'Til Death:A Marriage Musical at the Art House North, St. Paul

Photography by Justin Cox

‘Til Death by Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble is running at the Art House North in St. Paul through February 22nd .

This musical takes us to a tiny cabin with two couples: the separated couple, Ethan and Olivia, whose surprise vacation is set-up by their parents, and honeymooners, Leslie and Freddie.
As Ethan (Jeremiah Gamble) encourages Olivia (Vanessa Gamble) to talk about their separation, he reminds his wife to focus on communication strategies they’ve learned in marriage counseling, including the five acts of love, cutting her off when she brings up the kids. This discussion leads to scenes where each couple gives their perspective.

Shannon Elliot creates moods in light, casting the stage in brilliant red as characters conspire in their dating game. “I’ll wear this ugly sweater,” Olivia says, “he hates it.” Olivia creates a messy top knot on her head in hopes of discouraging any advances from her husband. Ethan takes the opposite approach and makes his wife hot chocolate, but Olivia complains “That (hot chocolate) used to be my favorite snack, until I found out I was poisoning myself.”

The younger twosome are comedic and happy, sharing pet names for one another like honey and cupcake, as well as unusual ones like elf king and batman. They are unabashed in their newly found love.  Freddie (Anna Leverett )leads a tap dance and the couple share passionate smooches, as Ethan and Olivia look on with disdain and admiration.

It’s all in good fun as the writers base this story on their real-life marriage.  Vanessa Gamble writes 'We wanted to take an inward look at our own struggles of trying to practice forgiveness and live out a committed relationship. Also, we wanted to work with other couples in the show. We love the uniqueness of working with other real-life couples on a show about real-life relationships.'

Throughout the show, Vanessa and Jeremiah are deemed at the experiences ones, dispensing relationship advice, having conceded to the fact that they have fifteen years of marriage under their belts. Sitting in the church pews of the Art House, gazing at the green walls and wooden panels, you’ll feel like you’re in the cabin with the love birds.

“I realized that the one with the fanny pack (Damian Leverett) was my child’s Sunday school teacher,” said one patron happily.
This production of ‘Til Death’ is a testament to the creative abilities of a small theatre company. The Bucket Brigade's creativity begins on stage, and is dispersed throughout the evening by music director Michael Pearce Donley, who encourages everyone to write down their favorite love song to have it played during intermission. I chose (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes-because it speaks to me.


Come see 'Til Death and share with Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble what a life of friendship means.

Tickets at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4459727