OGDEN — Weber State Theatre in conjunction with The Pie Pizzeria cranks up the volume with Mystic Pizza, a sizzling new musical serving up love, laughter, and all your favorite hits from the ’80s. Bursting with energy, this feel-good show combines small town charm with big hair, bigger dreams, and a soundtrack you’ll want to sing along to. With book by Sandy Rustin and based on the story and characters from the 1988 film by Amy Holden Jones, Mystic Pizza is a jukebox musical with many hit songs from the ‘80s, with new musical arrangements and orchestrations by Carmel Dean. Under the direction of Andrew Barratt Lewis and music directed by Kenneth Plain, this production is a slice of nostalgia that’ll have audiences falling in love all over again and possibly wanting to order some pizza.
Mystic Pizza is a coming of age story about three girls who work at the local pizza shop in Mystic, Connecticut. The show opens at the wedding of Jo Barboza (Grace Maria Hernandez) and Bill Montijo (Brian Kei Shinohara). However Jo gets nervous, passes out, and the wedding doesn’t happen. One minor critique with the wedding scene is that Hernandez doesn’t fully commit to the faint before running off stage, which can be seen even though the lights dim. That said, Hernandez does wonderful job throughout the rest of the play as a young woman nervous to commit to marriage for the rest of her life yet realizing that she doesn’t want to live without Billy. Hernandez brings youth and emotional honesty to the role, making Jo’s indecision and longing feel deeply relatable.
Daisy Arujo, played by Camdyn Anderson, is a tough, rough around the edges girl from Mystic who dreams of more than the small town life. She decides to try her luck dating Charles Windsor Jr. (Nate Smith), the son of a wealthy country club member from the city. Along with Hernandez, Anderson sings “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” dancing around the pizza parlor and singing with flirtatious joy and delight. Anderson’s attitude and toughness melt away as she sings “True Colors” with tenderness and vulnerability. Anderson’s performance is magnetic, her energy and expressive face make Daisy’s transformation one of the most compelling journey’s of the show.
Laura Segura Leal played the role of 18 year old Katherine Arujo, who is working multiple jobs to save money for college. Leal delivers an outstanding rendition of “I Get Lost,” highlighted by dramatic lighting cues designed by Caden Schaefer. As the spotlight falls on Leal and the rest of the stage stays dimly lit, the effect beautifully freezes time as she falls in love with Tim Travers (Owen Scott). Another striking lighting cue comes later as a spotlight shines on Leal and a pizza destined to be served to the intimidating television food critic with all the restaurant’s hopes and dreams praying for a kind review. Not only did the lighting create dramatic effects during these songs, Leal also shined brightly with her technically impressive and emotionally rich singing, particularly with great depth on her low notes.
Hernandez, Anderson, and Leal connected wonderfully with their roles as the three leads, each shining in their own way. Their acting was believable and enjoyable to watch especially as they sat on the pier, the with the three of them chatting about their dreams and futures. The fantastic set, designed by Cully Long, captures the charm of an old coastal town. Two small buildings frame each side of the stage including the Peg Leg Pub, Dory Shop, the Pizza Shop and a cozy costal style house with a lookout balcony on top. A small pier runs along the back of the stage and is cleverly used for multiple scenes, including the stage at the pub. The set is both versatile and visually appealing, perfectly suiting the show’s seaside setting.
Although the girls were the main focus of the show, Shinohara, Smith, and Scott give strong performances as well. Shinohara brings sincerity and heartache as he repeatedly proposes to Jo, hoping she’ll say yes. In “Mad About You” Shinohara and Hernandez reconnect with charm and lighthearted chemistry. Shinohara’s earnest delivery of his heartbroken lines gives true connection and feelings to the story between Jo and Billy. Smith rebels against his strict, upper class father with “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” as his confident stage presence and strong voice capture the spirit of rebellion. Scott plays a smooth while sleazy married man who charms a young girl into falling for him. His kind charisma makes his character both captivating while also cautionary.
The lovable pizza shop owner, Leona Silvia is played by Mandy Chandler. This almost retired immigrant is no washed up grandma. Chandler jumps in and lets loose singing, “Set me free why don’t you babe,” in the mash up between “All I Need is a Miracle” and “You Just Keep Me Hanging On”.
The ensemble cast keeps busy playing multiple townspeople and small parts throughout the show. Their energy as backup dancers along the pier during love songs adds to the lighthearted comedy of the show. Standing side by side along the edge of the stage, the entire cast sang a powerful and energetic rendition of “Hold On” right before intermission. One stand out cast member is Beckham Westenskow, sporting a killer blonde mullet wig and ’80s light wash denim. Westenskow keeps the laughs and amusement of the night rolling even during the transitions as his comedic timing is impeccable, adding a burst of personality and character every time he swaggers out on the stage.
Choreographer Francesca Mintowt-Czyz brings energy and complexity to the cast with the lively dance number “Manic Monday” which the entire ensemble executes with enthusiasm and finesse. Costume Designer Tabitha Sublette nails the ’80s nostalgia with throwback hairstyles, makeup and outfits strait out of the decade, from the puffy sleeves on the pink bridesmaids dresses and beaded wedding gowns to the pleated silk blouses, big hair, scrunchies, and so much more.
While the show includes some adult themes and a mild “spicy” scene, these moments are tastefully handled. However, it may not be appropriate for young children.
If you’re craving a night of feel good fun, powerhouse vocals, and totally amazing ‘80s vibes, Mystic Pizza is the perfect recipe. Bursting with heart, humor, and high notes, Weber State’s production delivers a fresh, flavorful take on friendship, love, and life’s big choices. Just one slice of this musical, and you’ll want to come back for seconds.
