Applause! Applause! Review of It Shoulda Been You at The Gallery Players by Dr. Philip Ernest Schoenberg

This review of It Shoulda Been You at The Gallery Players was written by Dr. Philip Ernest Schoenberg and published in Volume X, Issue 7 (2017) of the online edition of Applause! Applause!

It Shoulda Been You
Book & Lyrics by Brian Hargrove
Music & Concept by Barbara Anselmi
Director: Mark Harborth
Director of Production: Scott A. Cally
Choreographer: Emily Clark
Music Director: Rachel T. Whorton
Production Stage Manager: Traci Bargen
Lighting Designer: Scott A. Cally
Costume Designer: Antonio Consuegra
Scenic Design: Matthew S. Crane
Props Designer: Roxanne Goodby
The Gallery Players
199 14th Street
Park Slope, New York 11215
Reviewed 12/3/17

This farce, with book and lyrics by Brian Hargrove and music and concept by Barbara Anselmi, was one big laugh riot from beginning to end. What seemingly starts out to be tensions revolving around the wedding of a single couple evolves into a romantic triangle involving three couples! And you are constantly surprised because you have no idea where the story is heading. In the end, the contradictions and dilemmas climax in a happy, romantic resolution for all three couples and their loved ones.

The endearing, emotional exuberance in It Shoulda Been You warms your heart and makes you glad to be alive to enjoy it. It is light-hearted, gracious, and enjoyable without being offensive. The story does use stereotypes to generate some of the humor but those jokes are smoothly integrated so they are part of the back story. I cannot single out any particular actor because I thought the entire cast was superb. Mark Harborth, the director, deserves credit for having brought out the best performances possible. The scenic design by Matthew S. Crane was impressive and made you believe you were in the midst of a glamorous location. Emily Clark's choreography was fresh and fun to watch. 

Once again, The Gallery Players has produced another top-notch production that is a must see! Tickets are $25.00 for adults, and $20.00 for Seniors and Children 12 and under. For more information and for reservations, call 212-352-3101 or visit www.galleryplayers.com