An irascible widower living in Scotland. An irritable spinster living in London. And a newborn baby 6,000 miles away that they’re destined to adopt. These are the elements of Ken Ludwig’s Be My Baby, which had its world premiere at the Alley Theatre in Houston under the direction of John Rando.
This warm romantic comedy began life as a screenplay for Touchstone Pictures and starred Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter in its stage premiere.
It isn’t easy to begin life anew when your 50s roll around, but these two intrepid travelers, through thunderous fights, hospital stays and an ocean voyage, come shining through, baby and all.
Reviews
"Playwright Ken Ludwig is to contemporary domestic stage comedy what Arthur Miller was to the dramatic theater of his time...With "Be My Baby," he may have unlocked the mystery of filling theater seats."
- Contra Costa Times
Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter in the Alley Theatre Production of Be My Baby; Photo: T. Charles Erickson
Elizabeth Bunch as Gloria - Ty Mayberry as Christy. Photo: T. Charles Erickson
Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter in the Alley Theatre Production of Be My Baby; Photo: T. Charles Erickson
Dixie Carter in the Alley Theatre Production of Be My Baby; Photo: T. Charles Erickson
"Hilarious!"
- Variety
"A gentler brand of comedy … It’s a pleasure to encounter a comedy about two mature individuals. [I]t’s perfect."
- The Houston Chronicle
"Funny, filled with laughs and a whole lot of fun!"
- Contra Costa Times
"Packs a memorable, quiet punch for theatergoers."
- The Houston Press
"The "don’t miss" show of the season, a funny, feel-good kind of show that makes you warm all over."
- Southwest News
FULL REVIEWS
Alley Theatre Production
Southwest News
Green Bay Press Gazette
Willows Theatre Production
Contra Costa Times
RELATED INTERVIEWS
New Ken Ludwig Comedy, "Be My Baby," opens at Willows Theatre
"Giving Birth to Be My Baby." A Conversation with Ken Ludwig at the Alley Theatre
Original Cast and Creative Team
Be My Baby premiered at the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas, Gregory Boyd Artistic Director, Terry Dwyer Managing Director in October 2005, with the following cast:
JOHN—Hal Holbrook; MAUD— Dixie Carter; GLORIA—Elizabeth Bunch; CHRISTY—Ty Mayberry; MAN— James Black; WOMAN— Robin Moseley.
Alexander Dodge—Scenery Designer; David Woolard—Costume Designer; Don Holder—Lighting Designer—John Gromada; Sound Designer—Jim Johnson, Dialects
Directed by John Rando