Shows
Once Upon a Time in New Jersey
Winner!
2003 Richard Rodgers Award: New Musical
Stephen Weiner & Susan DiLallo
Stephen Sondheim, chair
Winner!
Kleban Award: Librettist
Susan DiLallo
Once Upon a Time successfully dazzles on a grand scale, with original and comically imaginative staging, great sets that veer between Garden State clutter and abstract minimalism, a seemingly frothy story that slowly unveils emotional complexity and songs that range from breezily conversational to poignant. In a show with many highlights, Steve Tomkins’ direction and choreography strongly emphasize the infectious appeal of the second act, with its several knockout numbers. The best of these, “Quando Scungilli,” a romantic farce, and “Tango,” which finds Rocco locked in a hilarious dance with an unlikely partner, completely win over the audience.
Tom Keogh, Seattle Times
Once Upon A Time In New Jersey enchants at the Village Theater… standout numbers in the score, besides the title tune, include Angie and Celeste’s duet “Quiet Little Dinner”; a giddy paean to “Rocco”; an uproarious “Tango” featuring Rocco, Billy and Celeste; Angie’s “Someone That I Hate”; and the hilarious “Quando Scungilli.”
David-Edward Hughes, Talkin’ Broadway
A well deserved standing ovation! … Sweet as cannoli… Charming throughout!
Steven Oxman, Variety
An engaging, light-hearted musical in the tradition of Grease and Little Shop of Horrors… the songs, mostly pastiches, are wholly enjoyable!
Spencer Leigh, BBC Liverpool
Clearly has a huge audience appeal!… Hoboken-meets-Happy Days-meets-Grease! … Expertly-spun cotton candy and full of easy laughs… packaged with delicious songs!
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
A tuneful, good hearted, humorous and, most importantly, original show!
Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald