A Catered Affair, based on Paddy Chayefsky's teleplay, now with a book by Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by John Bucchino-- what a pleasure! A show with content, clever counterpoints of action, sweet lyrics with non-obvious rhymes, engagingly constructed music, and a great cast.
The setup is simple: should a poor, working-class family spend their last dollar on a big wedding? Faith Prince, as the mother, is brilliant and fully immersed in her character. Tom Wopat is fine as the father, and Harvey Fierstein is not immersed at all but very entertaining as the uncle. The young couple, Leslie Kritzer and Matt Cavenaugh are lovely. David Gallo's set is extraordinary, as is the lighting by Brian MacDevitt. Costumes by Ann Hould-Ward are perfect. It's all exquisitely directed by John Doyle.
A musical with depth, feeling and high-level artistry in all areas; not mere entertainment, but still totally entertaining. A 95 minute masterpiece.
