It's time for my review of Gettin' the Band Back Together. Gettin' the Band Back Together was a brand new musical which happened to be beginning previews just as I had arrived in New York City. I first stumbled across this musical whilst doing research into the current and upcoming shows on Broadway. I looked into the show's synopsis and watched a music video for the musical's opening number. It appeared to be a lot of fun, and that is why I decided to visit Gettin' the Band Back Together.
Gettin' the Band Back Together follows Mitch Papadopoulous, a man who used to dream about being the next Bon Jovi, but has since chosen security over stardom and left those daydreams behind for a day job. After being fired from his job on his 40th Birthday, Mitch is forced to move back to his home town Sayreville, New Jersey and live with his Mother. After doing so, he then faces a new threat: his high school arch nemesis who threatens to foreclose on their house. The only possible way for him to save his small-town home is by winning The Battle of the Bands. The book and storyline of Gettin' the Band Back Together was developed through a four-year improvisational rehearsal process by producer Ken Davenport and an improv group known as the Grundleshotz. This musical uses all original material, meaning all content was written purely for this show. There had not been a purely original musical on Broadway for over a year, so that particular aspect of this show is quite admirable. Whilst at times the book can be a little cheesy and often predictable, it still provides barrels of laughter and an overall feel-good factor. There were dozens of moments throughout the show which had the audience in hysterics, particularly the musical number 'Bart's Confession', which is excellently performed by Jay Klaitz. The journey that these characters take us on is rather enjoyable, and the show leaves its audience with the kind-hearted message of 'don't give up on your dreams'. If you have enjoyed this show, it will certainly leave you in good spirits.
The cast of Gettin' the Band Back Together are all tremendously talented. Each and every single cast member gives it their all, with each one of them bringing tonnes of energy to the show. In the leading role of Mitch Papadopoulos, Mitchell Jarvis excels. Jarvis is funny, believable, energetic and additionally has a strong voice well suited to this score. As Mitch's best friend Bart Vickers, Jay Klaitz provides hilarity throughout the show. Klaitz truly comes into his element during his solo of 'Bart's Confession', during which the audience were laughing with hysterics. Another cast member who particularly shines is Brandon Williams in the role of Mitch's arch-nemesis Tygen Billows. For this role, Williams has created a brilliant characterisation, delivering hilarious one-liners.
The set design, created by Derek McLane, is somewhat cartoonish which some may disapprove of, however I personally found that it worked well for this particular production. All of the sets used throughout the show are fun, which as stated before, is what Gettin' the Band Back Together is all about.
The featured star for Gettin' the Band Back Together is, drum roll please... MITCHELL JARVIS!
Mitchell Jarvis was the perfect leading man. He was full of charisma, had a strong voice and appeared to be highly believable in this role. Jarvis was perfect for the role of Mitch.
Now for my final verdict on Gettin' the Band Back Together. I give Gettin' the Band Back Together...
I had a little bit of difficulty deciding as to whether Gettin' the Band Back Together deserved three or four stars, but ultimately chose to award it four stars. The reason I made this decision is because I truly did enjoy myself, and at the end of the day, that's what theatre should be about.
Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.
Thanks for reading!
-The Reviewer
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