review.
The new musical comedy at George Street Playhouse with Tyne Daly, and an absolutely incredible cast is a must see. Most of the cast is superb, with perfectly written lines that will make you laugh very often, and music and lyrics that will be remembered days later. “It Shoulda Been You” is a crowd-pleaser in every way.
The scene is a wedding at the St. George Hotel, then the ex-boyfriend shows up and the “perfect day” becomes, let’s say, less than perfect. It gets even more tangled with a whole lot of secrets, plot twists and well… craziness. Plenty of the well laid plans go awry, the parents get surprised – big time! And so will you!
GSP pulled out all the stops on this show. The set design by Anna Louizos is just incredible! The show is directed by (Tony and Emmy winner and TV’s Frasier star) David Hyde Pierce. This is his first time directing a stage play and you will be very pleased. The creators of It Shoulda Been You are Brian Hargrove, book and lyrics, and the incredible music by Barbara Anselmi. Costuming by William Ivey Long is memorable too.
I do not wish to spoil the show. So let me say there are a few plot twists that shouldn’t be revealed. You will be surprised and astounded!
Tyne Daly plays the brides Jewish mother. She is truly a force of nature to be agreed with at all costs. She will have you in hysterics in more scenes than you will be able to remember. One that I especially liked was her scene with her husband where she is joined in comedic and raucous humor in the plays title song. This number is hilarious in its complete and utter ridiculousness.
The grooms mom, Georgette Howard, is played by Harriet Harris. Many will remember her as Felicia Tillman on TV’s Desperate Housewives and BeBe on Frasier. She was great on TV and here she shines again. She is incredibly adept at getting that just right facial expression that makes you laugh every time.
The brides sister, Jenny, is played by Lisa Howard. Mom is always berating her and she handles the jabs as the not so favorite and not so petite daughter very well. One of the most memorable musical numbers is when sister Jenny belts out a blues number that rocked the house called “Jenny’s Blues.” What an incredible arrangement, her voice filled the space to the rafters, the audience was truly taken aback. She is a fine actor. And this singer has a new film and a new solo album just released.
The wedding planner is vital to the show. Edward Hibbert is superbly cast in this role and is especially fun in his musical number “Albert’s Song.” He has been a favorite on Comedy TV shows such as Tracey Ullman and Carol Burnett, and was on NBC’s Frasier for eleven years as Gil Chesterson. His ability to go just a bit over the top with braggadocio is well suited for his role in this play where he seems to predict verything before it happens – except for one really big, REALLY BIG surprise. It throws even him for a loop. But only for a very short moment.
Filling out the cast is Richard Kline, as the brides father Murray. He plays the part perfectly and fits his lines and little jabs at the others in the family with perfection. When it comes to his wife, he knows his place. He says there out of harms way. He is a great character actor. At one point in a conversation with his daughters he confesses that “Your Mother and I had words… I just didn’t get to use any of mine.”
The brides ex-boyfriend, Marty Kaufmanp played by David Josefsberg is a GSP favorite from past plays.
The bride, Rebecca, is played by Jessica Hershberg. The Groom, Brian Howard, is played by Matthew Hydzick. His best man, Greg, is played by Curtis Holbrook. The grooms father, George, is played by Howard McGillin.
Playing dual roles as Walt and Uncle Morty is Tom Deckman who shows he is ready for some more fun roles in the theatre as a comedic actor. Carla Duren plays the bridesmaid Annie Sheps. Mylinda Hull plays Mildred/Aunt Sheila.
The tickets are going fast, so get yours as soon as you can so you don’t miss out on this comedic musical ending on November 4, 2011. There will be a Marriage Equality Pride night on Thursday, Oct 20. Use code PRIDE or mention Out In Jersey. Call the George Street Playhouse Box Office at 732-246-7717. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Tickets available online at .
review.
The new musical comedy at George Street Playhouse with Tyne Daly, and an absolutely incredible cast is a must see. Most of the cast is superb, with perfectly written lines that will make you laugh very often, and music and lyrics that will be remembered days later. “It Shoulda Been You” is a crowd-pleaser in every way.
