BWW Reviews: ATG's MARRY HARRY Is Exceptional

Marry Harry is an extraordinary original musical with an engaging story, fantastic talent and a memorable score. The show is presented by American Theater Group and can now be seen in Rahway at the Hamilton Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center (UC PAC) through May 11th.

Marry Harry is about love, ambition, in-laws and the trouble it can cause; a story which captures both your heart and your imagination. Metropolitan area audiences will enjoy every minute of this show. The book is by Jennifer Robbins with music by Dan Martin and lyrics by Michael Biello. It has wonderful direction by Kent Nicholson, choreography by Wendy Seyb, musical direction by Ming Aldrich-Gan, and a superb creative design team that makes Marry Harry outstanding.

Little Harry (Howie Michael Smith) is an aspiring chef trapped as cook at his dad's failing East Village restaurant but doesn't want to break his father, Big Harry's (Danny Tutigliano), heart. Big Harry is also in a volatile relationship with long-time girlfriend Debby (Michelle Ragusa). Enter Sherri (Jillian Louis), the daughter of the restaurant's landlord, Francine (April Wooodall). Sherri's career is stalled in her mother's company and she thought marriage was the answer until her engagement is broken. Then, when Harry asks Sherri out, sparks fly; love at first sight leads to a marriage proposal and many of the situations in the story explode.

The company's performances are captivating with heart to heart conversations and musical numbers that are alternatively lovely and lively. Moving songs like Almost by Sherry with Francine, Too Busy Running by Debby, and energetic pieces like Nonnina's Biscotti and Getting Married round out the score. And, there are stand-out comical scenes that make this show really pop including The Date with Little Harry, Sherri and the Server who is played by the show's dance captain, Andrew Chapelle. Clever "performance art" is artfully embedded in the show like the piece, Death of Me featuring Ping played by Tamara Young and the talented female company.

This is a story about family, loyalty and love. Marry Harry captures the elements of personal discovery for the characters while being a wonderfully entertaining show. It is must-see musical theater at its very best.

Tickets are on sale now for Marry Harry, presented by American Theater Group through May 11th at the Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. The show will be is on stage Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm and there is a Sunday matinee at 3:00 pm. For tickets, visit www.americantheatergroup.org. You can also purchase tickets thorough www.ticketmaster.com.

Photo courtesy of American Theater Group.