Two plays, one night, zero chill — love gets weird in every century.
This delightful pairing of one-act musicals, one classic and one modern, takes a comical and moving look at the mysteries of love. Act I, based on Schnitzler's The Little Comedy, is a delightful romp through the sexual ennui of turn-of-the-century Vienna, as two wealthy but bored socialites masquerade as impoverished bohemians seeking romance. Act II, based on the Jules Renard play Summer Share, explores modern affection and disaffection as two married couples share a summer house in the Hamptons. An Off-Off-Broadway sensation that successfully moved to Broadway, Romance/Romance is a charming and tuneful small-cast gem, here filmed live for television.
Acting
Four actors, eight roles, zero weak links.
Writing
Schnitzler and Renard adapted with surprising bite.
Score
Keith Herrmann's tunes that actually slap.
Director
David Stern
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The original Off-Off-Broadway production ran in a 74-seat theater before producers gambled on a Broadway transfer — rare for small musicals.
Schnitzler's source material, La Ronde, was so scandalous it was banned in Vienna; this adaptation keeps the flirtation but soft-pedals the cynicism.
US
