Written by Hannah
It Shoulda Been You is Broadway’s newest quirky comedy. It’s the day of the wedding and all anyone can do is cross their fingers and hope for the best. All the prayers and wishes in the world cannot begin to prepare them for the chaos that ensues. With this flawlessly eccentric cast, you can’t stop the fits of laughter. Don’t be the one that says “it shoulda been me seeing It Shoulda Been You”. Just go see it. Now.
It Shoulda Been You opens with a gloriously designed hotel, the Steinberg/Howard wedding venue. This two level set, designed by Anna Louizos, seamlessly accommodates the bedrooms of the families, the hotel lobby, the ladies room, the salon and countless doors that provide swift scene changes and entrances.
The opening number introduces the all-star cast. From Tyne Daly, as the snappy, overbearing Jewish mother to the effortlessly magnificent Harriet Harris as the groom’s alcoholic mother, it is evident from the start that each actor truly excels in their role. Chip Zien and Michael X. Martin are superb as the fathers of the bride and groom respectively. Adam Heller and Anne L. Nathan shine in their multiple roles and successfully pull off the fastest of quick changes.
Edward Hibbert as the omniscient wedding planner has the audience rolling with laughter. Nick Spangler and Montego Glover as the best man and maid of honor are simply captivating and their unforgettable wedding toast brings the house down. The bride and groom, dynamically portrayed by Sierra Boggess and David Burtka, flawlessly embody their characters and give the roles a perfect blend of authenticity and sweetness.
Josh Grisetti, or shall we say Broadway’s Josh Grisetti, completely thrives as the goofball ex-boyfriend attempting to stop the wedding. His sensational and heartfelt performance serves as a remarkable beginning to his well-deserved Broadway career. The true star of the show, Lisa Howard, is an absolute powerhouse and carries the show with charisma, grace, and a stunning voice.
David Hyde Pierce’s genius direction focused on the subtle details involving comedic timing and the actors fully engaging the audience through their amusing facial expressions and hysterical characterizations. Brian Hargrove’s book and lyrics are filled with witty one-liners and side-splitting bickering.
The story’s twists and turns have the audience members in hysterics and keep them entirely enthralled until the final curtain. It Shoulda Been You is a genuine, bubbly musical with a radiant cast that is comprised of some of the most talented individuals in the theatre industry.
Run to the Brooks Atkinson (256 W 47th St) as soon as you can! This delightful show is not to be missed!
Here’s what you should keep in mind if you decide to see It Shoulda Been You :
- Great cast.
- Bathroom lines can also get pretty long, but it moves quickly.
- Very narrow seats; there is not much leg or elbow room.
- No intermission.