Off-Broadway’s ‘Romy & Michele’ Fails to Capture Film’s Charm
The Off-Broadway adaptation of the cult classic film, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, has opened at Stage 42 in New York City, but it has fallen short of expectations. The musical, which first premiered in Seattle in 2017, has struggled to recapture the magic and humor of the original 1997 film starring Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow.
Audiences may recall the film’s memorable line delivered by Romy: “I cut my foot before, and my shoe is filling up with blood.” Unfortunately, no such wit or charm is present in this stage version, which stars Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay. Critics describe it as a lackluster attempt to translate the film’s spirit into a musical format.
The story centers around Romy and Michele, who concoct a scheme to attend their ten-year high school reunion with inflated identities as successful businesswomen, claiming to be the inventors of Post-It notes. While the film portrayed their escapades with a sense of humor and heart, the stage adaptation reportedly misses both the comedic and emotional marks.
Musical Elements Fall Flat
The score, composed by Gwendolyn Sanford and Brandon Jay, lacks the nostalgic vibe of late-1990s pop music, instead opting for generic Broadway sounds. Critics argue that the music does not resonate with the audience, making it difficult to engage in the story. This lack of catchy tunes hampers the overall experience, and Bundy and Lindsay struggle to generate laughs, hampered by the weight of expectations to mirror the chemistry of the original film’s stars.
The production directed by Kristin Hanggi features a digital set that tries to engage with visual humor but ultimately falls short. The attempt at comedic visuals often feels forced and fails to elevate the performance. With a cast of ten, including DeMarius R. Copes in a minor role, the performances do not manage to find their footing, lacking both energy and comedic timing.
A Missed Opportunity for Connection
For a musical to succeed, it must establish a connection with its audience. Unfortunately, this adaptation struggles to do so. The script by Robin Schiff is criticized for being too faithful to the film, not allowing the performers the freedom to explore their characters in new ways. The result is a production that feels stagnant and uninspired.
The show attempts to tackle themes of self-acceptance and personal growth but fails to create the empathy necessary for audiences to invest in the characters. Instead of providing a cathartic experience, it mirrors the discomfort of an actual high school reunion—complete with comparisons and insecurities.
As the curtain falls on this production, it is evident that the charm and wit of the original film have not translated well to the stage. For those looking to relive the nostalgia of Romy & Michele, the musical may not offer the same joy and hilarity, leaving audiences longing for the film’s unique spirit. The challenge now lies in finding a way to breathe new life into a well-loved story while navigating the pitfalls of adaptation.
