Closer Than Ever at Mosesian Center for the Arts

Told entirely through songs, Closer Than Ever has been described as a "bookless show musical." But don't let the lack of traditional dialogue trick you into thinking this musical, presented by the New Repertory Theatre, is lacking in story. The show's 24 self-contained songs -- with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. (Fosse, Miss Saigon) and music by David Shire (Big: the musical) -- deal with topics like aging, unrequited love, friendships and mid-life crises. The New York Times has actually celebrated the show as having, "one of the half-dozen finest American theater scores of the last decade." Inspired by real-life experiences and stories, Closer Than Ever won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and netted Drama Desk Award nominations for both Maltby and Shire. And its message to value the little things in life remains as meaningful today as ever.