The world-premiere of the musical "Marty" at the Huntington Theatre stars John C. Reilly ("The Perfect Storm") as the 34-year-old New York City bachelor, Marty, a simple but good-hearted butcher, who spent his life providing for his widowed mother and younger siblings. Marty is the last of his family to marry, and his mother (Cheryl McMahon) wants nothing more than to see her son wed to a nice Catholic girl. Marty's brother constantly nags at him to settle down, as do his friends, who think that Marty should be satisfied with any available "Saturday night girl."Nobody is happy with Marty's final choice, the 32-year-old science teacher, Clara (Anne Torsiglieri), who is too educated according to Marty's mother and too ugly according to his friends. "I set out in 'Marty' to write a love story," dramatist Paddy Chayefsky, who wrote the original 1953 television production from which this musical was adapted, said, "The most ordinary of love stories."

Rupert Holmes, who wrote the book adaptation for the Huntington Theatre Company, made sure to remain true to Chayefsky's ideals. The characters are anything but glamorous. This technique draws the audience towards them and makes the show seem believable in spite of the soft "West Side Story" type rock songs that interrupt the dialogue and action.

These interruptions are never awkward, however; from the opening song, "Marty," to the ending, "Wish I Knew a Love Song," the music only increases the emotional appeal of the plot and enhances the simple and ordinary, but incredibly sweet, romance between the two characters.

Their romance is certainly not free of complications, however. While the play's theme is centered mostly on the difference between realistic love and glamorous, but unattainable love, a heavy sub-plot regarding the struggles of adult children for independence from their parents creates enough tension to keep this musical from being saccharin.

Both Marty and Clara are the sole caretakers of their single parents. The thought of leaving their parents in order to create a life of their own precipitates anxiety and opposition, which threatens to destroy their relationship. Both Marty's mother and Clara's father openly oppose their children's choice in partners; Marty is not educated enough, Clara is too educated. The issue is resolved in a somewhat weak and anticlimactic ending, which still remains uplifting and romantic.

People who are familiar with the television movie, "Marty," which is serious and somewhat bleak, would be impressed at the way composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Lee Adams create a musical that is at the same time charming, funny and realistic. The songs are light-spirited without being trite; the lyrics allow the character to express his or her inner emotions without interrupting the action. One of the most touching pieces is the song, "My Star," in which Marty sings to his favorite star in the sky, dropping all guises of the suave suitor when he begins to cry in front of Clara.

In spite of its somewhat serious subject matter, "Marty" is replete with humorous characters and scenes. The song "Whaddya Feel Like Doin'?" epitomizes the boredom that Marty and his other single friends feel. "Saturday Night Girl," sung by Marty's four bachelor friends, boasts a contagious swing beat and ingeniously charming choreography and reveals the type of superficial and physical relationships most of these men are seeking.

"Saturday Night Girl Reprise" in the second act is even more comical; three of the four friends brag about their weekend catches - the heartbroken and passionate rebounder, the sultry and glamorous movie star and the kindred spirit who falls in love at first glance - only to have their lies exposed by the fourth friend, who saw the others alone after midnight.

The audience of "Marty" learns, in a performance that abstains from being heavy-handed, that these glamorous images of love are fleeting and that true love should not rely on fiery sparks and physical attraction. The resulting romance is simple and elegant, leaving the audience echoing the chorus of the last song: "Why do we need a love song / To tell us what we already know?"

"Marty" is playing at the

Huntington Theatre

through Sunday, Nov. 24.

For more information,

visit www.huntingtontheatre.org.