Quick Synopsis: Rebecca Steinberg (Sierra Boggess) and Brian Howard (David Burtka) are about to get married, but not without a few obstacles to overcome, like religion, class, feuding mother-in-laws (Tyne Daly & Harriet Harris), scapegoat sisters (Lisa Howard), and ex-boyfriends (Josh Grisetti). As the two respective families come together for the nuptials, hilarity and shocking revelations ensue.
1.) The amazing cast.
This production boasts the talents of many Broadway theatre veterans: Tyne Daly, Harriet Harris, Chip Zien to name just a few from an impressive list of actors. It’s quite a thrill to witness these actors share one Broadway stage, as well as see the respect with which they regard one another on stage. The cast is also comprised of many Broadway favorites like Sierra Boggess and Montego Glover and the musical is directed by none other than David Hyde Pierce. These names alone make the show worth checking out!
2.) LOL
This show does not merely elicit a chuckle here and there; it’s a laugh-out-loud kind of musical. If you don’t laugh out loud during this show, I can only conjecture that you are a terribly unhappy human being. On Broadway, there is a place for shows like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, and then there is a place for It Shoulda Been You. If you want to temporarily relinquish life’s problems and laugh with reckless abandon, check out It Shoulda Been You. If you are in the mood for something dark or dramatic, go see Les Mis or Phantom.
3.) A rare original musical.
As I’ve stated many times in this blog, it’s refreshing to see a musical that is not based on a movie, book, or some pre-existing story. While many wedding stories have been told on stage and on the small and big screens, this one is surely unique and presents a simple and subtle message that, fortunately, is not overly sermonizing.
4.) It rejects expectation.
The buzz surrounding this musical has focused on its “surprises”, implying that the characters are not quite what they seem to be. Fortunately, I did not encounter any spoilers prior to seeing the show! I would agree that the story begins slowly and with a certain expectation, but then deviates from the expected course in the best way possible. Expect the unexpected!
5.) Lisa Howard.
What I like about Lisa Howard is that she was virtually unknown to me prior to her performance as Jenny (Rebecca’s reliable and sturdy sister), and this production really showcases her great talent, even earning her the opportunity to stand out at this year’s Tony Awards. As a plus-size actress who plays the “underdog”, the audience is undoubtedly rooting for her happiness. She is really the heart of the show.
Check out It Shoulda Been You at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre before it closes on August 9!!
The little girl is amazing. She obviously possesses an understanding of humanity that exceeds her years. Her performance was raw… profound… moving…
I also loved the camera shots with Beth Malone (Alison) sitting behind Sydney (small Alison) and the final shot of Michael Cerveris (Bruce, father). Very nicely done.
2.) Kelly O’Hara dancing off the stage
It’s all over Twitter. I suppose I would be dancing too, if it took me six Tony nominations to finally win a Tony. She waited a long time to make that exit.
3.) Alan Cumming’s shorts. A bold, yet effective fashion choice.
4.) Banter between Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming.
I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a big opening number, such as the enthralling 2013 opening number performed by Neil Patrick Harris, but I did enjoy the comical exchanges between the two co-hosts and I definitely appreciated their comedic approach to hosting. They had great chemistry and were fun to watch, like a flashback to when they played Rooster and Lily in the 1999 Annie movie.
5.) Lisa Howard’s performance (from It Shoulda Been You with Tyne Daly)
Having seen her live, I knew she would knock this out of the park. She was fierce, and yes, she sang “like a big black woman”. If anything or anyone can help this show sell more tickets, it’s this performance. I hope Tony viewers feel the same as I do because I want this show to be around for a long time!
6.) Fun Home Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori win for Best Book and Best Score.
In all of Broadway history, Fun Home is the first musical with an all-female writing team to win Best Book and Best Score categories. In other words, we witnessed Fun Home making history tonight!
7.) Chita Rivera performing Kander & Ebb’s final musical at the young age of 82 years. An inspirational sight to see. What were your favorite Tony moments????
