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Regional Reviews: St. Louis It Shoulda Been You Also see Richard's review of The Minutes
Overall, though, this cast comes equipped with a startling sense of stage realism that soon turns the script's laughs into lightning, thanks to director Bekah Harbison. The costumes and lovely wedding gowns are by Kayla Dressman. And the singing is frequently outstanding, thanks to vocal director Sarah Vlodek. After a slightly broader than needed approach to the dialog scenes in the first 15 minutes on opening night, the two hour and ten minute show (with intermission) finds its perfect groove. Most Talkin' Broadway readers will already know about the big plot twist at the end of act one. But for those who don't, I'll be talkin' around it. And it's not quite as much of a shock here. Take Two has an unusual gift for finding the true voice of each character, so I guess some things are just telegraphed naturally. The company is also known for making the most of its economical sets, with an always-terrific band conducted here by Curtis Farrell. And even though this particular musical comedy is constantly putting forth moments that are kitschy and schticky, the recurring joke comes in seeing those set-ups sent-up by more sophisticated punchlines. It Shoulda Been You takes place on a wedding day in a hotel in the New York City region. We follow the sister of the bride, Jenny, played by the splendid Kara Grossman, and are consistently transfixed by the magnificence of her singing and her authentic acting style. Brian Hargrove wrote the book and most of the lyrics. The lovely music is by Barbara Anselmi, with additional lyrics by Michael Cooper, Will Randall, Carla Rose Arnone, Ernie Lijoi, and Jill Abramovitz. It's all darned near perfect here. The comedy first hit the boards in 2011 at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and was further developed in 2012 at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington. It went on to run about four months on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in 2015. It's the Steinbergs (family of the bride) and the Howards (family of the groom), and the excellent Greg Madison as the world's greatest wedding planner. Kathleen Dwyer sings beautifully as the run-ragged mother of Rebecca (always great Lauren Tenenbaum). And Kay Love is first-rate as Georgette, mother of Brian (the endearing Bradley Fritz). The very nice set is by Rob Lippert and the choreography by Dressman. I think my only technical complaint is that the apron light cues were slow the night I went. The dads are played by the subtly ingenious Matt Anderson as Mr. Steinberg and the elegant and enjoyable Todd Garten as Mr. Howard. Mr. Anderson has an unbelievable affinity for stage work. Once again he disappears into his character in a fresh new way. And each tiny shift in his posture seems etched with laser-like precision. Some actors are just amazing to look at, every moment. And Mr. Garten navigates a soft-shoe number with Mr. Fritz (as his son, the groom) with a lighthearted charm. The maid of honor is the lovable, hyper-realistic Nachalah "Catie" Duclerne, and the best man is Alex Giordano, who shows a fine comic flair and could easily pass as the younger brother of the actor Andrew Rannells. Their duet together, "Love You Till the Day," is a true comic high-point. Gabriel Scott Lawrence is terrific as Marty (also the show's technical consultant), who seems bent on ruining the wedding. (Haha, joke's on him.) Overall, I think a show like this benefits from the lowered expectations inherent in a "church basement" production. The freshness and naturalism everywhere you look soon becomes enviable. And in the final moments, Jenny's last scene with her sister Rebecca gives this matrimonial show a perfect emotional ring. It Shoulda Been You, produced by Take Two Productions, runs through October 11, 2025, Third Baptist Church, Johnson Hall, 620 North Grand Blvd., St. Louis MO. For tickets and information, please visit www.taketwoproductions.org. Cast (in order of appearance): Production Staff: |
