MYSTIC PIZZA at Paper Mill Playhouse (Reviews)

[quizking101]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 1:34pm

Opens tonight and runs through February 23rd.

Featuring a catalog of 80s and 90s hits, this musical is based on the 1988 film of the same name that starred Julia Roberts. The show is set in Mystic, Connecticut, during the 1980s and follows the lives and loves of three young waitresses at the Mystic Pizza restaurant.

[quizking101]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 1:36pm

I went last night.

Here’s my review on Substack:

Cooked lightly with a solid base, a little spice, and a heap of extra cheese (7.5/10)

Mystic Pizza Review - Paper Mill Playhouse

 

Updated On: 2/2/25 at 01:36 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 2:32pm

Had some friends see this yesterday and they said it's "nothing special". Forgettable songs, mediocre choreography, no way this should head straight to Broadway.

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 2:36pm

Where did the rumor that this was automatically transferring come from? Did people assume from the cancelled tour? Because it just sounds like it was cancelled from low ticket sales?

[ACL2006]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 2:43pm

GottaGetAGimmick420 said: "Where did the rumor that this was automatically transferring come from? Did people assume from the cancelled tour? Because it just sounds like it was cancelled from low ticket sales?"

A Wonderful World announced it was closing and the next day Mystic Pizza cancelled the tour that was to follow it's run at Papermill. A lot of hearsay of "well it could transfer directly to Broadway in time for the Tony Awards cutoff."

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 3:46pm

I get the impression this show is pretty unremarkable but I’d love the chance to see it if it transferred. I don’t see any harm in a 2-3 month stint at Studio 54 if the space was to otherwise go vacant while other buzzier shows were focusing on the awards circuit. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 4:21pm

Mystic Pizza may just be a limited engagement filler for the summer until CATS takes the theater in the Fall.

[quizking101]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 4:54pm

GottaGetAGimmick420 said: "Where did the rumor that this was automatically transferring come from? Did people assume from the cancelled tour? Because it just sounds like it was cancelled from low ticket sales?"

To my understanding, they are hoping for good reviews since it appears to be fast-tracking to Broadway and they got sufficient enough reviews from recent productions to give momentum and Paper Mill is the final push

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/2/25 at 7:36pm

There is zero interest for this to come anywhere near Broadway. None. 

[AC126748]

Posted: 2/3/25 at 11:57am

Theatermania is positive:

Anyone in need of comfort food should head directly to Paper Mill Playhouse, where it’s being served up by the slice in Mystic Pizza. Set to a catalogue of 1980s pop classics, Sandy Rustin’s delicious adaptation of the beloved rom-com dances right off the stage and into your heart, touching your emotions as the familiar music embeds itself in your ears.

The company boasts voices for days, and the musical arrangements by Carmel Dean seamlessly adapt the well-known songs to a more traditional Broadway style. Anderson projects Kat’s quiet demeanor in book scenes, which makes for an appropriate jolt when she lets loose in her songs, projecting her character’s rich inner life beneath a placid exterior. Alabado demonstrates Daisy’s fierce countenance in a rousing rendition of Melissa Etheridge’s “I’m the Only One,” and she and the irresistibly charming Michael smolder with chemistry in a charged account of Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” Giulietti and Haynie make for cute comic relief throughout, and the big-voiced Fouché earned well-deserved whoops and cheers nearly every time she opened her mouth. John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” made for well-calibrated refrain throughout the show, giving voice to the Mystic residents’ pride in their seaside community.

Mystic Pizza Comes with Lots of Tasty Toppings at Paper Mill Playhouse

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 2/3/25 at 12:21pm

If this insane Broadway rumor is true, I sincerely hope that the producers have full understanding that such a transfer is ONLY to make the show more appealing for licensing (aka the ability to advertise it as "from Broadway"). Because it has a snowflake's chance in hell at being financially successful.

The spring is filled with A List stars (George Clooney, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kieran Culkin, etc), meaningful IP (Stranger Things), and critical darlings (Dead Outlaw, Buena Vista Social Club). Mystic Pizza is cute and charming and has a ton of talent behind. But there are no stars, no meaningful IP, and its doubtful to be atop the critics "must see" lists. But it's not my money, so if producers want to employ those actors for 3 months of Broadway pay, have at it!

[raddersons]

Posted: 2/3/25 at 2:08pm

I will never get over the fact that this is a 30 Rock joke come to life.

 

[Ensemble1698878795]

Posted: 2/3/25 at 2:21pm

MayAudraBlessYou2 said: "If this insane Broadway rumor is true, I sincerely hope that the producers have full understanding that such a transfer is ONLY to make the show more appealing for licensing (aka the ability to advertise it as "from Broadway"). Because it has a snowflake's chance in hell at being financially successful.

The spring is filled with A List stars (George Clooney, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kieran Culkin, etc), meaningful IP (Stranger Things), and critical darlings (Dead Outlaw, Buena Vista SocialClub). Mystic Pizza is cute and charming and has a ton of talent behind. But there are no stars, no meaningful IP, and it's doubtful to be atop the critics "must see" lists. But it's not my money, so if producers want to employ those actors for 3 months of Broadway pay, have at it!"

I think they're very aware. All they want is to be able to call it a Broadway show. That helps its touring and licensing life. This isn't about quality art, it's about capitalism. 

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 2/3/25 at 3:16pm

Ah, the "Heart of Rock and Roll" path. Because that worked so well for them. Good luck, babe!

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 2/3/25 at 5:55pm

I heard someone say this will do very well in schools/locally. I agree that this could go the way of Heart of Rock and Roll if it ever makes it to Broadway 

[AC126748]

Posted: 2/5/25 at 11:11am

Another very positive review from NJ dot com:

Mystic Pizza is a thrilling slice of retro fun at Paper Mill

[Skip23]

Posted: 2/5/25 at 2:12pm

AC126748 said: "Another very positive review from NJ dot com:

Mystic Pizza is a thrilling slice of retro fun at Paper Mill"

HILARIOUS!  Has this reviewer been to Mystic recently?  Anything BUT sleepy.  And this was always an odd premise.  There is not a large Portuguese population in that area.  Strange.  

 

 

[Ensemble1717895301]

Posted: 2/5/25 at 5:55pm

I saw Mystic Pizza at the Paper Mill Playhouse opening night. What a bore. It was 40 minutes before anyone moved in a fashion that could be described as dance. This is a jukebox musical with songs that definitely should have inspired dance. I suspect the choreographer spent less than a day with the company. There is literally less than a minute of movement throughout the entire show. The cast was 'good' (not great), the direction incompetent. The set busier than needed to be and not particularly interesting. I couldn't wait for it to end.

[AC126748]

Posted: 2/5/25 at 8:43pm

Skip23 said: "AC126748 said: "Another very positive review from NJ dot com:

Mystic Pizza is a thrilling slice of retro fun at Paper Mill"

HILARIOUS! Has this reviewer been to Mystic recently? Anything BUT sleepy. And this was always an odd premise. There is not a large Portuguese population in that area. Strange.



"

It’s a work of fiction. It’s also set in the ‘80s. Whether the musical reflects the actual Mystic, Connecticut in 2025 is frankly irrelevant. 

[Skip23]

Posted: 2/6/25 at 2:11am

AC126748 said: "Skip23 said: "AC126748 said: "Another very positive review from NJ dot com:

Mystic Pizza is a thrilling slice of retro fun at Paper Mill"

HILARIOUS! Has this reviewer been to Mystic recently? Anything BUT sleepy. And this was always an odd premise. There is not a large Portuguese population in that area. Strange.



"

It’s a work of fiction. It’s also set in the ‘80s. Whether the musical reflects the actual Mystic, Connecticut in 2025 is frankly irrelevant."

It’s not irrelevant when it takes me out of the show. But then I guess that’s just me  

[verywellthensigh]

Posted: 2/6/25 at 1:08pm

Woah.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun?

Addicted to Love?

Hold On?

Boy, they really dug deep in the trunk to find these gems.  No wonder AI is winning. 

Updated On: 2/6/25 at 01:08 PM

[CoffeeBreak]

Posted: 2/10/25 at 9:57am

NBC ny live teaser this morning “mystic pizza jumps from the screen to the New York City stage” …. 

Updated On: 2/10/25 at 09:57 AM

[Voter]

Posted: 2/16/25 at 12:01pm

Saw this last night and it was not good. The entire Act 1 needs to be shortened and reworked. The Power of Love and I Think We’re Alone Now in Act 1 needs to be cut. The 2 reprises of Small Town were not necessary. 

 

Act 2 was way better than Act 1 with the songs perfectly placed. The pacing was a lot better.

 

The set at first was really good but I agree it was over used. Acting and vocally good things for the performers.

 

I can see this going to a small off-broadway house. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/16/25 at 12:32pm

CoffeeBreak said: "NBC ny live teaser this morning “mystic pizza jumps from the screen to the New York City stage” …."

As long as it's a makeshift stage in, like, someone's basement I think it will be a hit! 

 

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 2/16/25 at 12:32pm

CoffeeBreak said: "NBC ny live teaser this morning “mysticpizza jumps from the screen to the New York City stage” …."

Now this is interesting...