A Review of Romance/Romance

by Meghan D'Souza
 

Photo by Emily McKnight

Iowa City - Lean in, I've got a secret. I've had a long week and wasn't sure that I was in the mood for two one act musicals. On a normal day, I'm excited to see a play or musical that I've not heard of, but on Friday? My brain was on cruise control and wanted to be spoon fed something familiar in a familiar format:

Enter theatre.
Sit.
Watch.
Become engaged.
Enjoy a cookie during intermission.
Consider favorite parts, why they are favorites, and what I hope to see more of in second act.
Sit.
Watch.
Contemplate feelings of play.

Backstage with Romance/Romance

Photo by Emily McKnight

Iowa City - This weekend, the Iowa City Community Theatre will present a lesser known musical, Romance/Romance, book and lyrics by Barry Harman and music by Keith Herrmann. The show wasn't originally part of their season, but a replacement for the large cast show The Man Who Came to Dinner, which was canceled when the theatre couldn't find enough actors. By contrast, Romance/Romance has only four actors, all of which play two roles in the show. They are Colin Nies as Alfred/Sam, Stephanie Fahey as Josefine/Monica, Brett Borden as "Him"/Lenny, and Kristina Rutkowski as "Her"/Barb. We had the opportunity to ask Jaret Morlan, the director of the show, a few questions. Here's our look backstage.

Romance/Romance Replaces Man Who Came to Dinner

Iowa City - The Iowa City Community Theatre has canceled its upcoming production of The Man Who Came to Dinner and replaced it with the musical Romance/Romance. President Kehry Lane stated in an email to those that auditioned for Dinner that they simply didn't have enough actors audition to complete the cast. The play requires around 30 people; less than 20 auditioned. 

Dinner was scheduled to open April 17 but Romance/Romance will open a week later on April 24. Joe Wise, who had been scheduled to direct Dinner, decided to bow out after they realized they would have to change the show. ICCT Board Member Jaret Morlan will direct Romance/Romance, which only requires four actors. Auditions for Romance/Romance were completed last night so a cast announcement should be coming in the near future.

Auditions for Romance/Romance

Iowa City - The Iowa City Community Theatre will hold auditions for Romance/Romance on Monday, March 2nd from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm and Tuesday, March 3rd from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm at their theatre space on the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Callbacks will March 4th from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. The show is directed by Jaret Morlan and performances are April 24-26 and May 1-3. 

Two one act musicals take varied looks at romance seekers. The first is a delightful romp through the sexual ennui of turn of the century Vienna based on Schnitzler’s tale The Little Comedy. Act 2 is a modern look at affection and disaffection in a two couple summer house in the Hamptons based on the Jules Renard play Summer Share. An Off Off Broadway sensation that successfully moved to Broadway, Romance/Romance is a perfect change from the modern mega musical.

The director will provide scripts/sides for cold readings from the script. There is no need to prepare a monologue. Please prepare a one-minute piece of music; a pianist will be provided.

If you would like to download an audition form to complete and bring with you, please click HERE.

ROLES:

Alfred Von Wilmers/Sam – Strong legit baritone.
Josephine Weninger/Monica – Strong alto, with high belt.
Him/Lenny – Tenor
Her/Barb – Soprano