Paper Mill Playhouse kicks off 2025 with the musical “Mystic Pizza”! What? That’s a musical now? And what a musical it is! The pit orchestra is the House Band and the performers bring this story to vivid life. The pre-curtain music is toe-tapping and while you will want to sing along with the performers during the show, do it lightly or you’ll miss the beautifully limned lyrics of songs you thought you knew. You will know them better for the achingly beautiful way the cast sings every word.
Sandy Rustin’s book based on the story and characters of Amy Holden Jones is as joyous as that last Summer that you know is the last Summer you will ever have the freedom of youth. College and full time work are lurking just beyond the horizon for Daisy (Krystina Alabado) and Kat (Alaina Anderson) Arujo, and their bestie Jo-Jo Barboza (Deanna Giulietti) whom at the opening is getting married. Until she faints at the altar – and from there the merriment ensues.
This talented cast continues with F. Michael Haynie as the benighted Bill Mentijo – wannabe spouse of good-time girl Jo-Jo. Jo-Jo is on the horns of a dilemma – marriage or Life – and Bill works to show her she can have both. Will she listen? Ben Fankhauser is Tim Travers, the architect upon whom Kat has designs and Vincent Michael is Charlie, Charles Gordon Windsor, Jr, who captures Daisy’s heart as completely as she captures his. But as we know, true love never runs smoothly. And sometimes right-now masquerades as forever.
There is a superbly talented supporting cast and the dancing is as energizing as the music. Special standout mention goes to the delicate vulnerability of Ms. Anderson’s Kat who evoked the nascent hope and gossamer threads of new, and first, love. Vincent Michael’s voice is so compelling in both speech and song, it’s no wonder Daisy is head over heels for Charlie. And when Jo-Jo and Bill are together, it’s FIRE! One of my favorites is Jennifer Fouché whose Leona has the passion that ties it all together. The love in the show is palpable and it is a balm in the present day.
Consider this your local guide recommendation and GET there! Mystic Pizza will be all gone February 23 and tickets are selling FAST! Visit papermill.org to get yours now for a most memorable Valentine’s Day gift.