New Conservatory Theatre Center production of "The Story of My Life

New Conservatory Theatre Center is presents the charming little musical “The Story of My Life” with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill which ran briefly on Broadway at the Booth Theatre in 2009. Since then it has played in various regional theatres through the country.

“The Story of My Life” opens with Thomas (William Giammona) a successful author struggling to write a eulogy for this friend Alvin (Cole Grundman). Over the next 90 minutes we watch their life starting with the actors playing two six year boys as best friends growing up in a small town. The audience is both charmed and distressed at the early loss of Alvin’s mother which is told in song. Thomas and Alvin grow up focusing the character of their youthful selves.

Thomas leaves for the big city to become rich and famous while Alvin stays home and watches lovingly from the ground as his good friend climbs the height of success. Thomas struggles to find the point where the friendship drifted apart and the reason why he has writer block when trying to write a eulogy. However he finally finds a reason at the end of this appealing chamber piece.


Sometimes I am reminded of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” especially in the death of Alvin which is a pivotal scene in this scene. There are numerous allusions to the film in “The Story of My Life”.

Neil Bartram lyrics and music sounds something like early Sondheim especially from this musical “Primrose”. There are touching songs and sometimes a little bit on the candy-floss side.

William Giammona is excellent as Thomas. He displays his pitch perfect resonance in “1876” and has strong singing voice rendering “I Like it Here” Coley Grundman displays good vocal chops with “Mrs. Remington” and “You’re Amazing Tom”. Joe Simiele provides good back up on the piano. Dennis Lickteig direction is smooth.

“The Story of My Life” plays through February 26th at the New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness at Market, San Francisco. For tickets call 415-861-8972 or on line at www.nctcsf.org Coming up next is the United States premiere of Maurice opening on February 24th and running through March 25.