Allegro Court

Mattie and Martin grew up together, but Martin couldn’t wait to strike out on his own and claim the accolades and celebrity his musical abilities could afford him.  Mattie, heartbroken by Martin’s departure, was left behind to help run a family business, which is currently experiencing some financial setbacks.  When Martin’s estranged mother has a debilitating stroke, he is forced to return home to face a different kind of music.  Mattie and Martin find the spark between them still burns, but the same issues that separated them before still loom large. Can they find a way to make their relationship work or will Martin once again choose his career over love?

“Allegro Court” is alternately amusing and insightful. Mattie zigs when Martin zags. They can’t seem to line up their professional or personal lives no matter how hard they try.  Mattie is a strong character, but Martin is her one weakness. Martin fears his family obligations and a relationship with Mattie would stymie his career.  Even though the couple wants to be together, they have a hard time communicating, which is relatable and occasionally funny—and even embarrassing at times. One big drawback, however, is Martin’s apathy towards his mother’s illness, and his chilly persona, which remained too frosty for too long.  Mattie, on the other hand, is easy to like and is a more sympathetic character. The story doesn’t cover any new ground, per se, but it does offer a more realistic approach to romance, instead of the generic happily ever after, which is both refreshing and equally rewarding.

Julie Whiteley