"Thank you. Thank you very much."
HONEYMOON IN VEGAS
What it’s about ... a book musical based on the 1992 hit film about urban lovers who decide that a trip to Vegas will be their ace in the hole to help face down a maternal curse. Problems arise, however, and the stakes are so high that a Hawaiian getaway, a haunted totem garden and, ultimately, a squad of high-flying Elvis impersonators are all necessary to get everyone back to the table.
Why you should go … this is the Regional Premiere of Gary Griffin's Broadway-size musical, served up in the round with a stellar professional creative team and company led by Michael Mahler (Jack Singer), Samantha Pauly (Betsy Nolan) and Sean Allan Krill (Tommy Korman). The integration of swanky projection, sophisticated hydraulic staging and puppetry all add to the luau. This show feels right at home in the Marriott.
Lots of love to go around … Jack loves Betsy. Betsy love Jack. Tommy takes Betsy. Jack wants Betsy back. Tommy’s inept sidekick Johnny Sandwich (bread and butter for Steven Strafford) and the delightful Marya Grandy, in the reappearing role of Jack’s haunting mom, keep things moving hilariously along.
What to watch and listen for ... “I Love Betsy” … "Never Get Married" ... "Out of the Sun" ...“Betsy’s Getting Married” … “Come to an Agreement” … “Airport Song” … Cole Burden and the Elvis troupe … the irresistable chorus girls (Laura Savage and Allison Hill) and the clever totem garden of muppet moms.
What’s the takeaway … we'll, it’s a musical after all, so don’t over think it. You might say coming to terms with our past is easier said than done. And, if all else fails, take a leap out of a perfectly good airplane, with a parachute, of course.
Dinner out? Take mom and park up front … try Half-Day Brewing Company or Sullivan’s. Ante up for the Marriott valet … a fin.