Alone in our beds in the dark of night, thoughts of past loves and losses, fears and dreams often drift in and out of our consciousness. And like the wrinkled sheets and fluff-less pillows scattered around us, the countless flashbacks offer little comfort or rest. Such soul-searching often leads to a fitful night of tossing and turning, of course – but not at Ferndale's Ringwald Theatre, where the sweet, cozy "Songs from an Unmade Bed" warmed the hearts of the small, but attentive crowd on opening night.
Called a "one-man song cycle" by its creator, Mark Campbell, "Songs" isn't a play in the traditional sense. Rather, the concept finds a single, unnamed character – a middle-aged, gay New Yorker – alone in his bed and lost in his memories of the past. Not a single stitch of dialogue tells the story; instead, snippets from the man's past are detailed through 18 songs by 18 versatile composers.
The opening number, "Here In My Bed," perfectly sets the tone. The man, played by Jamie Richards, laments his solo status and figures that if he should die tonight, foul play will never be suspected. "Death by Saltines," he regretfully sings. And with a sad, knowing smile, his status is confirmed; he's each and every one of us. And we can all relate to the wistful, occasionally joyful and often regretful moments that helped shape his life.
In fact, that's the beauty of Campbell's hour-long journey. For despite the fact that its focal point is a gay man, its themes are universal.
Who among us hasn't been disappointed by a first-time sexual partner's body ("An Admission") or the flaws of a lover ("He Plays the Cello"), or regretted the season of spring because we're not in love ("Spring")? And who, as we get older and wiser, hasn't wished "Oh, To Be Stupid Again?"
While many of the songs tilt towards deep introspection, there's also much fun to be had. In "The Other Other Woman," for example, the man refuses to be demoted to substitute slut when his already cheating boyfriend adds another lover to his stable.
However, what pull the concept together are the gentle, believable interpretations of the production's many and varied emotions by Richards and director Joe Plambeck. Performing only inches away from the audience with only accompanist Amy Condit to assist him, Richards finds the appropriate levels of passion required of each song and delivers them with heartfelt polish. And his voice is smooth and comfortable, unlike the unkempt bed at center stage.
REVIEW:
'Songs from an Unmade Bed'
Who Wants Cake Theatre, The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Saturday-Monday through June 1. $10-$20. 248-545-5545 http://www.whowantscaketheatre.com.
