Baby It's You
Baby It’s You!, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, is a most entertaining musical, because as the program states, “The magic is in the music.” Even though a story is presented, it is the music, (music supervisor and arrangements by Richard Perry, musical director and additional arranger, Adam Irizarry). ), the fabulous costumes (Lizz Wolf), scenic design by Anna Louizos, lighting by Howell Binkley, choreography by Brigitte Mutrux, sound design by Martin Carillo, direction by Floyd Mutrux, and, of course, the stupendous cast.
The musical is based on the true life of Florence Greenberg (Meeghan Holaway), a New Jersey housewife. Florence became bored and wanted to get a career outside of the home against the wishes of her husband Bernie (Barry Pearl). As fate would have it, through her daughter, Florence discovers a singing group called The Shirelles (Erica Ash, Berlando Drake, Paulette Ivory and Crystal Starr Knighton). She creates a record company in order to record and distribute their talent. She also discovers an African-American songwriter, Luther Dixon (Allan Louis) who becomes her partner in the company and they, with the Shirelles, become a very successful record company, recording such hits as “Baby It’s You,” “Mama Said,” ”Dedicated To The One I Love,” “Our Day Will Come,” to name just a few. As Florence becomes a workaholic, her marriage suffers, and she and Luther find themselves more than business partners. But Florence’s story, as it continues, is not the draw of Baby It’s You!. As before mentioned, it’s the music and the wonderful singing by the “Shirelles.” as well as the rest of the cast that includes Geno Henderson, superb in several roles, Adam Irizarry, Matt McKenzie, Annette Moore and Suzanne Petrela.
Baby It’s You!, playing at the Pasadena Playhouse, was scheduled to close Dec. 13, but due to popular demand, it has been extended through Dec. 20. It plays Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Recommended.
Pasadena Playhouse
39 South El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA
Tickets: Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, (626) 356-7529, in person at the Box Office, open from 12 noon until 6 p.m. daily, online at www.Pasadenaplayhouse.org