Reviewer: Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard”
Production: The Pin-Up Girls: A Musical Love Letter
Theater: Playhouse On Park
Written by: James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin
Director: Darlene Zoller
Choreographer: Darlene Zoller
The Howard says – “Pin-Up Girls – An Amazing Entertainment Achievement at POP”
“Shaking the blues away, unhappy news away, if you are blue, its easy to shake off your cares and troubles!” My dear friends, no need to be blue during this current holiday-season. “The Howard” has the perfect prescription to fend off a case of the blusies– a visit to Playhouse on Park’s current production of “The Pin-Up Girls: A Musical Love Letter”.
It’s indeed one special holiday gift wrapped in a bright blue bow brimming with 5 amazing cast members, music, music, and more music, an outstanding director/choreographer provided by the acclaimed Darlene Zoller, and of course one fantastic theatrical destination – Playhouse on Park in West Hartford Connecticut. SO whatcha waiting for? And away we go!!! Bye Bye blusies!!
Sunshine, Lollypops and rainbows and a bit of tears thrown in, for this day we all raise a glass and toast the memories of those who have served in past wars. Welcome to VFW Post 5470 – “Home of Our American Heroes” and home to the beautiful “Pin-Up-Girls” singing group. The Pin-Up Girls are technically not actually Pin-Up Girls-but a group of long time friends who gather together at the local VFW to provide loving tribute to those brave men and women who have served our country from WWI to Afghanistan, Meet the P.U.G’s- Dana, Leanne, Megan, brother Joel and their talented piano accompanist Kevin as they present a holiday tribute like no other where “highly emotional” letters found provide insights to those who have valiantly served out country. By the way, two ongoing story lines include, Leanne’s brother Joel coming on board at the last minute, as they all await the birth of missing PUG Sharon’s baby, and the ongoing three-part war time exploits of “Wilbur the Soldier”. BTW -Yes there is a tribute to past PUGS, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and oy, Carmen Miranda. Folks, Yes, you will laugh out loud one moment, cry the next, – and within 90 minutes you will be tempted to cheer and sing along with these amazing Pin-Up Girls and Guys and their “juke-box” filled jamboree of the most memorable tunes past and present. Come along- the holiday party is just starting!
The premise of P.U.G’s is the finding of long lost letters during past wars. Letters- hand written – nowadays it just seems so foreign, like a dial up Princess telephone. Who writes anymore- not with the likes of Facebook, email, and zoom. I personally recall my own mother, Lillian Martha Greene, Zipkin, Johnson, Frydman, telling my brother and I how she, during WWII, would weekly write my Uncle Myron, a U.S. Army Private serving somewhere in France of current “going-ons” in the family. She would often mention that after Myron had read her letters from home he would share them with fellow soldiers who would often write to her as well. I do recall at some point, one of those WWII letters caused a rift between mom and her sister Marion and they didn’t speak for some time. Hmmmm?- yep that WWII rift-it’s still a mystery to this day. I wish I knew where those letters were now, it might make one heck of a musical!!
What’s not a mystery is this absolutely stellar “Juke-box” collection of “stamp your feet- sing out loud” song selections provided by co-creators James Hindman and Jeffery Lodin. Hindman, an accomplished actor and playwright is co-creator of “The Rat Pack Lounge”, “A Christmas Survival Guide” and “The Bikinis”. The songbook here includes such notables including; “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter”, Irving Berlin’s “Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning”, “Please, Mr. Postman”, the ever popular, “Single Ladies-Put a Ring On It”, “Someone to Watch Over Me”, and with a special nod to Bob Hope’s incredible contribution to entertaining our servicemen over the decades, “Thanks for the Memories”. The POP house literally goes wild with enthusiastic applause over Christopher Rhodes (Brother Joel) comic rendition of Lee Hazelwoods “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’- especially a group of highly enthusiastic women who get to watch the “high-kicking” boot action performance on stage. It’s a hoot and you’ll just love it.
The Howard’s takeaway – Folks I had a grand time here at POP – for those 90 minutes- I, along with a very enthusiastic audience were literally “at the edge of our seats” in sincere enjoyment of this most remarkable cast, their enchanting singing, and their high-kicking choreography provided by “the one- the only”- “Madame Z”- Darlene Zollar- (she also directed) absolutely SPECTACULAR!! We give our highest praise to these talented on-stage Folks – let me tell you- this is one dynamic cast. First up-the talented Mr. Kevin Barlowski – the on-stage Piano Player- sir – you definitely have the beat!! Christopher Rhodes in the role of brother “Joel” is a delight in all his comic alliterations. OUR PUGS- PIN UP GIRLS – nay not girls – Multi-talented Women– Olivia Fenton as “Leone” and Maggie Keene as “Megan” – YES – Talented Women All! Your High-Spirited Singing and dancing provided a most enjoyable holiday extravaganza to a most appreciative audience. The “Howard Noticed You Award”, aka “The “HNY’s, this day is presented to Miss Hillary Ekwall- we took note of both your amazing vocal range of singing and your passionate, playful acting skills – bravo. We look forward to seeing you all in future productions. Friends- my call is this- PIN UP GIRLS at POP is an amazing achievement of entertainment that is not to be missed! Enjoy!
Subscriptions are now on sale for Playhouse on Park’s 15th Main Stage Season! Subscriptions include the following Main Stage productions: THE PIN-UP GIRLS: A MUSICAL LOVE LETTER, MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B, TONI STONE, and THE PROM, with the option to add stop/time dance theater, Playhouse on Park’s resident dance company, at a 20% savings. Purchase your subscription now in order to secure tickets before all seats are filled! Patrons choose to subscribe because they are guaranteed the same performance day and seats for each production. Enjoy exclusive Subscriber events, and more. Subscriptions range from $80 – $168, depending upon the date (preview vs. regular performance) and seat location (choose from three seating tiers).
For more information or tickets, call the Box Office at 860-523-5900 x10 or visit www.playhouseonpark.org. Playhouse on Park offers discounts for group sales; inquire today! Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119.
Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com
The Howard - On Stage & Screen Reviews 