by Michael Buzzelli
Three couples have vastly different reactions when thoughts of pregnancy dance in their heads in “Baby.”
Danny (Branden Max Stroppel) and Lizzie (Saige Smith) are college kids who have just moved in together.
Pam (Lindsay Bayer Ray) and Nicki (Maria Bechtell) are trying various methods of insemination.
Alan (Allan Synder, with two L’s) and Arlene (Becki Toth) have four grown children, having Empty Nest Syndrome, when they have a whoopsie during a romantic getaway.
Each couple faces a variety of challenges, moving the story along over the next nine months of their lives.
While the musical first ran in 1983-84, this is a slightly revised version of the original musical, which includes (at some points tacked on) a wider range of diverse characters turning Pam and Nick (adding an i to the end of her name, changing the character’s sex) into a lesbian couple and adding some physical limitations to Danny and Lizzie.
Note: The revised version contains some inconsistences with Lizzie’s legally blind status, and Danny’s partially deaf status that could have been written with a bit more care. For example, in the noisy train station, Danny is the one who hears the last call for boarding, instead of Lizzie, more attention could have been placed on their needing to see each other’s faces when they speak, and the ASL is used inconsistently, etc.

The cast is phenomenal, especially our leading ladies, Smith, Toth, Bechtell, and Bayer Ray.
Smith shines in her role. She is quickly proving to be one of Pittsburgh’s brightest stars.
Toth is a powerhouse. She belts out some gorgeous lyrics and has natural comedic skills. She accomplishes more with an eyeroll or a facial expression than most actors.
Bechtell has a glorious singing voice, in solo numbers, and when harmonizing with Bayer Ray and the other cast members.
Stoppel is another stand out, fresh from Point Park’s “Arcadia.”
Synder gets a lot of laughs, mostly from various aches and pains his character suffers as an aging father-to-be.
The excellent cast is backed up by a superb band under Deana Muro’s musical direction. Her band included fan-favorite musicians such as Shelby Williams, Alex Weibel, Paule Thompson and Kamran Mian.
Johnmichael Bohach’s set is straight out of “Babes in Toyland,” a playful stack of colorful building blocks seen in every nursery around the world.
While the first act of the show is a bit long, director Kristiann Menotiades enlivens the scene changes cute interstitial bits from the chorus/crew as they set the stage. William Forrest Smith gets a few playful moments, and Isabella Corea and Sarah Hennessy provide amusing bits, particularly in “The Ladies Sing their Song.” Menotiades’ casting choices are excellent.
If you’re looking for a show with pathos, humor and heart, “Baby” delivers.
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“Baby” runs until May 25 at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For tickets and additional information, please go here.
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