Nancy Opel talent shines through as she portrays Bobbi Goldman. (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)
New musicals can be hard to launch. But there is a certain sound and sense of story that the good ones have. Curvy Widow is one of those good ones. It is only playing at the George Street Playhouse through May 21, 2017, so don’t loose time; go see it!
Based on a autobiographical book by Bobby Goldman, the story concentrates on the changes the main character, Bobby, goes through when her husband of many years dies suddenly while both are in their 50’s. At first, Bobby seems to be settling into her new life just fine until her therapist points out that her out of control eating might be hiding the need for sex and love.
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
To solve the problem, she decides to enter the dating world again but realizes it has all changed. Bravely, she establishes her online profile where her handle name becomes Curvy Widow. Her experiences with dating as a woman in her 50’s are presented in a very funny manner allowing the audience to laugh with her and not feel sorry for her. The newness of it all and the sense of being alone after many years of being married all enter into her thoughts and actions.
The show is directed by Peter Flynn with choreography by Marcos Santana. Flynn capitalizes on the characters Bobby meets in this dating process with all their eccentricities. Her women friends provide support especially when it appears she has hit the jackpot with a great man in her life. The end might surprise some but it is satisfying in many ways.
Music and lyrics for this show is by Drew Brody. His melodies provide easy listening for the lyrics which tell the story. The opening song “Under Control” tells the story of Bobby and her husband’s life. But next, we hear “Turn the Page” which explains the thoughts Bobby has about entering this new phase of her life. One of the funniest songs is “Gynecologist Tango” where she has to deal with menopausal effects on her sex life. The finale titled “Why Stop Here?” has the show ending on a positive note.
Nancy Opel plays Bobby. Her comedic acting and very fine singing voice bring the character to life. Her struggles and successes are easy to accept because of the way Opel portrays them. The inclusion of strong character performances from the ensemble cast give the show a nice pace that includes many funny moments and a few reflective ones too. In addition to Ms. Opel, the cast includes Andrea Bianchi (Caroline and others), Aisha de Haas (Joan and others, Elizabeth Ward Land (Heidi and others), Ken Land (Jim and others), Alan Muraoka (The Shrink and others), Chris Shyer (Per Se and others).
This show is one that an adult audience especially older women will enjoy seeing. There are not a lot of things being said about how that age group has to adapt to technology when it comes to dating and how the rules have changed. This show gives a good humored look at the subject.
About the Show:
Run Time: 90 minutes – no intermission
Location: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ
Performances: Runs May 2-21, 2017
Contact for Info and Tickets: Contact the Box Office directly at 732-246-7717 or purchase online at GSPonline.org.
Additional Information:
This is the final show for the George Street Playhouse at their current location before construction begins on their new home. For the next two years, performances will be at 103 College Farm Road in New Brunswick for its 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.