JOY is an uplifting musical based on the true story of entrepreneur and inventor Joy Mangano. Her journey—also told in the 2015 film JOY, starring Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence—now comes to life on stage. From single motherhood and financial struggles to building a business empire, Joy’s story shows the power of resilience and determination. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of a woman who never gave up and redefined the American Dream!
Good storytelling is not only key to selling merchandise, it’s essential to musical theater. And while the production at the Laura Pels Theatre has much to offer – most especially a bravura star turn from Betsy Wolfe – the book by Ken Davenport falls rather short in selling Joy’s rags-to-riches story on the live stage.
Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolfe is superb as the headstrong Joy, commanding the stage whether she’s mopping up a spill or soaring through a power ballad. In “A Better Way,” a pivotal number where Joy fights for the patent to her invention, Wolfe brings down the house, earning a mid-show ovation at my performance.
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway Premiere Off-Broadway |
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