The door to the house opened and in walked Planet reporter Patrick Healy, followed by one of the town’s favorite comic actors and owner of Salon 7, Jesse James Martin.

The Telluride Repertory Theatre’s board chair Jade Graham, “Chicago’s” Roxie Hart, showed up next.

Insurance broker Dave Brubacher and interior designer/new mom, Traci Baize, the Telluride Choral Society star vocalists and the show’s co-producers, were already hard at work.

Last on the scene was the Choral Society’s artistic director, the esteemed Dr. David Lingle, the show’s musical director.

(The youngest thespian of the bunch, actor/graduating Telluride High School senior Maddie Fansler, was AWOL due to a soccer game, as was bass player, Dr. David Homer.)

This rogue’s gallery of contemporary folks, a gallimaufry of Telluride’s brightest and best, were there to rehearse “Closer Than Ever,” a theatrical revue about a galaxy of contemporary people struggling with life’s dilemmas.

“Closer” is a clear case of art imitating life.

The caterwauling that began the rehearsal process, sounds reminiscent of a Muslim shrine at prayer time, was all about warming up the vocal cords. Once the actual singing began, however, the evening took off like a rocket.

The ensemble is top drawer, each voice strong and distinctive.

The show itself, by mega-musical composers David Shire/Richard Maltby, is an out front emotional journey through familiar turf, and a must-see. “Closer Than Ever” opened to raves off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre in 1989. The six singing actors represent some of life’s archetypes, the usual suspects such as Men Who Can’t Commit, Women Who Wish They Could Do Without Men, Two-Career Couples Too Busy To Stay Home With the Baby, and A Dying Parent.

Each of the show’s two dozen songs is a self-contained story set in a familiar place.
The songs, some upbeat, some plaintive, are about Big Things such as life’s diminishing options at fortysomething — however, their appeal is universal. “I’m just 26 and I have to say ‘Closer’s’ songs certainly resonate with me. They should resonate with anyone in tune with life,” said Baize.

What links these catchy tunes, which deal with liberated marriages, sensible divorces, “quickies” at lunch, feeling out of control, regrets and second thoughts, burnout, breaking apart and breaking away, relationships, fitness mania, au pairs, and power lunches, is the idea of never-ending, ever-changing choices, sad surprises, and unexpected moments of joy.

The opening number, “Doors,” sets up the show’s focus on contemporary adult life.
The show’s thematic arc is about learning to stand on your own and accepting whatever comes your way, said Healy.

The first song, ‘Doors,’ is about the doors that open and close in lives and the anxiety associated with what’s in store. The last number, “Next Time/I Wouldn’t Go Back,” has a similar melody, but it talks about how people stay standing.

“Closer Than Ever” is The Rep’s Show & Tell Reading Series’ first foray into the world of musicals. However, the revue fits Show & Tell’s mission perfectly.

The reading series, the brainchild of The Rep’s former artistic director, Robin McKee, was established in 2001 with the idea of presenting contemporary and new plays year-round to Telluride audiences. The low-budget format of a reading allows The Rep, in this instance, co-producing with the Choral Society, to showcase off- Broadway and off, off Broadway material whenever the right stuff appears on someone’s radar.

Brubacher championed “Closer,” a favorite of his since high school.

“One day Jade and I were tossing around ideas for a musical. We wanted something with brio and charm, but not a big Broadway production. Growing up, my parents played recordings of musicals all the time. I first heard the score of ‘Closer’ when I was in high school. The themes did not register, but the excellent writing and score really got my attention.”

“‘Closer’ is poignant, witty, and pretty,” said Lingle. “The revue is very well crafted and a tour de force for the cast.”

The Rep and the Choral Society suggest a $15 donation at the door, but paying whatever you can is fine.

Seating in the Opera House gallery is limited to fewer than 50, but you can reserve a place by calling Lutz at The Rep’s office, 970-728-4539.

“Closer,” which runs about an hour and a half, starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.
The Opera House bar will be open.