Scotland, PA

C

Although Billy Morrisette’s 2001 film of the same name received mostly negative reviews, it nevertheless became a minor cult classic. It was a parody of Shakespeare’s Scottish play that reset the locale to a greasy spoon diner in a sleepy Pennsylvania town. Now Roundabout Theatre is presenting a musical version with a book by Michael Mitnick (Sex Lives of Our Parents) and music and lyrics by Adam Gwon (Ordinary Days). The results are mixed. Mac (Ryan McCartan; Heathers) and Pat (Taylor Iman Jones; Groundhog Day), a couple working at the diner, feel unappreciated by owner Duncan (Jeb Brown; Beautiful) and decide to go after what they feel they deserve. Their dream turns out to be very much like a certain chain with golden arches. Mac is goaded on by three stoners, led by the delightful Alysha Umphress (On the Town), who replace the traditional three witches. The couple’s dimwitted friend Banko, played by Jay Armstrong Johnson (On the Town), is a hoot. Will Meyers plays Duncan’s unhappy son Malcolm who has a surprising secret. When the bodies start to pile up, detective Peg McDuff (Megan Lawrence; Holiday Inn) investigates. The music and lyrics are serviceable with only a song or two that stands out. The book gets most things right but muddles the stoners’ prophecies. Anna Louizos’s (School of Rock) set is clever and Tracy Christensen’s (Sunset Boulevard) costumes are spot on.  Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard) directs with assurance. There is nothing specifically wrong with the show; it just is instantly forgettable. The two leads are adequate but are upstaged by Umphress and Johnson. If you want an evening that isn’t too taxing and are a musical fan, you might enjoy this show. Running time: two hours 15 minutes including intermission.

On the Town ****

Would that there were talents like Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green writing for the Broadway stage today! To see their 1994 love letter to New York in this wonderful revival, originally developed for Barrington Stage, is sheer pleasure. What the cast lacks in name recognition it more than makes up for in talent. Tony Yazbeck, Jay Armstrong Johnson and Clyde Alvez are superb as Gabey, Chip and Ozzie, three sailors out to make their most of a 24-hour leave in New York City. Alysha Umphress is a hoot as Hildy, the taxi driver who virtually kidnaps Chip. NYCB principal Megan Fairchild makes an auspicious Broadway debut as Ivy Smith, the Miss Turnstiles for June that Gabey is determined to meet. Elizabeth Stanley is just OK as Claire, the anthropologist who gets carried away with Ozzie. Audience favorite Jackie Hoffman is a barrel of laughs in her four roles. Phillip Boykin is wonderful too in multiple roles. Beowulf Boritt’s scenic and production design relies heavily on sophisticated projections and translucent panels, to fine effect, especially as lit by Jason Lyons. Jess Goldstein’s costumes are wonderfully over the top. Joshua Bergasse had a touch act to follow after Jerome Robbins’s original choreography, but he handles the task well. It has been a while since a Broadway show has taken the time for extended pure dance sequences. The orchestra under James Moore does full justice to Bernstein's score. John Rando’s direction is uncluttered and assured. The audience was large and enthusiastic. This show’s 1971 and 1998 revivals barely lasted two months. This production deserves to fare better. Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes including intermission.