BWW Reviews: LUCKY ME at NJ Rep - Entertaining, Thought Provoking Comedy

Metropolitan area audiences are indeed fortunate that Lucky Me is now at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep). This charming new production is a World Premiere play written by Robert Caisley and directed by the theater's Artistic Director, SuzAnne Barabas. The show will be on the Long Branch stage through August 31st. It is completely entertaining, wonderfully written and features excellent acting. Caisley's script shines with Barabas' artful direction; this show is a must-see piece of theater.

Robert Caisley also wrote the critically acclaimed show, Happy that was chosen for the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere and was on stage at NJ Rep in 2013.

Lucky Me is a romantic comedy about love, aging, cracked windows, broken bones, dead fish, missing cats, airport security and twenty-two years of bad luck. Sara Fine lives with her very contentious father Leo Fine who is visually impaired. Their neighbor, Tom works as an airport security guard. Clearly attracted to Sarah, Tom offers to help the father and daughter pair after Sarah breaks a bone in her foot. Even as Tom's infatuation with Sarah grows, he realizes that there are some "weird" circumstances in her family dynamic. Enter Yuri, the building landlord who attempts to shed some light on the mishaps of Sarah and her father claiming that she is "bad luck." Yuri simply states to Tom, "Don't go out with her."

Lucky Me is comedy done right. The plot unravels slowly, keeping the audience captivated and wondering about the outcome. Will Sarah end up with Tom? Why is her father Leo so contentious? Is Tom the nice guy he appears to be? Is Yuri right that a woman can be plagued with bad luck? While there are hilarious moments, there are also some harsh realities to be considered: the complexity of personal relationships and the strain of a difficult living situation.

The cast of Lucky Me perfectly captures their roles. Wendy Peace is ideal in the role of Sara. She is thoughtful, demure and surprisingly patient in the face of conflict. Dan Grimaldi is in full command of his part as Leo, a father who is alternately domineering and befuddled. Michael Irvin Pollard as Tom captures the spirit of the play, trying to bring reason to unreasonable situations. And, Mark Light Orr as Yuri brings a hearty dose of comedy to the show as the all-knowing landlord who actually doesn't know very much.

Gather your group and head over to New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch. Lucky Me will make you laugh and possibly shed a tear. It is an impressive piece of theater that you will long remember; a chance to consider the intriguing circumstances of the foursome being portrayed in this superb new play.

Lucky Me will be on stage at New Jersey Repertory Company through August 31st. The play is a perfect selection for the theatre's summer season. For tickets call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org.

Photo Credit: SuzAnne Barabas

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