Sounding Class Reunion

“Closer Than Ever” doesn’t come with a dramatic plot, but is utterly warm-hearted instead

Review by Elisabeth Einecke-Klövekorn in Bonner Generalanzeiger, 05.07.2025

A class reunion after 25 years. Four old friends since high school have gathered in the small apartment of their recently divorced former classmate. In the background, pinned to clotheslines, are photos of former friends, lovers and exes. The friends reminisce, reflect on life and love, the past and the future.

There is no dramatic plot in the revue “Closer Than Ever”, which premiered in New York City in 1989 and won the award for best off-Broadway musical. Composer David Shire, known for numerous film scores (including “Saturday Night Fever”) and lyricist Richard Maltby Jr. (“Ain't Misbehavin'”), both born in 1937 and friends since college, had already celebrated great success with their show “Starting Here, Starting Now” in 1977. The Jewel Box Musical Theater, which is based in the Netherlands and has set itself the task of rediscovering hidden treasures of American musicals, already performed this revue at the Kleines Theater in the summer of 2024. Now the small troupe is presenting its cheerful, melancholy insights into the emotional life of a generation somewhere in the middle of existence here until the end of July.

The four class mates (left to right): John Rinaldi, Krissy Dorn, Merel Zeeman, Mariano Skroce. Photo: Patric Prager

Directed by Heike Werntgen, the show is presented in the original English version. Under the musical direction of Frans Heemskerk, the four nameless protagonists sing about closeness and estrangement, family happiness and unhappiness, romantic dreams and relationship crises, old worries and new fears. They are unspectacular everyday types, couples and singles, in everyday situations. Each of the 24 songs tells a little story of passion, jealousy, the pain of separation, lust, suffering, indignation and new beginnings. Who looks after the child today, and what happens when your own father becomes a child again? Can you stay friends when the end of a love affair appears as a message on your smartphone? What adventures do dating apps promise?

In the opening song, “Doors”, the actors ask themselves what is hidden behind all the closed doors and which ones will open to which new prospects. The quartet parodies the quirky former science teacher in a very funny way. Merel Zeeman has a wonderfully humourous performance as the well-behaved secretary Miss Byrd with secret excesses during lunch breaks. Krissy Dorn is the charming hostess who not only provides her friends with spiritual drinks in colorful cups, but also encourages them to try new things. John Rinaldi is simply a “good guy” who never gives up despite all the disappointments. Brand new to the ensemble is Mariano Skroce, who has brought his old guitar with him and finally realizes that today is more than just “strings of next times”. Together, they take the modern fitness craze for a ride and get ready for the “March of Time”. They are carefully accompanied on the piano by Maarten Helsloot.

In the end, it is clear that their anniversary reunion may have been small and not as exuberant as expected, but they have become “closer than ever” to each other. This feeling got through to the audience at the premiere on Thursday on the cozy outdoor stage. After around two and a half hours (including intermission), there was enthusiastic, long applause for the excellent singing and acting ensemble and their touching and entertaining ‘sentimental journey’ through the highs and lows in the lives of experienced mid-agers. A summery, warm-hearted pleasure!

Performances until July 27, Thursday to Saturday at 7.30 pm, Sundays at 3.30 pm. In good weather outside on the outdoor stage. Ticket reservations under 0228/362839. Further information under www.kleinestheater.eu. Printed programs are available in English and German.