‘I Do! I Do!’ doesn’t disappoint

Courtesy High Street Arts Center HOLY MATRIMONY—Sarah Beth Markus as Agnes and Brent Catarino Ramirez as Michael proclaim their love for each other in the High Street Arts Center's production of "I Do! I Do!" Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s “I Do! I Do!” at the High Street Arts Center in Moorpark is a charming, poignant and bittersweet study of the relationship between two people over 50 years of marriage.

A production of Moorpark College, the show stars Sarah Beth Markus and Brent Catarino Ramirez, two local actors who’ve become known for superlative performances as romantic leads.

“I Do! I Do!” made its debut on Broadway in 1966, starring Robert Preston and Mary Martin. With stars of that magnitude, theatergoers were shocked to see how spare the show was—one set, no supporting players and only a piano providing musical accompaniment. But that was the minimalist style of Jones and Schmidt, whose careers started off with a bang when they staged “The Fantasticks,” the blockbuster “little show” that broke longevity records for offBroadway musicals.

“I Do! I Do!” traces the lives of Agnes and Michael Snow from the eve of their wedding in 1895 to their 50th anniversary in 1945. From their first decision together (which side of the bed each would sleep on) to the time they leave their house for a smaller apartment, we follow the couple through five decades of trials and tribulations, beginning with the elation and ecstasy of being newlyweds (“Goodnight”).

In the ensuing scenes, we see them have two children (“Love Isn’t Everything”), nearly separate after he cheats on her (“Nobody’s Perfect”), look forward to the children moving out so they can celebrate their independence (“When the Kids Get Married”) and, finally, support each other as they suffer the aches and pains of advancing age.

“I Do! I Do!” brought reality to Broadway. No extraordinary events occur during the show—no acts of heroism, no murders, no outrageous comedy, no magical characters. It’s merely a tender, honest appraisal of a marriage.

As for the actors, Markus and Ramirez are nothing short of magical in their portrayals of Agnes and Michael. Markus is especially radiant in her featured solos, including the vampish “Flaming Agnes” and the wistful “What Is a Woman?” Ramirez expresses his elation on the morning after their first night together with “I Love My Wife,” but reveals his darker, nastier side in “A Well Known Fact.”

Together, the two bring a remarkable chemistry to the stage (they’ve performed opposite each other in shows such as “Merrily We Roll Along” and “The Fantasticks”) and are an absolute delight to watch.

Jones and Schmidt’s songs are among the best they’ve written in their illustrious career together. Each song is a small gem—melodic, wistful and simple. “Together Forever” has probably been sung at more weddings than any Broadway song except “Sunrise, Sunset.” The show’s big musical hit, “My Cup Runneth Over,” became a top-selling record by vocalist Ed Ames.

Whatever stage of marriage you might be in, you will recognize yourself in “I Do! I Do!” It is a masterful show, beautifully performed by two future stars-in-the-making. Don’t miss them.

“I Do! I Do!” plays through Sept. 13 at the High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High Street in Moorpark. For tickets, call (805) 529-8700.