Tell Me On A Sunday

Tell Me On A Sunday
Avenue Theater
Denver, CO
January 22 - February 27, 2016

Tell Me On A Sunday is a one woman show following a British woman living in New York through her tumultuous love life. Since it was written in 1979, some aspects of the storyline were in need of updating. Originally, the main character narrated much of her adventures by writing letters to her "mum." In this version, she is sending her emails (even though she did refer to her New York "postmark" early on.) Her phone calls are all on her cell phone and the director even used a musical interlude to show her sending an angry text.

The majority of the scenes take place in the unnamed protagonist's apartment. It is a comfortable couch with a chair off to one side. Behind the couch was a raised platform which served for all the scenes outside. A large screen was set up on the back wall, but the evening I attended the screen was not working. The projections were not necessary to the show, but it would have been nice to see the show as it was meant to be.

Throughout the performance, props were brought out from well concealed spots to show the passage of time. The most fun was a picture frame where the current boyfriend's photo was displayed. The different ways she disposed of the photos and replaced them was entertaining on its own.

The emotions the heroine goes through during the action are universal. The giddiness of a new relationship, making excuses for those we care about, love, betrayal, forgiveness and acceptance are everyday emotions we can identify with. The songs to express these feelings are heartfelt and funny. "Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad" starts off playful and fun, but is soon a sad reflection on the situation. "Unexpected Song" is filled with the joy of new love and counters the heartbreak in "Tell Me On A Sunday."

The finale is hopeful, even if she still hasn't found Mr. Right. As she sings, she cleans up the various props left behind by her various boyfriends and heartbreaks. We are left with a clean apartment and a fresh outlook on the future.

Megan Van De Hay is up to the huge task of carrying the show by herself, although she seems a bit too old for the role. Every song is beautifully shared and the emotions are real. The staging never become stagnant despite the limitations of the setting and script. Many lovely tableaus appear throughout.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is known for his lavish musical spectacles. The Avenue Theater has done a wonderful job of bringing this less complex, human musical to life.