The Baker’s Wife, a musical by Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein, is a delightful tale set in the quaint French village of Concorde during the 1930s. The story revolves around Aimable, a kind-hearted baker, and his much younger wife, Genevieve. The villagers, who have been deprived of bread since their previous baker’s untimely death, eagerly welcome Aimable and his wife. But the arrival of Genevieve stirs up gossip and jealousy, especially from the dashing local heartthrob, Dominique, who sets his sights on the baker’s wife, leading to a comedic and poignant exploration of love, desire, and community.
The production, directed by Gordon Greenberg, is staged in the intimate setting of the Menier Chocolate Factory, which has been transformed into a charming village square. Paul Farnsworth’s set design is complete with rustic café tables and balconies that immerse the audience into the heart of Concorde. The clever use of space allows for a dynamic performance, where actors flit in and out of the audience, creating an engaging atmosphere that feels personal and immersive. It’s quite simply one of the best sets I’ve seen in a long time, and is worth a star in its own right.
At the center of this musical is Clive Rowe as Aimable, the baker. Rowe brings warmth and naïveté to the character. His portrayal captures Aimable’s genuine love for Genevieve, as well as his obliviousness to the village’s gossip. The chemistry between Rowe and Lucie Jones, who plays Genevieve, is palpable. Jones delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing Genevieve’s internal conflict between her duties as a wife, her yearning for excitement and passion, and her frustration when she finds her husband too kneady (sorry!). Her rendition of ‘Meadowlark’ is a higlight of the production, where she skillfully conveys the depth of her character’s struggle through song.
The supporting cast is impressive, with each character adding a unique flavor to the narrative. Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Dominique embodies the roguish charm of the local heartthrob, drawing the audience’s attention – although not entirely unsurprisingly, the character ends up a little superficial, jumping through different personalities including flirt, lover and bad boy. The villagers are integral to the story, each with their quirks and comedic moments that enrich the narrative.
Josefina Gabrielle shines as Denise, the wife of the café owner, grounding the production with her steady presence and sharp wit. Finty Williams as Hortense, the long-suffering wife, adds depth to the ensemble with her poignant portrayal of a woman yearning for respect and recognition.
As you would expect, given he wrote many of the classic Disney scores, Schwartz’s score is a delightful mix of humor and heart, with catchy melodies that linger long after the curtain falls. The ensemble numbers, such as ‘If It Wasn’t For You,’ are lively and engaging. However, it is the solo performances that truly shine. Jones’s ‘Meadowlark’ is a masterclass in vocal performance.
While the score is undeniably charming, the content sometimes falters in character development. Many of the villagers remain one-dimensional, serving primarily as comedic relief rather than fully fleshed-out characters. This lack of depth can detract from the emotional stakes of the story, particularly in the second act, where the focus shifts away from the central love triangle. However, the vibrant performances and the enchanting score largely compensate for these shortcomings.
The Baker’s Wife at the Menier Chocolate Factory is a revival of a lesser-known musical that charms with its warmth, humor, and engaging performances. The intimate setting enhances the storytelling, allowing the audience to feel like part of the village community. While the plot may be simple, the production’s strengths lie in its talented cast, stunning design, and Schwartz’s memorable score.