Photo by Act One, Too LTDReviewed by Richard Crawford

"Married Alive!," the latest offering at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Fireside Stage, is a close cousin to the hit "I Do! I Do!," the longest running show on the Chanhassen stage. It also contains some of the same humor captured in another Chanhassen forerunner, "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical."

While some of the themes are familiar, there is plenty of humor to be had in this musical comedy.

"Married Alive!" is Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto’s take on "this wonderful, maddening institution, warts and all."

The four-member cast features two couples, newlyweds Erin and Paul, played by Nicole Fenstad and Robb McKindles, and a seasoned couple, Diane and Ron, played by Seri Johnson and Tod Petersen.

The play begins with the veteran couple smirking at the newlyweds as they exchange their naïve, fairytale vows. Throughout, musical director Tom Mustachio guides the play along with songs including "Stupid in Love," "Oh, Knocked Up!" and "Ding Dong/Family."

We watch as the couples navigate all the highs and lows of marriage, from financial concerns, far-away travel, in-laws and sex at various stages in the union.

While there are some messages to be gleaned from the show – something along the lines that you have to be able to laugh to survive marriage – the strength of the show is the comedy, and a few scenes stand out.

Peterson ably takes on the role of the drunken father-in-law when the newlyweds come over for Christmas and he capitalizes on every opportunity to freshen his drink. Fenstad shows off her speed-talking ability in a first-act scene. And the cast of four also breaks up the crowd when they morph into teenage rap stars who scold adults for raising Neanderthals.

If you’re in the mood for a funny look at the trials, tribulations and joys of marriage, you’ll enjoy "Married Alive!"

Married Alive!
Time: Through Sept. 6
Cost: $50-$60
Location: Fireside Theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501, West 78th St., Chanhassen
Information: 952-934-1525 or www.chanhassendt.com
Content Statement: Married Alive! is a four character musical comedy about married life. It chronicles the ups and downs, the pleasures and the pitfalls of the time-honored institution of marriage. This is a play written for adult theatergoers as it contains some adult language and situations. Regarding language, the tone is generally adult. Sexual talk, song lyrics and innuendo is used.