BWW Reviews: SUMMER OF '42 Enchants Audiences at Bucks County Playhouse

The newest musical to grace the stage at Bucks County Playhouse is SUMMER OF '42. This musical is based on the novel and 1971 film of the same name. Herman Raucher wrote the novel and screenplay. Hunter Foster (URINETOWN, HANDS ON A HARBODY) wrote the book for this musical and David Kirshenbaum wrote the music and lyrics. Foster also directs this production. SUMMER OF '42 is a coming of age story that reminds audiences about the innocence of youth. SUMMER OF '42 is a heartfelt story, and Bucks County Playhouse's production of this show is full of heart, humor, and heartbreak.

SUMMER OF '42 tells the story of Hermie, and his friends Benjie and Oscy. The story takes place on an island off the coast of Maine. The show portrays the innocence of teens during this time and how a main interest of these three teens is girls. The three teen girls, Aggie, Miriam and Dorothy are the summer love interests of the three boys. In addition to the teenage love storyline, there is the story of the young woman, Dorothy, whose husband has gone off to war. Hermie sees Dorothy and immediately falls in love with her. SUMMER OF '42 evokes emotions as "The summer you'll always remember."

The cast of SUMMER OF '42 are all extremely talented and they add a naiveté to their characters that reminds the audience what it was like to be a teen in the 1940s. Chris McCarrell plays Hermie. He adds humor, excitement and emotion to this role, and in the beginning of the show he is the epitome of innocence. Throughout the show, audiences will see this character evolve. One of the best songs that McCarrell performs is "I think I Like Her" and it is full of energy. F. Michael Haynie portrays Oscy, and he adds humor throughout the show. Haynie perfectly portrays the audacious teen. Benjie is played by Joey Dippel. Dippel convincingly portrays the awkward youth, and seeing his fear of talking to girls is comical. Bailey Buntain (Aggie), Alyssa Gagarin (Miriam) and Betsy Hogg (Gloria) play the trio of girls. These talented actors also serve as a reminder of the 1940s. They sing songs throughout the show that are reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters, and these songs are full of gaiety and spirit. Chelsea Packard plays Dorothy, the young bride of a soldier shipping off to war. Packard successfully depicts the bliss that goes along with being a young bride, but also the stress and fear that occurs when her husband is off at war. Packard is remarkable in this role and her song "Losing Track of Time" is strong and beautiful. The SUMMER OF '42 is one of the best shows I have seen this summer; it reminds audiences of the innocence of youth, but it is also beautifully written with some of the most exceptional music I have heard in a musical.

The creative team for the SUMMER OF '42 also needs recognized. The scenic designers for this show are Wilson Chin and David L. Arsenault. Lorin Latarro serves as the choreographer and the costume designer is Nicole V. Moody. In addition, the musical director is Paul Masse.

SUMMER OF '42 runs at Bucks County Playhouse through August 11, 2013. For more information and tickets visit their website at www.bcptheater.org or call their box office at 215-862-2121.

Photo Credit: Mandee Kuenzle

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