Hundred Days, with autobiographical music and lyrics by husband-and-wife Shaun and Abigail Bengson, is a spirited and soulful folk musical now in its DC-area premiere at Dupont Circle’s Keegan Theatre. It features Bradley Foster Smith and Kylie Clare Truby as Shaun and Abigail, and their chemistry and musical talent flow effortlessly from the stage. Only two of the seven other actor/musicians on stage are named — Barrie (Lydia Gifford) and Reggie (Daniel Ayoola) — yet the entire ensemble’s performances fill Keegan’s 120-seat theater with energy.
Director Christina A. Coakley, music director Lucia LaNave, and choreographer Kayla A. Warren meld the music onto the stage; they make the most of a 75-minute production with one core set, including effectively moving ensemble actors on and offstage as others perform. Helen Hayes Award-winning scenic designer Josh Sticklin is a key part of Coakley’s team; his understated 100 Polaroids on either side of the stage fill the theater with moments from the couple’s life, and a creative array of light fixtures aloft in the Keegan are essential to bringing you into the Bengsons’ story.
