There’s a song in the air in downtown Annapolis, in the form of The Baker’s Wife, The Colonial Players’ latest production. It’s a musical based on a 1938 French film of the same name (La Femme de Boulanger). The Colonial Players’ production runs through March 30, as part of the theater’s Diamond Anniversary season, celebrating their 75th year.
The Baker’s Wife is set in 1935 in a French village, that we are introduced to in song by Denise (Shelly Work), the wife of the owner of the local café. The local baker has recently died, leaving the town without bread for weeks. They are thrilled at the arrival of the town’s new baker, Aimable (Steven J. Hoochuk) who arrives with his beautiful and much younger Genevieve (Sydne Lyons). This spirit of happiness doesn’t last, however, because a young man, named Dominique (Kirk Patton), notices Genevieve and begins to woo her. Genevieve initially rebuffs his advances, but things begin to get more complicated. Aimable despairs over his relationship woes and stops baking, much to the horror of the rest of the town, who then make it their mission to fix their marriage so they can have bread again.
The Baker’s Wife is filled with wonderful songs and a sincere message about what can happen when neighbors work together, even if that togetherness is inspired by baked goods. It’s a very funny script with many laugh out loud moments with the wacky townspeople. It also has its share of really emotional moments, especially as Genevieve wonders about the direction her life is going in, as well as when Aimable grieves his wife’s unhappiness. The cast of 20 performers is very talented and brings life to the material. Another really impressive thing about the show is how they have produced a full musical in such a small space. Shows at the Colonial Players are done in the round, which means that the audience is in the middle of the action. Things are up close, but never feel crowded, thanks to Michelle Bruno’s direction. There is even live music from a band led by Music Director Levar Betts.
Do the citizens get their carbs back? You have to see the show to find out, and I highly recommend that you do!
The Baker’s Wife
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Joseph Stein
The Colonial Players
March 1-March 30, 2024
Tickets at https://thecolonialplayers.org/
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