I'm not originally from New York, but having lived here for fifty years, yes! I am a New Yorker. This is very much in the spirit of New York, New York, when the finale rings out over the audience, and there is singing, cheering, and standing in the house. True, this is not the finest musical ever presented, but there are familiar songs ("Marry Me," "A Quiet Thing," "The World Goes 'Round") and the leading lady, Anna Uzele, gives a performance that no theater goer should miss. She is lovely to look at, and brings unwaveringly positive energy to the stage, but most importantly, that voice is amazing. The old cliche about the out-of-town girl coming to New York to make it big is turned on its ear. Uzele's Francine is a star already.
The hapless young man who loves her, beds her, and marries her is Jimmy Doyle, brought to life by Colton Ryan, who is given the thankless job of playing the standard drunken Irishman. Ryan looks startlingly like a young Bobby Flay and has charm in abundance.
Emily Skinner, a veteran of ten Broadway shows, brings warmth and class to Madame Veltri, whose tough exterior hides a grieving heart. Fortunately, we don't have to endure the sourness of the movie. The high note here is greatly boosted by an exuberant Hispanic supporting cast.
The ending anthem left nary a dry eye in the house. Everyone was moved by the uplifting singing of the dream—including my husband, who hates New York.
