Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"Once Upon A Time In New Jersey" (Thru September 10)

One of the greatest features about ÒliveÓ theater is just that - it is ÒliveÓ and because of that, each show has it's own identity - it will never be the same. Last night at the opening of Marriott Lincolnshire's World Premiere, a new Musical comedy, ÒOnce Upon A Time In New JerseyÓ the audience was able to see true performers at work - during the show, there were some loud snaps and the mikes would fade in and out- three songs before the Finale, the power went out, no mikes, no stage lights (only the backup power supply) and of course no musicians- yet the show went on- these troupers completed the show projecting their songs and lines out to the audience and not once was there any hint of fear in their eyes or in their handling of the script and songs. This was a treat for the audience to watch, as this was Òhappening nowÓ and no audience will ever see the show that we witnessed (at least I hope they will find the reason for the surge and correct it as it seemed a little dangerous) and that's what so wonderful about live theater.

Now for the show, with a book and lyrics by Susan DiLallo and music by Stephen Weiner. ÒOnce Upon A Time in New JerseyÓ, not to be confused with the other musical about New Jersey, takes place in 1956 and is what I would call a start to a possible show that could be around the regional and community theater circuit for many years to come. While it is easy to watch and there are some very bright spots, thanks of course to the sensational direction and choreography of Marc Robin, ÒOnce Upon a Time In New JerseyÓ is a mixture of many other 50's type musicals with a little bit of "Bye - Bye BirdieÓ, ÒGreaseÓ, ÒGuys and DollsÓ, ÒHairsprayÓ and hints of many other musicals of that or about that time. All of these concepts and ideas have been stirred into this story about a sweet guy, Vinnie (a solid performance by Jim Weitzer) who adores Angie (Kathy Voytko will wow you with her voice) but knows that she has the ÒhotsÓ for Rocco Fabrizio (A powerful performance by Will Swenson) a sort of Conrad Birdie, Fonzie (ÒHappy Days on TV) and James Dean, Sal Mineo character who is loved and adored by all the women. Rocco wants Celeste (played perfectly by Christine Sherrill) who is married to a mob type (think of the ÒGuys and DollsÓ type of gangster, not the Sopranos) Billy who is to busy to be with her. Billy is underplayed by Matt Orland, but as the story progresses, his character becomes much stronger. In fact, in Act Two, he has a number with Celeste and Rocco that will Òblow you awayÓ. The ÒQuiet Little Dinner TangoÓ is one special number so precious and funny you will find your rib cage will be aching from the laughter.

Billy want to ÒhitÓ the guy who is after his wife and Rocco not wanting to be "hit" convinces Vinnie to be him for awhile - to get out of Nerddom and be the Loverboy and so they switch identities with lots of laughs to follow.

The supporting cast is led by Paula Scrofano as VinniesÕ mother and as always she can play any part, any time, anywhere (gee, that sounds like an Earl Scheib commercial, doesn't it?) she is always perfect. The ensemble (who I always feel are the most important part of making a production complete) members are Michael Accardo, Scott Aillo, Cheryl Avery, Liz Baltes, Norm Boucher, Lara Filip, Corey Goodrich, Abby Mueller and Steven Schellhardt. All solid performers, making this show an entertaining evening. As I said this is not the spectacle that audiences want on Broadway, but it is an entertaining work and since it is new and under the finger of Mr. Robin, I am sure that during its run, it will improve and one day, in years to come will become a staple of the ÒlocalÓ community playhouses and theaters.

ÒOnce Upon A Time In New JerseyÓ will run through September 10th at the wonderful Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire located just South of Half Day Rd (Rte 22) and just East of Milwaukee Ave. (Rte 21) with performances as follows:

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8pm. Saturday at 5pm and 8:30pm. Sunday at 1pm and 5pm. Wednesday matinees at 1pm.

There are special dinner theater packages available for Wednesday and Thursdays ($45 gets you both dinner and the show, subject to availability).

Ticket prices are $42.00 for all other performances and you can purchase tickets at the box office, by credit card you can call 847-634-0200 or visit marriotttheatre.com.

There are also dinner packages available on other nights and of course lots of restaurants in the vicinity. There is plenty of free parking.