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Review
A Fine and Private Place
York Theatre, St. Peter's Church
May 6, 2006
Morgan Wycks
mwycks@nyconstage.org
When musicals like A Fine & Private Place hit the boards, it's time to pack it in and join those in that fine and private place, i.e., the boneyard. It's not uncommon these days to see dead people talking, but when they sing too, it gets a little precious, particularly when they reduce arguments about murder and suicide to the level of domestic battles concerning whose turn it is to take out the garbage (though I'm not sure if dead people have garbage). As for the living and breathing, a chess playing homeless man and a Jewish widow may not have it as bad as the dead that surround them, but they're not particularly interesting either. Add to this group a sniping raven … well Mr. Poe used one ever so much better. The score by Erik Haagensen (lyrics) and Richard Isen (music) has that wannabe Sondheim feel to it and Director Gabriel Barre keeps the actors and James Morgan's scenery constantly moving to no effect. As a proponent for R.I.P., I think it's time everyone, living and dead, obey that command.
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