Grumpy Old Men - the Musical - Seven Angels Theatre

The Connecticut premiere of the musical, Grumpy Old Men, playing at the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, CT through March 23, has a few features to recommend, namely some of the featured characters.  Unfortunately, the chemistry and interactions between the two warring protagonists – Max Goldman (Rob Bartlett) and John Gustafson (Gary Harger) – which is the center of the show, is lacking punch and gusto.

Rob Bartlett, John De Laurentis & Gary Harger from Grumpy Old Men - the Musical.

Based on the 1993 film of the same name that starred Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, the musical focuses on the feud between the two elderly gentlemen, which consists mainly of not-so-funny insults and retorts.  When the beautiful, effervescent English Professor, Ariel (Susan Kulp) moves into their quaint Minnesota town of Wabasha, both Max and John look to woo her.  At the same time, there’s a subplot concerning the potential love interest between the two adult children of the grumpy old men.  You also have an IRS agent scurrying about looking to collect on John’s back taxes.  Within all the shenanigans, silly banter, and occasionally funny wisecracks there is a sprinkling of irreverent characters within the denizens of Wabasha.  By the show’s conclusion, all the loose ends and disputes are neatly resolved for multiple happy outcomes.

 

The libretto by Dan Remmes follows the movie closely, but instead of clever dialogue or witty bon mots, the book sets its sights on undemanding, irreverent jokes. 

Members of the cast of Grumpy Old Men - the Musical.

 

The score has music by Neil Berg, who brought a compelling musicality to the show 12 (seen earlier this year at the Goodspeed Opera House), but for Grumpy Old Men he, along with lyricist Nick Meglin, deliver nondescript songs that are occasionally entertaining.

 

Directors Janine Molinari and Semina De Laurentis need to speed up the pacing of the show in order for the nonstop jokes to hit their mark.  The tempo of scenes, as well as scene changes, also need to be quickened to build a fluid and satisfactory momentum to the production.  Ms. Molinari, who also doubles as choreographer, inserts a few simple, uncomplicated production numbers throughout the show.

 

Rob Bartlett’s Max Goldman is comically contentious and quarrelsome.  Gary Harger’s John Gustafson is equally argumentative and amusing.  The problem is their interactions seem forced and self-conscious.  Susan Kulp brings a freshness and vitality to the role of Ariel.  When she's onstage, the musical sparkles.  Conversely, Emma Czaplinksi (Melanie) and Josh Powell (Jacob), who play the grown-up children of Max and John are engagingly awkward, with an easy rapport and chemistry.  Semina De Laurentis conjures her inner Rose Nylund (Betty White’s character from The Golden Girls) in her droll portrayal of Punky.

 

Grumpy Old Men – the Musical, playing at the Seven Angels Theatre through March 23.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.