Review Roundup: Barry Levinson & Sheryl Crow's DINER at Delaware Theatre Company

Delaware Theatre Company serves up a musical adaptation of a classic film with the upcoming production of DINER, written by Academy Award-winner Barry Levinson with music and lyrics by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Sheryl Crow. Directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall, DINER earns a four week run at Delaware Theatre Company from December 2 and has already been extended through January 3, 2016. December 12, marked the official opening night.

Set in Baltimore during 1959, DINER follows a circle of childhood friends who confront the realities of adulthood in the one place they know they will always be welcome: the all-night diner.

The cast includes: Ari Brand as Eddie (Off-Broadway's My Name is Asher Lev), Aaron Finley as Billy (Broadway's It Shoulda Been You and Rock of Ages), Joshua Franklin (Doo-Wop Guy/Howard/As-Cast), Derek Klena as Boogie (Broadway's Wicked and The Bridges of Madison County), Ethan Slater as Modell (NYMF Award for Outstanding Performance in Claudio Quest), Matthew James Thomas as Fenwick (Pippin in the Tony Award-winning 2013 revival), and Noah Weisberg as Shrevie (Broadway's South Pacific and Legally Blonde).

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Ben Brantley, New York Times: It's music to tap your feet to, yet it doesn't make you feel like dancing. Excitement is not a part of this gentle show's DNA. This feels true even in the re-creations of the movie's most fondly recalled scenes, which include Fenwick's drunken destruction of a Christmas crèche, a strip-joint interlude and a movie date in which a popcorn box is used as a sex aid. Ms. Marshall's choreography has a tiptoe tentativeness, even when the boys are roughhousing with a football or a ketchup bottle. For fans of the movie who wondered what became of the "Diner" crew, this show provides a forward-looking epilogue, delivered by our old pal Boogie. Without giving away too much, I feel safe in revealing that it's the women who wind up ruling the world.

Jim Rutter, Philadelphia Inquirer: As a musical, the large-cast show feels small even in Delaware Theatre Company's 389-seat house (I can't imagine how it might play in a venue that seats 1,000). For the most part, Crow's compositions set the musical style squarely in its era of doo-wop, early R&B and rock, and mellow lounge melodies. Director Kathleen Marshall's choreography includes few choral dance numbers to add physical excitement, and more than one song takes place over phone booths that bookend the stage. Combined, these two choices dampen the visual spectacle and vocal enthusiasm of the tremendous young cast.

Christine Facciolo, Kathleen Marshall's choreography includes few choral dance numbers to add physical excitement, and more than one song takes place over phone booths that bookend the stage. Combined, these two choices dampen the visual spectacle and vocal enthusiasm of the tremendous young cast. Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20151216_Review__Delaware_s__Diner__takes_you_back.html#iqvptOu20VyLztxQ.99" target="_blank">Newsworks: Crow has crafted an assortment of doo-wop, R&B and good ole' rock'n'roll melodies that could easily pulsate from a 1950s Wurlitzer jukebox. They are filled with delicious hooks, tasty harmonies and intense lyrics that aggressively advance the story. All are brilliantly performed by this talented ensemble. Erika Henningsen brings the house down with"Tear Down This House," Crow's power ballad for Beth who is grappling with a disappointing marriage to the clueless Shrevie. The piece is rendered all the more powerful given that it follows the humorous R&B number "It's Good," the male take on marriage sung by Shrevie and Eddie.

Photo Credit: Matt Urban, Mobius New Media

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