Review Roundup: JOHNNY MANHATTAN at The Meadow Brook Theatre

An exciting new musical, JOHNNY MANHATTAN is set in a New York City nightclub when places like the Copacabana, The Latin Quarter and El Morocco were filled with socialites and glamorous showgirls. It's 1958 and Johnny, the owner of Johnny Manhattan's has invited his closest friends to a private party for a surprise announcement. Unexpected surprises abound as relationships clash and secrets are revealed. JOHNNY MANHATTAN will run at The Meadow Brook Theatre through September 24.

This is the world premiere production of JOHNNY MANHATTAN, with a book and lyrics by Robert Lorick and music by Dan Goggin. The show is directed and choreographed by Mark Martino, with musical direction by Michael Rice, set design by Brian Kessler, costume design by Liz Goodall, lighting design by Matthew J. Fick, and sound design by Mike Duncan.

The cast stars Jim Ballard as Johnny, Anne Brummel as Rosie, Janet Caine as Francine, Nathan Crockfort as Mickey, George Dvorsky as David, Tyrick Wiltez Jones as Gary, Barbara McCulloh as Dorothy, AlissaBeth Morton as Gloria, Ruth Pferdehirt as Maxie, Jana Robbins as Rita, Lauren Sprague as Lorraine, Ian Turnwald as George, Dale White as Paul, and Scott Willis as Edward.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Carol Azizian, The Oakland Press: Willis as Edward, the aging playwright, performs a show-stopping dance number in the second act. It's a pleasure to watch the revival of "Johnny Manhattan," which could be on its way to Broadway. And it's rewarding to know that the revival started here.

David Kiley, Encore Michigan: Jim Ballard makes his Meadow Brook debut in the title role. Anne Brummel exhibits excellent vocals as Rosie, Johnny's love interest/on-again-off-again flame. Jana Robbins is delightful as the saucy, acerbic grand dame character actress of Broadway and minor films, Rita, who is in attendance with a gigolo (played ably by Nathan Cockroft). George Dvorsky plays a philandering lawyer with a marriage-weary wife, (Barbara McCulloh) who learns during the party that her husband's girlfriend is in the house... The set of Johnny's, designed by Brian Kessler is wonderful. Michael Rice does a fine job with musical direction and the incorporation of the ensemble into the story, doubling as the house band of Johnny's, is extremely well executed.

Katie Laban, BroadwayWorld: The performers in Johnny Manhattan do an exceptional job in their performances throughout the show including Jim Ballard in the title role. Ballard carries a heavy weight on his shoulders, but does not falter in performance. He has a smooth singing voice and strong stage presence. Anne Brummel is fantastic as Rosie... Johnny Manhattan is a show filled with heart, soul, and love. Plus, how often does the Michigan theatre community get a chance to experience a Broadway preview? Be part of history! Take a chance and experience this amazing opportunity to see Johnny Manhattan, a new musical, before it heads to great white way!

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