CenterREP’s “Mystic Pizza” – It’s All About the Music!
by Jan Miller
Center Repertory Company presents “Mystic Pizza,” a hot musical based on the MGM romantic comedy from the late ‘80s that starred Julia Roberts. This musical follows the complexities of lives and loves of three young waitresses working at Mystic Pizza in Connecticut. Each girl tries to find her own way, but while the theme of the show is that of friendship and self-discovery, the true hit of this coming-of-age show are the music hits from the ‘80s, interwoven through the entire production.
“Mystic Pizza” centers around sisters Daily Arujo (Krystina Alabado) and Kat Arujo (Kyra Kennedy), whose relationship is much like that of oil and water, and Jojo Barboza (Gianna Yanelli), who in the opening scene faints at the altar and is unable to wed her devoted fiancé Bill (Jordan Friend). Together, they are the three waitresses at Mystic Pizza, and each tries to find her path in life with energy and charm.
Throughout the show, each of the three girls tries to find her own way — Daisy wants to marry a rich preppy and get out of her small town; Kat is headed to Yale and is scraping together enough money for tuition; and Jojo is trying to figure out why she isn’t ready to marry Bill, the man she loves, but isn’t quite ready to settle down.
Daisy seemingly gets her wish when she meets Charles Gordon Windsor (Michael Thomas Grant) at a local haunt; but she soon finds out he is just as desperate to get out of his lot in life as Daisy is of hers. Kat, who works multiple jobs and moonlights as a rental property manager, runs into the handsome tenant, Tim Travers (Chris Cardoza) for the first time. Kat falls for him quickly as they share glances and stare at the stars — but things soon come crumbling down for the both of them. Jojo goes through a back and forthl dance with her fiance Bill, who desperately wants to marry her.
There is great chemistry among the three leads. Each sings beautifully and switches effortlessly between musical theatre singing and hot rock belting. As they sing “Girls” Just Want to Have Fun” their energy rocks the audience!
The entire dynamic ensemble brims with energy and talent that shines throughout the story, including Rayanne Gonzales (Leona Silvia, owner and heart of the pizza parlor). She delivers a moving performance, embodying a sympathetic mother figure, and showcases her great singing and dancing abilities. Jeff Skowron is multi-talented as he takes on the roles of a priest, a restaurant critic, and a wealthy millionaire.
Under music director Kristin Stowell the cast knows how to belt out the tunes, as does the rockin’ onstage band, with musical arrangements and orchestrations by Carmel Dean. The scenic design by Nate Bertone is a true masterpiece while Ryan J. O’Gara effectively enhances the tone of each scene with clever lighting. Also, Jen Caprio’s costumes perfectly capture that 1980s look.
But it’s the musical hits from the ‘80’s that are interwoven through and ties the whole show together that are the true hit of the show! Notable numbers include “Power of Love”, “I Think We’re Alone Now”, ‘Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, “All I Need is a Miracle” and the wonderful finale, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”.
Overall, the show boasts very talented actors, lots of rockin’ nostalgic hits from the ‘80’s, and an interesting storyline of finding one’s way through life. This talented ensemble serves up quite the delicious show — so go I recommend that you go get yourself a slice of “Mystic Pizza”! It’s well worthwhile.
“Mystic Pizza” is currently playing at the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr.) in Walnut Creek, CA. through February 25. The show runs approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information please visit LesherArtsCenter.org or call the box office at (925) 943-7469.
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Photo caption: Gianna Yanelli, Krystina Alabado, Kyra Kennedy and Rayanne Gonzales star in CenterREP’s production of “Mystic Pizza”. (Photo by Jason Niedle)