A ride to Northwest Indiana to the Theatre at the Center would yield a seldom produced musical, Do I Hear a Waltz? featuring collaboration of Broadway legends (Richard Rodgers, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim) performed by celebrated Chicago artists (Hillis Resnik, Larry Adams & Paula Scrofano) directed by veteran William Pullinsi. This is a potent combination that, together with a marvelous set complete with long stairways depicting 1950's Venice, Italy (set design by Robert C. Martin and lighting by Charles Cooper) created a romantic atmosphere underscored by the excellent orchestrations by Mark Elliot of Richard Rodgers' fine score. Do I Hear a Waltz? is the only collaboration by Rodgers and Sondheim (legend has it that a dying Oscar Hammerstein made Rodgers promise he would do a musical with Sondheim, Oscar's protégé.). Do I Hear a Waltz? was that promise fulfilled. In spite of Sondheim and Rodgers not liking each other, the show came out as worthy Broadway fare. The excellent book by Arthur Laurents contributed much to the shows quality. The 1965 production did a modest 220 performances on Broadway and has been virtually forgotten until Theatre at the Center decided to revive this little gem.

It takes a special 'A list cast to land the smooth, charming story of Leona (Hollis Resnik), an unmarried American spinster who travels to Venice in the early 1950's in search of romance. In the spell of the enchanted city (credit the set, lighting and first few songs to create the romantic atmosphere), Leona falls in love with a handsome storekeeper, Renato DiRossi (Larry Adams).

Leona stays at Fioria's (Paula Scrofano) hotel meets an American tourist couple, the McIlhennys (David Perkovich and Carol Kuykendall) and the young American newlyweds, living in Venice, the Yeagers (Nicholas Foster and Amy J. Ludwigsen) plus an Italian boy, Mauro (George Mokdessi) who is Leona's unofficial guide. This show was the base for the hit film, Summertime with Katherine Hepburn. The terrific score and Sondheim's witty clever lyrics grab us from the start with songs like "This Week Americans" where Paula Scrofano's Fioria describes her newly arrived guests.. Scrofano can sing, in accent, effectively as she gracefully commands the stage. The funny march, "What Do We Do? We Fly" pokes fun at the Americans penchant for flying to Europe despite fearing flying.

We see that Leona yearns for love and romance with her song "Someone Woke Up." Hollis Resnik quickly establishes her charming rapport as we quietly cheer for her to find her man. When she encounters the macho shopkeeper, Renato (the golden big-voiced Larry Adams) we pray she has found her man. Adams is strong with his number, "Someone Like You" a scorching ballad. The funny "Bargaining" song by Adams exudes warmth and charm. Songs like the duet "Thinking" and the nice ensemble number "Here We Are Again" offer a solid romantic atmosphere for a fairy tale-like romance to blossom.

But is Renato sincere or is he just another Italian on the prowl for a vulnerable tourist? The show eludes to Leona's puritanical American values in conflict with the accepted European morality of simpatico and the carpe diem that allows discrete extra-marital affairs. Does she dump Renato because he is married or does she listen to her heart when it "hears a waltz" signifying true love to her. Her yearnings and her drunken exposure of the exploits of the other couples as they explore the Italian romantic mores shows her mean side.

The Sondheim/Rodgers score is richly varied with samba, tango as well as fine waltz and searing love songs. I particularly like "Take the Moment" by Larry Adams and the catchy "We're Gonna be Alright" featuring brilliant Sondheim lyrics.

Hollis Resnik marvelously lands her emotional "Do I Hear a Waltz" signature number vividly announcing her love for Renato. Her winning persona engages us. The satirical "Perfectly Lovely Couple" deftly uses Latin tempos to underscore the irony of the couples infidelity.

The bittersweet ending is a testament to the complexities of the heart and the difference in cultures between Europe and America. Should Leona be bitter towards Renato since he essentially dumps her after a torrid affair? Or since Leona knows that the affair was only a romantic vacation adventure with built in limits, should she feel used or content that she, at last, found love if only for a short time? See the show and decide for your self.

Do I Hear a Waltz? is a rare gem featuring crafty combination of old-time talent deliciously performed by Chicago's top stars.. Hollis Resnik, Paula Scrofano and Larry Adams deliver stellar performances. See this show; it's romantic, tuneful and charming.

Highly Recommended Tom Williams chicagocritics.com July 15, 2005 Jeff Recommended