In this time of troubles, we all really need a laugh, a song and a dance to entertain ourselves. Well, Honeymoon in Vegas, the bright and very funny new musical comedy playing at the Nederlander Theatre, delivers on that intent.
Based on the 1992 hit comedy starring Nicolas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker and James Caan, the story involves Jack (Rob McClure), a Brooklyn man ready to make a commitment to his girlfriend of five years, Betsy (Brynn O'Malley). But Jack is afraid of breaking his mother's dying wish of not to get married. Betsy can't wait any longer, so they ditch City Hall and decide to fly to Las Vegas to get married there.
But trouble comes in the form of slick gangster Tommy Korman (Tony Danza, of Taxi and Who's The Boss? fame). When Tommy first sees Betsy, he sees her as a dead-ringer of his late, sunbathing wife. To get her, Tommy decides to invite Jack to a poker game in which he beats Jack in a straight flush. Jack loses fifty-eight thousand dollars in the process. To let Jack off the hook without any physical pain, Tommy decides to borrow Betsy for the weekend. Jack tries to save Betsy from winning Tommy's heart, even if he have to fly to Hawaii and skydive back to Vegas to do it.
Director Gary Griffin makes this show run with a high pace of a speeding train with help from Anna Louizos's dynamic sets and screen projections. The film's writer/director Andrew Bergman has adapt it for the stage and it serves well enough to be faithful to the film. The choreography work by Denis Jones borders on average.
After being dramatic and winning a Tony for his score last season for the underrated musical, Bridges of Madison County, composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown goes into Cy Coleman/Henry Mancini/Jerry Herman territory with a nice, jazzy, half contemporary, half 60's style score with some smart lyrics but with no standout tune that will linger in the memory for weeks. Special thanks through to Griffin for putting the excellent big-band orchestra led by Tom Murray at the top of both acts with the overture and the second act entr'acte. Seeing the orchestra on stage makes one reminisce of Doc Severinsen and his swinging band on The Tonight Show (in the Carson years).
As Jack, McClure is swell and appealing with some mannerisms and a voice that reminded me of actor Gene Wilder. Malley is cute and perky, as she doesn't try to mimic Parker's original portrayal. It's great to see Danza on the stage as he delivers a fantastic performance and makes Tommy a bit more kinder than in the movie. Mr. Danza is one heck of a crooner and hoofer, too. Coming in from time to time as Jack's late mother, Nancy Opel is a hysterical scene-stealer.
It doesn't achieve for greatness, but Honeymoon in Vegas is a sure bet for first-rate entertainment that gets the winter blues away and leaves you with a smile on your face. And isn't it what a good time out at the theatre is all about?
Rating:***
Parent Advisory: Suitable for ages 13 and over. Contains few adult language and sexual situations.
Honeymoon in Vegas is playing at the Nederlander Theatre on 208 West 41st Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues). For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 877-250-2929.
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