Days of Wine and Roses - Broadway

Days of Wine and Roses is one of the best musicals to appear on Broadway the last few seasons.  The show is a powerful production that is not always easy to watch as a couple spirals through alcohol addiction.  The musical is anchored by the virtuoso performances of Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James, who both are almost constantly on stage during the 100 minute, intermission-less production.  It is an event when either of these consummate actors appear on a Broadway stage.  Having both of them perform together is an absolute thrill.

 

Director Michael Grief reveals a deft hand in guiding the production.  He carefully paces the show, building from the gaiety, feelgood moments of two adults indulging in drink to the raw, emotional effects of the disease and its impact on loved ones.  Working with librettist Craig Lucas’ no-holds book, the Director pulls no punches as he traces the ups and downs of the main characters.  Lizzie Clachan’s Scenic Design is superb as it varies from the opulent lifestyle of a couple on the high to the dreary comeuppance of a family on the skids.  Her greenhouse set is beautifully rendered until an inebriated D’Arcy James takes hold of it.

 

The plot, as with the movie of the same name, focuses on Joe Clay (Brian D’Arcy James), a good-natured public relations man.  Already an accomplished drinker, he meets Kirsten Arnesen (Kelli O’Hara), an Executive Assistant to the head of the company they both work at.  A teetotaler, she is introduced to drinking by Clay at a casual get-together.  Soon, they become inseparable from each other and the bottle.  As their lives progress through marriage and a child, their boozing becomes more prevalent.  Personal and family crises ensue.  There is recover and relapse.  In the end, there is somewhat of a resolution, but the hoped for (at least by this critic) happy ending is fleeting.

 

Bookwriter Craig Lucas has crafted a pair of fully drawn, three-dimensional characters, fully embodied by O’Hara and James.  Both, veterans of many Broadway productions over the past 25 years, they deliver impressive and heartbreaking performances.  The show would not have the same impact with less versatile and experienced actors.  Bryon Jennings, as O’Hara’s stoic, no-nonsense father, also puts forth a notable portrayal. 

 

Days of Wine and Roses has music and lyrics by Adam Guettel (Light in the Piazza).  His work lacks the overall melodic lilt of mainstay Broadway musicals and has a sameness to the lush, sometimes operatic score.  I found his work functioning more for character developing and moving the story forward.  In a way, the show comes across more as a play with numerous musical interludes.  This isn’t a knock of Guettel’s music and lyrics.  They actually strengthen the production.  However, I won’t be playing many of the songs on my 24/7 online Broadway radio station, SoundsofBroadway.com.

 

Days of Wine and Roses, a show worth catching before it closes on March 31.