Another side-splitting romp from the undisputed king of Broadway comedies – Neil Simon. We start with two young newlyweds starting married life out in one of New York’s most off beat and hilarious apartment buildings. And when we add the bride’s proper mother and the dashing, bohemian upstairs neighbor, it’s a recipe for a rollicking romantic adventure that will keep you laughing all night long. The laughs are non-stop in this smash Broadway hit from America’s favorite playwright – author of such wonderful shows as THE ODD COUPLE, THE GOODBYE GIRL, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, and LOST IN YONKERS.
“The Fireside's superb cast makes the musical an ensemble show, but Tari Kelly is certainly first among equals. From the moment the Madison native hits the Fireside stage and pulls a fish out of her bodice, her portrayal of the pea-sensitive princess is a tour de force of non-stop comic energy.
She is a lovable tomboy everyone wants to win the prince sweepstakes, and it is difficult to remove one's eyes from her whenever she is on stage. Kelly's deft ability with physical humor is the equal of Burnett's in the same role that sent that accomplished comedian to television stardom. Watch the diminutive Kelly, who has worked on Broadway and at Milwaukee's Skylight Opera Theatre, hoist a giant barbell in a comical series of lifts, and tell me Burnett could do it any better.
Despite all of that, the Fireside actress somehow retains her femininity to the point that we know Prince Dauntless the Drab, her future husband, has made an attractive catch.”
“Tari Kelly's Fred exudes loads of broad charm, coupled with a true-toned singing voice.”
Kopit / Yeaston
“…a new star now shines brightly at the Fireside Playhouse.”
“She is a superb singer with a remarkable soprano voice, excellent intonation, clear diction and a well-developed grasp of the use of vocal light and shade.
Her stage presence is graceful, warm and appealing; she’s fun in the fun parts, warm in the love scenes, intense when the mood is dramatically charged. And in the final reprise of “You are music,” she brought a big lump to the throat of even this cynical reviewer; there shouldn’t have been a dry eye in the house.”
