“Groundhog Day the Musical” is a well-acted whimsical romp… “Groundhog Day the Musical” is a well-directed whimsical romp… “Groundhog Day the Musical” is a well-written whimsical romp… …regardless of its intentional time-loop repetition.
The sixth St. Playhouse manufacturing in Santa Rosa is decidedly edgier, darker and extra sexualized than the smash 1993 movie starring Invoice Murray about a nasty weatherman assigned to cowl Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania who finds his humanity after getting trapped in a time warp.
It’s additionally about 40 minutes longer, forgivable when contemplating that the present incorporates 28 musical numbers (plus one reprise).
Nelson Brown performs weatherman Phil Connors in sixth Road Playhouse’s “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” (Photograph by Eric Chazankin/Courtesy sixth Road Playhouse)
Nelson Brown, who alternates within the Phil Connors lead function with Garet Waterhouse, completely owns the stage. His frantic physical-comedy chops are extraordinary, and his voice is potent, too. Michelle Pagano as Rita Hanson, his feminine foil, performs her half a lot straighter, however has beautiful vocal cords.
Nelson Brown performs weatherman Phil Connors in sixth Road Playhouse’s “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” (Photograph by Eric Chazankin/Courtesy sixth Road Playhouse)
Ted Smith, who portrays insurance coverage peddler Ned Ryerson, surprises with a soulful voice in his solely solo, the plaintive “Night Will Come.”
A multi-racial refrain of singers in all sizes and styles acquits itself nicely by beginning and ending collectively on a regular basis.
Laughter from the viewers sometimes drowns out a line or two, with the heartiest guffaws stemming from intelligent use of a car that redefines minivan; three raucous drunks in a jeep; small dolls that stand in for a groundhog; a new child, and a pooch.
However there’s a plethora of different gags. Director David Lear not solely attracts each doable chuckle from them, however he additionally creates superior abbreviated, strobe-enhanced scenes and ensures music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and e-book by Danny Rubin are skillfully delivered.
The manufacturing efficiently makes use of projections of falling snow and a speedway, and different highlights embody solid members marching up the aisles of the comfortable theater, an impressive upbeat eight-person faucet dance choreographed by Karen Miles, and a backstage seven-piece orchestra of dwell musicians led by Lucas Sherman.
Flaws? The primary act is a bit sluggish. Occasional lyrics are muffled. Not a lot to gripe about.
A number of phrases can outline “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” Attempt considered one of these: bouncy, goofy, enjoyable. A number of phrases can outline “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” Attempt considered one of these: bouncy, edgy, enjoyable.A number of phrases can outline “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” Attempt considered one of these: bouncy, amusing, enjoyable.
“Groundhog Day: The Musical” continues by way of Feb. 23 at sixth Road Playhouse, 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $29 to $55.95 at 6thstreetplayhouse.com.
