MOMS NIGHT OUT: Bullets Over Broadway: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman

Featuring existing music from the 1920s, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY includes a new adapted book by Woody Allen. The new musical comedy tells the story of an aspiring young playwright who is forced to cast a mobster’s no-talent girlfriend in his new show in order to get it produced. The 1994 film by Allen and Douglas McGrath, starring John Cusack and Broadway veterans Dianne Wiest and Jennifer Tilly, was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Wiest earned a trophy for Best Supporting Actress.

 BULLETS OVER BROADWAY features Brooks Ashmanskas (The Producers), Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Zach Braff (“Scrubs,” Garden State), Nick Cordero (Rock of Ages), Tony and Drama Desk nominee Marin Mazzie (Passion, Ragtime) Vincent Pastore (“The Sopranos”), Betsy Wolfe (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Lenny Wolpe (The Drowsy Chaperone), Hélene Yorke (Grease) and Tony-winning Karen Ziemba (Contact) among an ensemble cast of 29.

Directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, it’s bold, brassy and features impressive hoofing largely by the hoodlum pack.

The showgirls cut a mean figure, especially when wearing striking nude body suits as they pose, adorning a building like part of the architectural facade.

Lots of good numbers, highlights including Let’s Misbehave, featuring Yorke and Ashmanskas, Tain’t Nobody Biz-ness If I Do by Cordero  and I’ve  Found a New Baby, sung by Wolfe and Graf.

The cast does a bang-up job, and Graf in his Broadway debut, playing the Woody Allen film-role, more than holds his own.

Cordero is a scene-stealer, and Wolfe is delightful. 

Let’s not forget about the adorable pooch adorning Ziemba’s arms.

BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is overall entertaining, though could use a trimming and takes some time to find it’s pace.  Ultimately, it’s a fun ride.

THEATRE

The St. James Theatre
246 W. 44th St,,  New York, NY 10036

Website: www.bulletsoverbroadwaythemusical.com

Note: If you’re looking for a hip, contemporary event space in the theatre district, consider Paramount Hotel.  Enjoyed a pre-theatre reception in the second floor lounge.

Tags: bullets over broadway, mom blogger, susan stroman, theatre review, Woody Allen