The silent film, "Bed and Sofa," written and directed by Russian Abram Room in 1927, satirized the housing shortage problems in Moscow. The 1996 musical honors the original film, maintaining a dialogue-free script done only in music and lyrics.
In their opening year, Cygnet Theater presented Bed and Sofa to San Diego. This year, with the opening of the Old Town Theater, it is most fitting that they, again, bring us this amusing musical play. Francis Gercke directs Jordan Miller, Lance Arthur Smith, and Colleen Kollar Smith as visiting Volodya and husband and wife Kolya and Ludmilla.
Since Bed and Sofa is based on a black and white movie, it requires a set and costumes that are only gradations of gray. Lighting has to follow this same stricture of no color. Hair and wig designer Peter Herman and properties designer Bonnie Durben have the same challenges.
Andrew Hull's great set features a highly stylized, cramped one-room apartment with only a folding screen to partially obscure the bed from the living-room sofa. On one side of the primary set, he has created a raised area, which serves as several other locations. On the other side, a second story work area is built for construction worker Kolya's work space.
Adding greatly to the feel of Moscow in the twenties are Corey Johnstone's drab, plain costumes. Sam Lerner's sound design creates very effective sound effects. Eric Lotze's lighting, is, as usual, perfect for the production.
The story is a simple one. Volodya comes to Moscow looking for work. He meets Kolya who insists that he join him and Ludmilla. Volodya sleeps on the sofa. What transpires within the confines of the tiny apartment; however, take the inevitable theatrical twist. Construction worker Kolya gets a job out of town. Well, you get the idea.
There are however many twists and turns in the plot. As a play, this would be amusing; however, as a musical, the plot is enhanced greatly. This extremely talented cast under Gercke's direction takes the story to a higher level. Performing a show totally in music is difficult, and it's interesting how even laughter can be portrayed that way.
The potential of Cygnet's new stage is exciting, with Bed and Sofa taking full advantage of the new facility.
