Theater Review: “The Pin-Up Girls: A Musical Love Letter”

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Playhouse on Park is offering “The Pin-Up Girls: A Musical Love Letter” on their stage in West Hartford through Dec. 23.

This jukebox musical is written by James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin. Its charming premise is that a girl group finds a treasure trove of letters written to and from soldiers that have served from World War I to Afghanistan. The music is inspired by many of the letters that they find, some romantic, some funny, some heartbreaking. The ladies set out to put on a show that celebrates the military who fight to defend our country.

The show takes place in the present time at a local VFW Hall that is about to be closed.

Darlene Zoller, co-founder and artistic director of the Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc., is the director and choreographer of this show. She keeps the story moving, while still allowing the touching moments to land.

Music director Kevin Barlowski sits behind the piano onstage, in this production as the only accompaniment for the singers. Credited as “Kevin/Piano Player,” Barlowski is an amazing pianist, ably covering all of the styles of music that are performed. He also gets to be part of the action at a few points decked out in a fabulous burgundy velvet suit, and does so with much animation. His performance is simply a joy to watch.

The score includes music that goes back a hundred years. There are letter-themed songs such as “Please Mr. Postman,” “Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” and “P.S. I Love You” among a wide variety of music from many eras. “All the Single Ladies” mixes with a holiday medley. I loved the tight harmony for the music of the Andrew Sisters and a cheeky version of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” “Sincerely, Wilbur” is a three-part cowboy-inspired number that is fun.

Olivia Fenton makes her Playhouse on Park debut as Leanne, the leader of the singing group, whose grandfather ran this particular VFW hall for 26 years. A Wethersfield native, Fenton is a Hartt School graduate and appeared in “Sweeney Todd” at Connecticut Repertory Theatre.

Equity member Hillary Ekwall, who has appeared in over 20 productions at Playhouse on Park, gives a delightful performance as Dana Porter. Miss Porter teaches music at a Catholic middle school who says that she is excited to be performing for a room full of people who are over twelve years of age. Ekwall is also an accomplished cellist, gymnastics coach and educator.

In her Playhouse on Park debut, Maggie Keene is also a delight as the outgoing and flirty Megan.

Equity’s Christopher Rhodes (who played Wayne Wright in Playhouse on Park’s “Bandstand”) shines as Leanne’s brother Joel, who is covering for Sharon, the group’s member who is giving birth during the show. Joel is thrust into the show with only one day of rehearsal, so “What could possibly go wrong?!”

Although Sharon is referred to throughout the show, she is never seen. Her husband, Andrew, is a soldier in Afghanistan.

Costumes designed by Barbara Erin Delo (“Bandstand”) match the characters extremely well and flow gracefully with the dance moves. There are some pieces that the actors add for appropriate musical numbers thanks to props master Sadie Aiken.

Scenic design by Lindsay G. Fuori completely brings the audience seated on all three sides of this low-ceilinged theater to a typical VFW Hall, using Christmas lights around the space and vintage photos of soldiers. Sound design by Rachel Landy worked well, although I thought some of the singers needed less amplification. Lighting design by Stef Carr subtly added to the look of the various scenes.

This is a fine production of a charming jukebox musical. The performance is presented without an intermission and runs about 100 minutes. For tickets, visit www.playhouseonpark.org or call (860) 523-5900 Ext.10 Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Rd in West Hartford.

Photos by Meredith Longo