It’s abundantly clear that John Gustafson and Max Goldman have never heard of the “Good Neighbor Policy” as the two advanced in age curmudgeons live next door to each other and have made verbal dueling an art form. For decades they have hurled insults and derogatory remarks at each other with great glee. Do they even remember what they are feuding about at this point in time? To enter into their Hatfield and McCoy relationship, just grab a fishing rod, shovel or a hockey stick and travel to Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury by Sunday, March 24 for “Grumpy Old Men The Musical,” with book by Dan Remmes, music by Neil Berg and lyrics by Nick Meglin. Just think of the Walter Matthau, Jack Lemon and Ann-Margaret comedy film from years ago and the fun will all come rolling back.
Enter the town of Wabasa at your own risk, where winter and ice fishing go mitten and glove, and folks for the most part are friendly and helpful. Not so Gary Harger’s John and Rob Bartlett's Max. The two barely tolerate each other until a new and exciting element enters the boxing match: the enchanting, artistic and engaging Ariel, portrayed by a charming Susan Kulp. Of course, both men set out to woo her, courting her with plastic flowers so she doesn’t have to witness their untimely wilting as well as sweeping gestures of affection.
Both Gary Harger and Rob Bartlett delight in their antagonism and the arrival of Ariel just sets them off to new heights of dispute. Who will win the fair maiden? How will John’s battle with the I.R.S., let by Marcia Maslo’s Synder and her vindictive ways play into the decision? Can John’s daughter Melanie (Emma Czaplinski) or Max’s son Jacob (Josh Powell) help resolve their father’s social distancing? Can the town folk’s helpfulness, like Punky (Semina DeLaurentis ) and Chuck (Al Bundonis) and Grandpa (Len Fredericks) working together help end the in-fighting? Meanwhile the bouncey music livens the scenes, especially tunes like “Opportunity Knocks,” “Life Is All About Livin’,“ “Snyder Comes Along,” and Max’s super sweet encouraging “In Like Flynn.”
Kudos to the entire cast and to co-directors Seminars DeLaurentis and Janine Molinari, music director Richard Carey and choreographer Janine Molinari. For tickets ($45), call Seven Angels Theatre, Plank Road, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Bring toiletries to the show to be given to St. Vincent DePaul's Church. Check online as many shows have a specialty party as a bonus. A special 4-show subscription flex pass is being offered for $136, for 4 different shows or 4 for one show, your choice. Upcoming shows include “A Bronx Tale The Musical,” a world premiere of “JBKO" (Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis) and the community musical of “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
Come pick a comic side as you root for Team Gustafson or Team Goldman as they both try to win the prize their heart: Ariel.
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