Review: THE CURVY WIDOW at GSP is a Heartfelt Musical with Humor and Pizzazz

"Single men my age are awful, there's a reason why they are alone!"

by Bobby in Curvy Widow

George Street Playhouse (GSP) has a marvelous finale to their successful 2016-2017 season. The new musical comedy, Curvy Widow is on the New Brunswick stage through May 21st. Directed by Peter Flynn and choreographed by Marcos Santana, the book is by Bobby Goldman with music and lyrics by Drew Brody. See it! There are so many reasons why you will enjoy this show. It tells a heartfelt story with all the pizzazz that you love in a musical.

In the show, Bobby, age 55, has just lost her husband of 30 years. He was a famous writer and she runs a successful construction company. Now a widow, life suddenly changes. When her psychiatrist suggests she consider meeting new men, Bobby turns to internet dating on Match.com, using the handle "Curvy Widow." Things get especially interesting when she mistakenly enters a dating site for sex. Hilarity ensues as Bobby goes out with men of all sorts. With the friendly support of her besties, Bobby finds herself on a journey of self-discovery that is full of surprises.

GSP's outstanding company brings Curvy Widow to life. Nancy Opel captures the role of Bobby with humor and grace. The multi-talented cast also includes Ken Land as Jim/others; Andrea Bianchi as Caroline/others; Elizabeth Ward Land as Heidi/others; Aisha de Haas as Joan/others; Alan Muraoka as The Shrink/others; Christopher Shyer as Per Se/others. While the story centers on Bobby and her circumstances, the other characters round out the story and add to the show's dynamism.

Curvy Widow has a vibrant score that is wonderfully performed. From the opening number, "Under Control," to the showstopper, "Curvy Widow" and the clever piece, "Whittle it Down," each and every song is well placed to develop the story.

The Creative Team has done a fantastic job of bringing Curvy Widow to the stage. They include scenic design by Rob Bissinger; costume design by Brian C. Hemesath; lighting design by Matthew Richards; sound design by Ryan Rumery and M. Florian Staab. Casting is by Steward/Whitley and the production Stage Manager is Thomas Clewell.

The Music Supervisor is Wayne Barker and the Musical Director is Andrew David Sotomayor. The musicians include Andrew David Sotomayor on Piano, Nioka Workman on Cello and Arei Sekiguchi on drums and percussion.

Bravo to GSP's Artistic Director, David Saint and Managing Director, Kelly Ryman for making this show available to the metro area audiences. Curvy Widow does a great job of addressing the sensitive subject of dating and sexual relations for a mature woman after the loss of her mate. It is a meaningful, yet wholly entertaining production that you will long remember. Take advantage of the rich opportunity to experience it.

Curvy Widow runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. It will be performed through Sunday, May 21st. The theater is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. For ticketing and information, call the Box Office at 732.246.7717 and visit www.GSPonline.org.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

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