Off-Broadway’s ‘Romy & Michele’ Musical Bombs at Stage 42

UPDATE: The Off-Broadway adaptation of “Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion” has opened at Stage 42, and early reviews are devastating. Critics are calling the musical, which stars Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay, a lackluster tribute to its beloved film counterpart, failing to capture the quirky charm that made the 1997 movie a cult classic.

The show, which debuted earlier this month, attempts to recreate the story of two inseparable friends facing their high school reunion. However, audiences are reporting that it lacks both humor and heart, drawing comparisons to the awkwardness of an actual high school reunion. The production, which was already seen in Seattle in 2017, has been met with widespread disappointment.

Critics highlight the musical score by Gwendolyn Sanford and Brandon Jay as a major flaw, describing it as generic Broadway pop that fails to evoke the nostalgic sounds of the late 1990s. This absence of a captivating soundtrack undermines the essence of the characters, who are meant to embody the carefree spirit of their youth.

The performances by Bundy and Lindsay have not fared much better, with many noting that they cannot replicate the unique chemistry of the original movie stars, Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow. Critics argue that the script, penned by Robin Schiff, sticks too closely to the film while denying the actors the opportunity to inject their personalities into these iconic roles.

The production’s visual elements, including a digital set that attempts to deliver humor through visual gags, have also drawn criticism. Reviewers describe the staging as chaotic and poorly executed, undermining the comedic potential of the material.

WHAT’S NEXT: As the show continues its run, the question remains whether it can recover from the negative reception. With ticket prices exceeding $100, many potential theatergoers may opt for alternatives, especially considering the recent wave of successful musicals on Broadway.

The emotional stakes are high, as audiences expected a fun, nostalgic ride through their teenage years. Instead, they are left with a lackluster experience that fails to resonate on both comedic and emotional levels.

FOLLOW-UP: The theater community is buzzing with discussions about the implications of this failed adaptation. Will it deter future attempts to revive classic films as stage musicals? Only time will tell, but for now, the curtain continues to rise on a production that has left many feeling disappointed and longing for the original film’s magic.