In its current form (in transit there were several detours including an hour-long cabaret show called "Urban File"), "Closer Than Ever" opened at New York's off off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theater an even decade ago. It immediately became the darling of a host of New York's tougher critics.

ø0a ø0a ø0a ø0a ø0a ø0a Which brings us to the current darling of northern Nevada community theater organizations - Gothic North Theater and its presentation of "Closer Than Ever." Located in the Viewcrest Shopping Center in northwest Reno, Gothic North Theater has offered theatergoers a first-class season of excellently produced plays culminating with this delightful and delightfully presented musical revue.

When it comes to community theater doing musical anythings, skepticism abounds. But Gothic North's "Closer Than You" puts almost all fears to rest. "Almost," because as good as they are the four gallant singing actors director Tony DeGeiso has cast - Michael Daines, Diane Nichols, Khristine Stone and David Zybert - often come off wonderfully but are not consistently wonderful enough to make the show a constant delight. Shire's are difficult songs to sing requiring a sureness of pitch and a liquidity of line even the most seasoned pro finds daunting.

This "Closer Than Ever," then, is a case where the whole of the show adds up to more than the sum of its parts. There's much to recommend, not the least of which is an earnest cast that works hard to please and mostly does. Under DeGeiso's direction the minimal action is light and precise, and the company ticks off with style and humor many of an audience's preoccupations: "If I love him (or her), how can he (or she) love me not?"

"Closer Than Ever" is an anthology of songs and sketches about the vicissitudes of life by Richard Maltby, Jr. (words), and David Shire (music). Maltby's lyrics are clever, and Shire's tunes, though more recitatives than tuneful tunes, serve to keep the words afloat. The songs are about love and loss, family and friends, parents and children, spouses and lovers; a big order for four players to fill, but play on with profound-to-squeamish conviction and droll humor they do.

Zybert's "If I Sing" ("My father's pride was in his hands/The piano was his soul.") is the show's most poignant soliloquy of love. A singer's tribute to a father's life, "If I Sing" is nicely sung and quietly acted. Daines' unaffected "One of the Good Guys" ("I'm one of the good guys who dote on their wives. But there was a night in Hawaii/She was someone's friend and she had this smile...") is carried off with a young man's wistful believability.

Nichols' slyly suggestive "Miss Byrd" ("Everyone who sees me thinks I'm that dull Miss Byrd./ I could blow that myth apart, but I don't say a word.") allows this diminutive and very good actress to simmer one of Maltby and Shire's most whimsical songs into a provocatively naughty turn. With the best voice in the show, Stone has several big moments, the best of which is "Patterns" ("Why are patterns haunting every move I make?"). Stone delivers with a trumpeting sound and a commanding presence.

Pianist Richard Szitar does more than accompany beautifully, he gives the show its solid pace and not bad fifth voice. Szitar is credited with "Closer Than Ever's" vocal coaching. His preparation of mostly inexperienced singers is next to miraculous. Rick Patton's lighting is simple and just right. The show's striking set and sophisticated nightlcub ambiance do the rest; they turn a thoughtfully conceived and presented show into pure platinum.

"Closer Than Ever" plays Thursdays at 7, Fridays and Saturdays at 8, and Sundays at 2, through April 18. For information call 775 329 7529.