Theater Review: 'The Baker's Wife' at Ridgefield Theater Barn

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Ridgefield Theater Barn has produced an ambitious production of the seldom-produced musical “The Baker’s Wife.” This was the first time that I have seen this show with the glorious score by Stephen Schwartz and the Theater Barn production does not disappoint.

The musical is based on the film “La Femme de Boulanger” by Marcel Pagnol and Jean GIono and has never made it to Broadway. Joseph Stein wrote the book that accompanies the music and lyrics by Schwartz, including the Patti Lupone favorite “Meadowlark” in the first act. Not surprisingly, the rest of the often French-inspired score is just as impressive.

Rena Gavigan directed the Ridgefield production and covered the role of Denise, with a script in hand, at the performance that I attended. In her director’s note, she expresses her gratitude to the talented community theater performers who took a break from their normal routines to “create something,” to come together to tell this beautiful story. She notes that the show is “a culmination of countless hours of dedication from so many committed individuals, onstage and off, who’ve brought this story to life” and their final product shines.

Congratulations to Gavigan for her strong vision of the show and for stepping up to ensure that the show was able to go on. Her last minute performance as Denise (who sings “Chanson”) was a great one and she sang beautifully.

The director has cast a multi-talented group of performers to tell this story and all of them make the most of the comic touches in their characters. Joe Harding, who has been performing for 30 years, is perfectly cast in the role of the Baker Aimable. Claire Simard of Danbury, a teacher at Wooster School, sings magnificently (“Gifts of Love,” “Where is the Warmth”) in the titular role.

Bill Warncke (“Peter and the Starcatcher”) plays one of the feuding neighbors Claude, with Matthew Donovan as Barnaby. Tara Bahna-James nicely plays the bullied wife of Barnaby, Hortense.

Denise Milmerstadt traveled from Carmel, NY to play the role of the spinster Therese. Singer/songwriter Eric Novak covered the role of Antoine and Alan Partelow-Zik portrayed the young Dominique.

Hanna Rapaglia takes on the roles of the young Philippe and Nicole. Rob Mayette returns to the Barn to delightfully play the town Teacher. Robert Roda dons a cassock to play a priest and Chris Partelow-Zika plays the Marquis. Mel McGuire of Stamford plays the featured role of Simone and Nomita Ramchandani appears as Inez.

The Theater Barn managed to form a partnership with master puppeteer Martin P. Robinson (Mr. Snuffleupagus on “Sesame Street,” Mr. Primm on “Helpsters.”) The talented Robinson designed and built the feline Pompom, who is worked by the costumed Jennifer DeLancey Agro.

Music Director Sarah Fox conducts the 14-piece orchestra that sits in a newly-added alcove next to the stage area thanks to the Barn’s recent expansion. How incredible the music sounds with violin/viola, cello, harp, accordion and french horn played by WCSU professor Marjorie Seymour Callaghan.

Connecticut-based Sophie Bardos is the production designer that encompasses the Barn space with a French village, with Claudia Nerreau credited for the lovely scenic painting. Some patrons may find it difficult to turn themselves to catch the action performed on the raised platform at the back of the cabaret space, but the director has made very effective use of the space created by Bardos. Heed the warning in Executive Director Pamme Jones’ curtain speech to keep all of the aisles clear, for the actors are everywhere.

There are railings donated by Young’s Fencing to keep the actors safe on the two-level stage and Pom Pom’s tree donated by Barts’ Tree Service. Ross Artisanal Bakery and Cafe donated the (delicious-looking) loaves of bread, overseen by Props Master Meg Bona.

The lovely and efficient lighting by Mark Hankla reminds the audience where to look and the work of Sound Board Operator Keith Henderson was a pleasure to hear.

Marcus Jackson designed the period costumes that add just the right touch of France, complete with seamed stockings for the ladies, suits of the era for the guys, and flattering hairstyles.

“The Baker’s Wife” closes the 39th season at the Theater Barn and I look forward to their 40th. Performances continue through June 22, with the June 21 performance an alcohol-free evening, and the rest of the run is sold out. Doors open one hour prior to curtain and seating is cabaret style. The June 21 performance will be an alcohol-free evening

Nancy Sasso Janis has been reviewing theater since 2012.

Photos: Members of the cast of "The Baker's Wife" @sbardosdesign photo