BWW Reviews: ATG's MARRY HARRY in the Final Week at Hamilton Stage - A Must-See

Tell your friends and family to get their tickets to American Theater Group's musical theater sensation, Marry Harry. It is a superb production now being performed through May 11th on the Hamilton Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center (UC PAC) in Rahway.

Marry Harry is a play with broad appeal and fun flourishes, complete with grown-up sensibilities. Set in New York, the creators have perfectly defined their characters, complete with desires, fears and hopes for the future.

The book is by Jennifer Robbins with music by Dan Martin and lyrics by Michael Biello. Marry Harry has wonderful direction by Kent Nicholson, choreography by Wendy Seyb, musical direction by Ming Aldrich-Gan, and a creative design team that makes outstanding.

With a charming plot and the right mix of comedy, the show is a heartwarming journey through the life-changing experiences of the characters. 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 the heart of his father, Big Harry (Danny Tutigliano), by leaving the establishment. Big Harry is also in a tumultuous 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 she is jilted by her fiancé. When Harry asks Sherri out, sparks fly; love at first sight leads to a marriage proposal and the situation becomes complicated.

The satire, like the Manhattan setting, is easy to appreciate but never overwhelms the two leading characters and their in-the-works marriage. And, while the romance between Little Harry and Sherri is often the main focus, there are many clever elements highlighting this show from the insanely meticulous waiter (Andrew Chapelle), and the bombastic yet good-natured performance artist, Ping (Tamara Young) to the antics of Big Harry whose "different menu every night" gimmick threatens to turn his family's venerable old Italian restaurant into a failure.

Marry Harry succeeds in being completely entertaining with energy, humor and affection. The stellar cast, memorable musical numbers and inventive staging makes this show a must-see for metropolitan area audiences. We predict that this show will go far, and be a part of musical theater history.

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, call (732) 499-8226 or visit www.americantheatergroup.org. You can also purchase tickets thorough www.ticketmaster.com.

Photo Credit: Christina Wilson

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