Lauren Ward and Stephen Bogardus Photo by David Dashiell

There's an echo of melancholy, since Haruf died nine years ago and Lucy Simon passed away last October. Simon wrote the music with Caramel Dean, and Susan Birkenhead wrote the lyrics. The book and lyrics oftentimes fuse. Perhaps that is why BTG does not include a listing of individual numbers–the composite pieces fit handsomely and the cumulative result is remarkably proficient. Kristin Stowell is a pivotal music director. A guitarist, a cellist, and a keyboard player are vaguely visible while stationed above and to the rear of the activity on stage. Susan H. Schulman directs with specificity with the assistance of associate director Terry Berliner, who also provides the choreography. Their detailed instructions are crucial as this one hour and forty-five minute gem evolves and unfolds. During numerous moments as scenes shift, actors gracefully move furnishings and articles around and and about, and one anticipates and appreciates even these elegant maneuvers. The actors never miss a movement or beat and that's a feat.

Rather than elucidating plot, perhaps the sense of occasion is better evidenced by delving into various characters. Addie Moore (Lauren Ward) and Louis Waters (Stephen Bogardus), each maybe around 60 or so years of age give or take, have long lost their spouses. Attractive and wanting, Addie wishes for someone to sleep beside her, even in platonic fashion. She suffered an unspeakable tragedy as a young mother and that is a significant storyline. Louis was a less than faithful husband; he is no longer that youthful man. Ben Roseberry plays Gene, Addie's adult son who has a boy of his own, Jamie (Hayden Hoffman). Lloyd Beckman (Lenny Wolpe) is a hard-crusted older townsman in the locale for the play, Holt, Colorado, and he is distrustful and disdainful of anyone politically left of center. His son Russell (Dan Teixeira) isn't the picture of his dad. Finally, and of consequence, there is Ruth Clark (Lana Gordon), a proactive, social justice conscientious soul who is articulate and unafraid. Ruth is aware that the town is prone to forest fires and she isn't shy with her outspoken advice. Charley, the well-behaved dog, is on stage more often than one might expect and the animal sheds (no, not literally) light.

This cast, individually and collective, sings up an emotional storm throughout the production. Ward's Addie bemoans her inability to sleep in a lively, insomniac rant. She opens up and sings with consummate feeling again and again, beautifully interfacing torch singing on ballads. Soon, Louis appears at her house and the two join with sweet harmonies. Lana Gordon's multiple solos, as Ruth, demonstrate great range. The actress shines as she probably has on Broadway with Chicago, The Lion King, Hadestown, and more. Later, Bogardus's Louis is plaintive on acoustic guitar singing of Addie as his prairie rose. Each supportive actor is an adept vocalist as well.

On Cedar Street takes place amid wood: flooring, walls, and stage-to-ceiling planks. Scenic designer Reid Thompson has maximized the appropriately intimate Unicorn space. Lighting designer Alan C. Edwards often matches lighting to scene modification and his contributions are significant.

It's a musical for sure, but also a poignant drama. The play garners attention immediately and establishes questions to be answered. There's plenty of character conflict and intensity, even shock. Its emotive pull materializes through music that is inclusive of story, major and minor plotting, and, certainly, sweet romance. Given all, one might expect a three-hour work but these imaginative artists combine to create a more cogent piece which transpires without intermission. Its flow is fluid and continuous.

Kate Maguire, artistic director and CEO of Berkshire Theatre Group, is taking a risk by presenting a new play. She rewards observers with an absorbing evening of theatre abounding with compassion through its dexterity.

On Cedar Street runs through September 2, 2023, at Berkshire Theatre Group, Unicorn Theatre, 6 East St., Stockbridge MA. For information and tickets, please call 413-997-4444 or visit www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org.