‘The Sting’ at Paper Mill Playhouse; Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade; Center: Harry Connick, Jr. (Henry Gondorff) and the company of The Sting.
“The Sting” was a huge hit movie back in 1973. It has a story line that keeps viewers in suspense until the very end with a wonderful cast including two superb actors in the lead roles. Women are portrayed as smart and skillful people. And finally, an amazing soundtrack of ragtime music with Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” is featured. Fast forward to 2018 and now The Sting is a musical premiering at Paper Mill Playhouse. The news is good for those who love the movie because that description about the movie could easily start a description of this show. There is all of that and a lot more to enjoy about this new show.
The Sting at Paper Mill Playhouse has a book by Bob Martin. There is music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis. Harry Connick, Jr. also worked with the music and has written and contributed several new songs that are in the show. The score also contains music by Scott Joplin including “The Entertainer.” John Rando directs with choreography by Warren Carlyle and music direction by Fred Lassen.
The Sting at Paper Mill Playhouse; Photo by Jerry Dalia; Center: J. Harrison Ghee (Johnny Hooker) and the company of The Sting.
The story line for the musical The Sting centers around a group of professional grifters who basically make their living by stealing other people’s money. Key to their success is not to have the person, or mark, realize it until they are gone.
As the show begins, the mark is a part of crime boss Doyle Lonnegan’s gang. There is a price that is paid in the form of a grifter, Luther, being killed. Johnny Hooker looks to avenge his friend’s death so he heads out to Chicago to meet up with Henry Gondorff who is one of the best grifters around. Together, they execute a plan to get Lonnegan by taking him for a large sum of money. The remainder of the show unfolds the plot to make this happen ending with the actual event taking place. It can be a complicated plot at times, and that adds value to the story and the show a whole.
The Sting at Paper Mill Playhouse; Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade; Center: Harry Connick, Jr. (Henry Gondorff) and the company of The Sting.
The story line is enhanced in this show by the inclusion of music and dance. The Sting opens with a trombone solo by a member of Harry Connick Jr.’s band with that fabulous New Orleans’ flair. Mr. Connick’s character, Henry, is a piano player by trade. This provides the chance for the audience to hear Mr. Connick’s fabulous talent both playing the instrument and singing several original compositions which he did for this show. His voice has a marvelous tone; it takes over the theater and provides some of the most wonderful moments in the show. The score and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis are right on the money in reflecting the action and direction in which the story heads. Choreography by Warren Carlyle includes outstanding tap dance numbers and some interpretive dance.
John Rando’s fine direction of this show shines in many areas particularly when it comes to the cast. Just as the movie had two superb lead actors, this musical does the same with Harry Connick Jr. and J. Harrison Ghee as Johnny Hooker. In addition to them, the cast principles also include Peter Benson as The Erie Kid, Janet Dacal as Loretta, Christopher Gurr as J.J. Singleton, J. Harrison Ghee as Johnny Hooker, Tom Hewitt as Doyle Lonnegan, Richard Kline as Kid Twist, Kevyn Morrow as Luther, Kate Shindle as Billie, and Robert Wuhl as Snyder.
Rounding out the cast are Lucien Barbarin, Darius Barnes, Keely Beirne, Michael Fatica, Luke Hawkins, Tyler Huckstep, Matt Loehr, Erica Mansfield, Drew McVety, Ramone Owens, Tyler Roberts, Angie Schworer, Christine Shepard, Britton Smith, Sherisse Springer, Diana Vaden, Kevin Worley and Lara Seibert Young.
The Sting has many fine moments in it that make this a show well worth seeing. Time is short to see it at the Paper Mill Playhouse. The final performances will be Sunday, April 29, 2018. Check today for tickets.
Related Article:
The Sting Celebrates Opening Night at the Paper Mill Playhouse
Additional Information About The Sting:
Running Time: approx.. 2.5 hrs and one 15-minute intermission
Location: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ
Performances: Wednesday through Sunday. The performance schedule is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Accessibility Performances: Audio-described performances are on Sunday, April 22, at 1:30pm and Saturday, April 28, at 1:30pm. Prior to these performances at noon, the theater will offer free sensory seminars.
There will be a sign-interpreted and open-captioned performance on Sunday, April 29, at 7:00pm.
Free Audience Enrichment Activities::
Q&A with the Cast: After the matinee on Saturday, April 28, stick around for a lively Q&A with cast members directly following the performance.
Contact for Info and Tickets: Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org.
Suggested Audience: Probably not for very little ones but this is one the entire family can go to!