by Sheila Barth
BOX INFO: US premiere of two-act musical comedy written by Dan Remmes, and the late Nick Meglin, with music by Neil Berg, directed by Matt Lenz. Appearing through September 1, Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main St., Ogunquit, Maine. Starring Broadway’s Ed Dixon and Marc Jacoby, with Sally Struthers and guest star Hal Linden. Tickets start at $52. ogunquitplayhouse.org, 207-646-5511.
When Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning comedic veteran Sally Struthers and Emmy and Tony Award winner Hal Linden appear at the Ogunquit Playhouse with a stellar Broadway cast, such as they do in Dan Remmes’ new two-act musical comedy, “Grumpy Old Men,” you know you’re in for a slap-happy feast.
Although the US premiere of “Grumpy Old Men” could use some trimming and tweaking, Ogunquit Playhouse’s lively ensemble opening of song “Wabasha, Minn.” Starts the show exuberantly, upbeat, delivering a joyous shout-out to how life should be throughout America. Throughout the play, Music Director Phil Reno and orchestra and Broadway choreographer Michele Lynch have the pulse on the American heartland, small-town genre. Scenic Designer Michael Carnahan’s movable, foldaway sets and props, converting from the local Bait Shop and gathering place to the homes of longtime, feuding, Grumpy, ying-yang next-door neighbors, Max Goldman and John Gustafson (at times on split-stage), ensure the action doesn’t miss a beat.
There’s nothing special about Wabasha, but you can bet your sweet bippy everybody knows everybody else’s name and their gossip before it’s ready to circulate. Old resentments may simmer, but the townies are quick to gather together and offer help, encouragement, and support, whatever the occasion. And for the most part, folks like things the way they are, they sing.
While writing the new musical, Lenz realized the 1993 popular movie, “Grumpy Old Men,” starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, had a serious theme, too. It wasn’t just about two high school guys in love with the same girl and one taking her away from the other. The men are older now, he said. Fast -forward to 25 years later, and they know they’re losing their vitality, facing retirement issues, and wondering whether they’ll experience another spark of romance or excitement.
Enter beautiful stranger Ariel Truax, (the great Leslie Stevens) ,whizzing in on a motorized vehicle, with song “Heat Wave” playing the background. She’s sleek. Intelligent. Beautiful. Exciting. And happy to be in Wabasha. There’s also another new-to-town stranger named Funky, (the incomparable Sally Struthers), who breezes into the bait shop, makes airy, ditzy comments or yodels, then wanders away, leaving theatergoers laughing at her antics. Funky is bait shop owner Chuck’s cousin who invited her to live in his home, a luxury for the wanderer. Funky’s solo, “Your Own Home,” is heartfelt.
Solidly portraying Chuck, the stabilizing force in Wabasha’s center, is Doug Eskew, whose solo, “An Angel,” garnered enthusiastic applause. And Hal Linden? At 87 years old, the veteran star portraying John Gustafson’s 91-year-old sex-charged dad delivers lines and quips with rapier speed. Just watching Struthers and Linden is a hoot.
Lenz has other sub-plots, too, swirling in this little town. Gustafson is relentlessly pursued by an IRS agent Sandra Snyder, (the terrific Brenda Braxton), who claims he owes thousands in back taxes. “Snyder Comes Along,” she sings robustly, and she intends to get that payment.
Added to the confusing mix is John’s daughter, Melanie, (Laura Woyasz), and Max’s son, Jacob (Kevin Massey), who have opposing goals. Melanie can’t wait to leave Wabasha and move to Los Angeles, while Jacob has an offer he can’t refuse – accept a job in a law firm in New York City. You somehow know these young folks have a simmering love for each other, but their dreams are harmoniously blended in song “Parents and Paradise”.
The second act moves more swiftly, with romance and resentment erupting, dust settling, happy solutions, and an entertaining, homespun afternoon for theatergoers.
