Civic Theatre’s funny and buoyant “Groundhog Day” brings heart and plenty of laughs to the musical inspired by the hit film.
The delightfully humorous “Groundhog Day” runs through May 19 on Civic’s historic 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.
Jarrod Yukasaukas makes Pittsburgh TV weatherman Phil Connors hilariously obnoxious and perfectly insufferable. Yukasaukus’ take on Phil is so annoyingly jerky, that it makes it fun to watch him spin his wheels as he tries everything possible to break the cycle of the repeating day. Adding a delicious counterpoint to Phil’s arrogance are the perennially perky residents of Punksutawney, who happily celebrate in the cold gray of the predawn and cheer even after Punksutawney Phil, the groundhog, has predicted six more weeks of winter.
Mariel Letourneau as Phil’s producer and chirpy love interest Rita is just the right blend of hopefulness and wolrd-weariness.
Yukasaukas has a lot of stage time and never lets the energy flag. He puts it all into his many songs.He and Letourneau have some nice moments on duets as well.
But what really makes the show sing is the way the cast brings to joyful life the quirky Punksutawney residents. Yukasaukas has a memorable trio with Josh Gulatta and Paul Reed as a pair of raucous small town drunks in “Nobody Cares,” Veronica Bocian is a stand out as Nancy, the girl everyone leers at, in “Playing Nancy” and Nik Georgievski is heartfelt on “Night Will Come.”
All the townspeople create their own unforgettable impressions, as the actors skillfully repeat the same scene over and over.
Director William Sanders manages to let things get crazy without going too far.
Roxanne Amico has designed a clever moveable set that adds just the right touch of whimsy to the proceedings.
Lighting designer Anthony Guerra bathes the cast in moody lights that makes the audience feel they are outside in the cold, crisp early morning. Falling snow and smoke effects add to the atmosphere.
The live orchestra handles the complex music well.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and student, and $13 for children age 13 and younger.
Civic Theatre will offer a “Pay What You Can” performance May 15.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. May 9, 10, 15 and 16; 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 17, and 2 p.m. May 18.
For information, call 610-433-8903, or go to civictheatre.com/.