melissa WolfKlain, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, and Rinabeth Apostol. Photos by Jessica Palopoli.

We are immediately drawn in by consummate music director and pianist David Dubrosky’s onstage orchestra. Dubrosky sits backstage center at his piano and rhythm section, with Amanda Wu on bass and Russ Rold at percussions.

The front stage, with two small platforms on the sides, features creative movement designed by choreographer Nicole Helfer. Bright lights frame the stage as they dance to vivacious vaudeville tunes.

Excitement fills the air as the audience settled in for live entertainment. I was exhilarated again with a sense of the “We” as I watched people whispering to each other in anticipation.

Rinabeth Apostol and Melissa WolfKlain, as well as Wilson Jermaine Heredia and Keith Pinto, sing and dance with verve. I was amazed by their syncopation and tightly coordinated rhythm. Each ensemble member’s solo performance shines.

Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Rinabeth Apostol, Keith Pinto, and Melissa WolfKlain

Standouts for me include a humorous and cunning song, “Crossword Puzzle,” sung by talented WolfKlain. A dejected woman works on a Sunday New York Times puzzle, and laments that she drove her boyfriend away by knowing all the answers first.

“I Don’t Remember Christmas,” sung by versatile Pinto, depicts a bitter, wounded man who tries to convince himself that he has forgotten all the good times with his ex-lover.

During speedy costume changes behind a screen, the company sings, “I don’t believe it … one bit,” demonstrating the facades that people hide behind. Two gay men furtively love each other; a Texas wife endures a cold husband; and Pinto extols couple-swapping to please his wife.

Melissa Wolfklain and Keith Pinto

Shire and Maltby cover emotions ranging from joy to disappointment, from bitterness to resentment and confusion. But they mostly explore the same theme: finding the right person, being able to live with them, and keeping them. They also question: “What could I have done differently?”

This musical is inspiring.  The various scores, new for these pieces, also adopt a new style for each story. Pieces like “Autumn,” a beautiful Ballad sung by Apostol, recalls the emptiness of the season when her love left. “Flair,” with flashing lights aglow, feels like a 60s revival. And “One Step,” with singing and complex coordinated tap-dancing, offers us an old Broadway thrill.

The songs go full circle from “Love” to “A New Life Coming,” leaving audience members jumping out of their seats at the end.

For a respite from this crazy world, see “Starting Here, Starting Now” and feel renewed.

Keith Pinto, Rinabeth Apostol, & Wilson Jermaine Heredia

“Starting Here, Starting Now” –music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., directed by Susi Damilano and Nicole Helfer, set design by Heather Kenyon, music directed by Dave Dobrusky, choreography by Nicole Helfer. at San Francisco Playhouse.  Info: SFPlayhouse.org– Live & Online – to October 2, 2021.

Cast: Rinabeth Apostol, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Keith Pinto, and Melissa WolfKlain.

Banner photo: Rinabeth Apostol, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, and Melissa WolfKlain. Photos by Jessica Palopoli.


Dance, Musical, Plays
comedy, Dance, feminism, friendship, hope, love, marriage, music, Musical, Romance, women

Post navigation

NEXT
“Stoop Stories”: Jeunée Simon Energizes N.Y. Tales —Streaming Aurora
PREVIOUS
“Cry It Out” Examines Two New Moms’ Loving Kinship—at Cinnabar 
Comments are closed.

Menu

  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us

BLM

Black Lives Matter

Subscribe for upcoming reviews!
Loading

Current Shows

  • “Private” Tears A Marriage Wide Open—at SFBATCO
  • “Dry Powder” Spotlights Wall Street Power-Brokers—at Left Edge
  • “Pride and Prejudice, The Musical” Enchants with Sass & Satire—at Ross Valley
  • “Clue” Melds Mystery & Comedy into Entertaining Adventure—at SF Playhouse
  • “Donna”: Intimate Interviews Celebrate Trans Triumphs—On Screen
  • “Fannie”: Sixties Spirituals Pave Path to Freedom—at TheatreWorks
  • “’Tasha” Tackles Raw Racism—at 3Girls
  • “Tea Party” Brews Up a Cup of America—at The Strand
  • “A Raisin in the Sun” Explodes with Drama and Power—at 6th Street
  • “Cambodian Rock Band” Deserves Its Standing Ovation—at Berkeley Rep
  • “Cambodian Rock Band” Mixes Nostalgic Hits with Terror—at Berkeley Rep
  • “Fun Home” Seduces with Strong Songs & Sultry Sass—at Berkeley Playhouse
  • “Anything Goes”: It’s Delightful, It’s Delicious, It’s De-lovely—at 42nd Street Moon
  • “SIX, The Musical” Celebrates Women’s Freedom & Individuality—at BroadwaySF
  • “Fun Home” Bursts with Love & Feeling—at Berkeley Playhouse

About us:

If you want to see the best plays & performances around the San Francisco Bay or beyond, read our reviews. We promise to give you a true report on the best shows.
Bay Area Critics Circle

Barry David Horwitz, Editor of Theatrius, is a Voting Member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics' Circle, SFBATCC. Follow us on: facebook.com

© 2023   All Rights Reserved.