ST. GEORGE – The Stephen Schwartz musical “The Baker’s Wife” is playing at Dixie State College.
 
The show is about a small French village that has just gotten a new baker. While the village people love the new baker’s pastries, they talk more about the aged baker’s young, beautiful wife.
 
The show stars Corinne Nelsen as Genevieve (the baker’s wife) and Trey Paterson as Amiable (the baker).
 
DSC’s production is absolutely wonderful. Nelsen and Paterson captivate the audience with their impressive acting and singing.
 
Also notable is the performance of Joseph Ahern, who plays Dominique, the antagonist. Ahern is delightfully devious in his portrayal of the shallow young man who wants to steal away the baker’s young wife.
 
The sets, comprised of two large houses with see-through bedroom walls and a stunning painted backdrop, are incredibly impressive.
 
However, it is obvious why “The Baker’s Wife” never reached Broadway or achieved much popularity with theater groups. The script and music are absolutely trite in some places and downright tedious in others. “The Baker’s Wife” feels more like a morality play than a real musical, and despite DSC’s exceptional production, it is difficult for audience members to suspend their disbelief.
 
Despite the actual show’s shortcomings, the outstanding acting, extraordinary musicianship, and excellent stagecraft of DSC’s production of “The Baker’s Wife” make it a must-see.
 
“The Baker’s Wife” opened on Nov. 11. It will play Nov. 16 through Nov. 20 (Tuesday – Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. at the Eccles Fine Arts Center Main Stage at Dixie State College. Tickets can be purchased in person at Dixie State College or by calling 435-652-7800.