Occasionally a musical comes along that touches me so deeply that I cannot stop thinking about it – this is the case for The Story of My Life. This show is beautiful, passionate and heartwarming; it is a reminder of how people can touch our lives, and sometimes people come into our lives and they make a difference without us even knowing it. Delaware Theatre Company’s production of The Story of My Life is exquisite – it captures the essence of friendship and it is as if you are looking into the souls of the two friends performing on stage.

The Story of My Life is about two friends who met in grade school and their evolving friendship.  The music and lyrics for this show were written by Neil Bartram and the book was written by Brian Hill. The foundation for this musical revolves around Thomas who is attempting to write a eulogy for his friend, Alvin. Thomas recalls memories about their friendship, and the result is a heartfelt musical about how people come into and out of our lives.

Everything about the Delaware Theatre Company’s The Story of My Life works together to create this captivating show. Under the direction of Bud Martin, this show captures the crux of friendship and how these relationships shape our lives. The score to this show is magnificent and Tom Fosnocht sublimely orchestrates this production. The set designed by Dirk Durossette is stunning, and is perfect for this show. In addition, the lighting for this production, done by Jim Leitner, influences the mood throughout The Story of My Life.

There could not be two better actors in the roles of Thomas and Alvin. Ben Dibble plays Thomas, and Rob McClure portrays Alvin. Watching these two fine actors on stage is like watching a friendship begin and bloom right in front of the audience. Seeing Dibble and McClure together on stage is magnificent and should not be missed. McClure’s energy and Dibble’s passion work well together, and the result is a brilliant piece of musical theatre. There is not a song in this show that I did not enjoy, although there are some highlights. The song, “Mrs. Remington,” is very humorous, and seeing McClure perform this number will bring a smile to anyone’s face. “The Butterfly” sung by Dibble, is strong, and it is emotionally moving. The finale, “Angels in the Snow,” executed by Dibble and McClure, is exceptional and captures the beauty of friendship.

Do not miss The Story of My Life, it is a show that celebrates life, friendship and the human capacity of forming endearing emotional bonds with one another. The show runs through December 22, 2013. For more information and tickets call their box office at 302-594-1100 or visit their website at www.delawaretheatre.org.

Final Thought: The Story of My Life at Delaware Theatre Company is a spectacular production. Watching Dibble and McClure on stage is magical and these two are remarkable actors who bring to the stage a heartwarming tale about friendship. 

Kelli Curtin is editor and writer for theatresensation.com. In addition, she is a contributor for the online sites broadwayworld.com and figlancaster.com and is a freelance writer. Kelli is excited to share her passion about theatre and the arts with her readers. Kelli can be found on twitter @theatrescribe and on Facebook/theatresensation.

Photos courtesy of the Delaware Theatre Company