THEATER REVIEW : Musical a Warm Look at Marriage : ‘I Do! I Do!’ follows a couple through 50 years--and is as cuddly as a bunny.

Seldom has the institution of marriage received such a tender and knowing treatment as in “I Do! I Do!” The 1968 musical by the writers of “The Fantasticks” is playing at Dinner Theatre at Ottavio’s in Camarillo, capably directed by Pamela Matheson.

The story follows “Agnes” and “Michael” through 50 years of marriage, beginning with their turn-of-the-century wedding. While the relationship isn’t entirely smooth, the show is as warm and cuddly as a bunny.

Lyricist-librettist Tom Jones and composer Harvey Schmidt based their show on Jan de Hartog’s drama, “The Fourposter,” brought to the screen in a 1952 movie starring Rex Harrison and Lili Palmer; the original Broadway cast of “I Do! I Do!” starred Robert Preston and Mary Martin. With just one set and a cast of two, it’s an ideal property for dinner theater.

Some old-timers might remember Ed Ames’ hit single of one of the show’s songs, “My Cup Runneth Over,” back in the days when Broadway shows could spawn hit records. But that isn’t the only good song in “I Do! I Do!”; it isn’t even the best. Jones and Schmidt provide a lot of musical variety, notably in the giddy “I Love My Wife,” and the gleefully male-chauvinist “It’s a Well Known Fact” (reminiscent of “A Hymn to Him” in “My Fair Lady”), as well as several more conventionally romantic numbers.

Michael Voll and Ronda Borgwardt are a fine pair--and a natural couple--in this production. She has the more ambitious singing voice; he gets to “play” the trombone (remember, this originally starred Mary Martin and Robert Preston).

Doug Matheson designed the choreography, Tom Murry created the set--dominated by a “fourposter” bed--and musical director Lisa Wolf supplies piano accompaniment.

The plot is thin, strands wandering off and disappearing without explanation. But pay no mind. Champagne, too, is relatively thin, but sometimes sheer effervescence provides sufficient kick. And such is the case with “I Do! I Do!”

Details

* WHAT: “I Do! I Do!”

* WHEN: Thursday and Friday nights at 7 through June 10; additional performance Sunday, June 5 at 6 p.m.

* WHERE: Ottavio’s Banquet Facility, 340 Mobil Ave., Camarillo.

* COST: $25 per person, includes show, buffet dinner, non-alcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. Open bar and wine available. Inquire about the Thursday night senior discount. Season tickets, group rates and fund-raising programs also available.

* FYI: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m.; show begins sometime after 8 p.m. June 5 show, doors open at 5:30 p.m. For reservations or further information, call 484-9909.