Theater Review: 'Mystic Pizza' Tour at Waterbury's Palace Theater

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch Neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

The touring company of “Mystic Pizza A New Musical” is delighting audiences at Waterbury’s Palace Theater this weekend only. Featuring the music of the 80s and 90s to match the decade of the hit 1988 MGM film set in the seaside CT town, the musical version is a celebration of friendship, love and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

The musical of course follows best friends Kat, Daisy, and Jojo as they navigate the complexities of friendship and romance and chasing dreams—all while slinging slices at a small-town pizza joint, the now famous Mystic Pizza. The script is packed with comedy, heartfelt storytelling and chart-topping hits from the era. Dedicated fans of the film will appreciate that the stage-version sticks very close to the source material that gave Julia Roberts her start. A few characters have been cut, but it all works.

The musical was written by Sandy Rustin, with arrangements by Carmel Dean. Jennifer Werner is the director and choreographer of the tour. The strong choreography is apparent throughout the two acts. The seaside set design by Joshua Warner evokes the beautiful town of Mystic and is beautifully lit by Dalton Hamilton. Costumes designed by Jen Caprio bring back the eighties, with great wigs and makeup design by Roxanne De Luna.

Music Director John Tengowiski conducts the onstage musicians while playing keys 1, while his assistant music director Kaleb Wilkening covers keys 2. William Leary plays the reeds, Emily Davies plays bass, Anthony Basini plays guitar and Augusto Oropeza sits lower in the pit area on the drums.

Kendall Becerra is luminous in the role of the studious Katherine “Kat” Arujo, the waitress that holds down three jobs in order to afford her next semester at Yale. Becerra was the winner of the Best Lead Actress at the 2022 Jimmy Awards and it is exciting to see her make her national tour debut.

Chloë Lezotte, a native of Bend, Oregon, makes her national tour debut as Daisy, Kat’s brash and beautiful older sister. Lezotte made the role her own with a fine performance.

Lexxi Frilles just about stole the show in the role of Josephine “Jojo” Barboza in her national tour debut. Frilles fully embodies the spunky waitress that faints at her wedding at the top of the show and sings beautifully. Raised in VA, the actress is now NYC-based.

The Palace had posted how excited they were to welcome Connecticut native Jack Baylis to their stage, the actor starring in the national tour as Charles Gordon Windsor, Jr. Baylis got his start performing at Staples High School and the Staples Players in Westport, CT. On opening night, the audience contained many of the young actor’s fans who came out to support him in his national tour debut where he portrays the preppy law student who falls for the “townie” Daisy.

Mike Leadbetter makes his national tour debut as Tim Travers, the married architect who breaks Kat’s heart. Leadbetter has a great singing voice that he shows off in the duets “Into the Mystic” and “When I See You Smile.”

Tieisha Thomas, a NYC artist who was in the national tour of “1776” and “Elf,” brings the role of the Portuguese pizzeria owner Leona Silvia to life (“All I Need is a Miracle.”) Matt Woodward, an NYU Tisch grad, plays the role of Jojo’s devoted fiancé Bill Montijo.

Ensemble member Nina-Simone Diaz steps up to play Debbie, Mrs. Alfonso, Nikki Travers and the maid Teresa. Sam Foti plays Aunt Bonnie and Polly. Swing Travis Flynt is the dance captain. Ensemble member Albert “Al” covers the roles of Mr. Barbosa, Lionel, Alfie and Mickey in his national tour debut. Will Ingram plays Frankie and Steamer and Richard Morgan covers the parts of a priest, the culinary gourmet, and Chuck Windsor, Sr.

Ensemble member Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor plays the mother of the Arujo sisters. Abby Scalici covers the roles of Lorna and Serena while understudying the three leads, and ensemble member Gabe Tobierre covers George, Nick, and Lou.

“Mystic Pizza” is presented in two acts and runs about two and half hours and I left the theater with a big craving for a slice of pizza. The show is recommended for ages 10 and up. The tour will “Hold On” at the Palace with performances on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 1pm.

Don’t miss your chance to catch this feel-good musical packed with love, laughs, and all those unforgettable ’80s and ’90s hits. Grab your tickets and get one last slice before it’s gone.

palacetheaterct.org/.../main-stage/mystic-pizza