Variety
- Recommended
"...Who is Mary Stout' Ever heard of "Henry, Sweet Henry"' How about "Bagels and Yox"' Mute incomprehension means you're the wrong demographic for "[title of show]," a cheerful in-jokeathon about the perils of (subsistence) living and (hardly) working in the musical theater. For those tapped into tuner geekdom, the Celebration's rousing, rowdy re-creation of this Fringe Fest winner and Main Stem disappointment milks the material for all it's worth, and then some."
Backstage
- Highly Recommended
"...Shepperd's four-member ensemble-five if you count music director–accompanist extraordinaire Gregory Nabours, who also becomes a character-has great fun with the material. The singing is first-rate, beautifully serving the catchy and clever songs, and the players deliver the priceless repartee with precision and gusto. This show likely won't have a lengthy shelf life-it seems very much a here-and-now phenomenon. But it has launched the careers of a gifted writing team we are certain to hear from again."
LA Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...What started as a competitive entrée in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and ended with successful runs both on and off-Broadway and a Tony nomination for Best Book in 2009, [title of show] has finally arrived at the Celebration Theatre for its Los Angeles premiere."
Talkin Broadway
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Which leads to what is probably my biggest criticism of the show: with [title of show] evolving with each new production, why doesn't the version licensed to regional theatres take into account that it's being licensed to regional theatres' The real Jeff, Hunter, Heidi and Susan took this show as far as they could-but at some point, they've had to say goodbye to the piece, to let other people play the roles they've created, and to send their baby off into the world to make its way without them. Without acknowledging this fact, the show we're now watching seems incomplete."
Stage Scene LA
- Highly Recommended
"...The cast assembled for [title of show]'s L.A. premiere is as vocally strong as it gets. Jennifer R. Blake (Susan), Jeffrey Landman (Jeff), Micah McCain (Hunter), and Carey Peters (Heidi) all have terrific pipes, and when harmonizing, they fill the Celebration with a glorious sound that hasn't been heard since…well, since The Women Of Brewster Place, which only closed a few weeks ago. In addition to Blake's vocal gifts, the recent star of Side By Side By Sondheim combines beauty and comic flair to make the part of Susan adorably, quirkily her own. Landman, who started his career as a child on Broadway, has blossomed into one of L.A.'s most uniquely gifted musical theater stars, as exemplified by the depth of his performance as Jeff and his crackerjack comic timing. As Heidi, recent Chicago-to-L.A. transplant Peters is a real find, combining charisma, acting chops, and one of the most powerful high belts you're likely to hear in any show this year. Though McCain's relative inexperience in scripted musical theater is evidenced by lines not yet fully mastered on opening night, his performance will likely gel as the run continues. Already he brings a goofy charm and a strong voice and stage presence to Hunter. "
StageHappenings.com
- Recommended
"...Now, mind you, the characters' sexuality is never a hindrance to the evening, as it is all done in fun and in fairness to everyone. The American Theatre has not been particularly homophobic, or racist, or even sexist, for some decades. And as the show is playful in the extreme, running a tad over 90 minutes, with no intermission, it is a genuine delight. Nabours' musical direction and Michael A. Sheppard's stage direction combine to keep us entertained, as well as enlightened. What better combination to see on any stage'"
Broadway World
- Recommended
"...The material is, of course, served well by an extremely talented cast, all of whom have strong, amazing voices that compliment their equally enjoyable personalities. It is certainly quite a heavy task to take on the roles so effortlessly played originally by the roles' true-life counterparts, but this cast meets this challenge with grace and bravery. Landman gives his version of Jeff an endearing, lovably-dorky persona, with a sweetness that fits his character quite well, but also houses a powerful singing voice. McCain's funny and over-the-top turn as Hunter is spot-on, from his hilarious portrayal of "Blank Paper" to his sudden seriousness as he takes on the notes he receives from show investors."
![[title of show]](https://www.theatreinla.com/images/play/play513.jpg "[title of show]")