SANDY CITY —As someone who grew up with a locker plastered with pictures of ’NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, I consider myself something of a 90s boy-band aficionado and enjoy watching “Behind the Music”-type documentaries. As such, I was intrigued when I heard that Hale Center Theatre would be producing the first regional production of the little-known Broadway musical Harmony, which centers on one of history’s earliest “boy bands.” However, I didn’t expect this “Behind the Music” story to be so captivating, brimming with both laughter and tears.
Directed by Dave Tinney, with music direction by Rob Moffat and choreography by Lindsey D. Smith, Harmony tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a wildly popular German vocal group that rose to fame during the Roaring Twenties before the growing shadow of Nazi Germany threatened to destroy everything. The story is framed through the memories of an elderly Rabbi Josef Roman Cycowski (Jeff Thompson), who reflects back on his youth as one of the group’s members and relives both the joy and heartbreak of those years.
From the opening number, “Harmony,” it was immediately clear that I was in for a treat. The intricate vocal harmonies demanded throughout this show are astonishing, and this cast rises magnificently to the challenge. Brandon LaMar Buckner as Bobby Biberti, Tanner Sumens as Harry Frommerman, Anson Bagley as Erich Collin, Jonathan Avila as Erwin “Chopin” Bootz, Ben Hahn as Ari “Lesh” Leshnikoff, and Landon Horton as Young Rabbi create an amazingly tight and polished musical blend.
But Harmony is far more than a musical showcase of an old boy band. It is a deeply human story, steeped in subtext. Because the audience knows the historical tragedy looming ahead, every joyful moment carries an undercurrent of dread that makes the story all the more emotionally powerful.
The production gives us plenty of reasons to fall in love with these characters before history descends upon them. One comedic highlight features Erich panicking over how to tell his parents that “Your Son Is Becoming a Singer.” Bobby (Brandon LaMar Buckner) and Lesh (Ben Hahn) hilariously act out his parents so he can rehearse the conversation. The direction and comic timing in this scene were flawless, and the audience was roaring with laughter.
Another standout comedic sequence comes when the group’s tuxedos are stolen before a major performance. The show must go on, and they perform “How Can I Serve You Madame?” in waiters’ jackets behind rolling Art Deco boxes, before it’s revealed they don’t have pants, but just their boxers, socks and garters. The audience roared as they used golden serving platters and cloches to preserve their dignity. Smith’s choreography and Tinney’s blocking milk every possible laugh from these comic sequences while still showcasing the performers’ impeccable musicality.
Visually, the production is stunning. Scenic designer Jenn Taylor and projection designer Madeline Ashton make brilliant use of the Hale’s stage and integrate practical set pieces with projected backdrops. Some projections have historical photos flashing through memories, but I particularly loved several scenes that were framed with warm post-impressionist paintings of cityscapes with a blurry aspect to them and bold brushstrokes in a warm palette, reinforcing the idea that we are watching fragments of memory through Old Rabbi’s eyes.
One especially beautiful moment comes during Rabbi’s wedding to Mary Hegel (Teaira Burge), who converts to Judaism so they can marry. The projection of the synagogue interior, combined with the actors gathered beneath the chuppah, creates a stunning tableau. The celebration expands into a double wedding as Ruth (Rachel Marie Fonseca), who is also Jewish, marries Chopin. The scene feels like a perfect expression of love and hope until the stained-glass projection shatters. It created a haunting visual image.
One of the production’s smartest choices comes during a scene in which Rabbi realizes he is sharing a train with Hitler. Tinney uses abstract projections and brilliant lighting by Marianne Ohran to suggest Hitler’s presence. The choice feels infinitely more chilling than an actor’s imitation would have. In a world where comparisons to Hitler are often thrown around casually, Harmony serves as an important reminder of the true horror of that regime and the very real human lives it destroyed.
I wholeheartedly recommend this production at the Hale Centre Theatre. It is funny, visually stunning, emotionally devastating, and musically extraordinary. I took my daughter, who is currently at the age I was at during the height of my boy band obsession. Younger audience members who are unfamiliar with the historical details of the political climate leading into World War II may miss some of the subtext that gives many scenes their power, but the show remains appropriate for general audiences and offers an important opportunity for reflection and conversation. My daughter and I talked about the show for hours afterwards, giving me the chance to help to her understand some of the history behind the show.
The closing number, “Stars in the Night,” beautifully captures the soul of the musical as Old Rabbi reflects, “And amidst all the horror, and despite our squabbles, we found harmony. And oh, what I wouldn’t give for one more moment of that.”
Though this story begins nearly 100 years ago, its themes feel painfully relevant today. There will always be forces trying to divide people and encourage us to “other” our neighbors. Harmony reminds us that we have the choice to be peacemakers instead. Harmony is a “Behind the Music” story that needs to be told and remembered for more harmonious societies of our own.
MORE INFO: Harmony is currently playing at Hale Centre Theatre’s Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage (9900 South Monroe Street, Sandy, UT 84070) as part of Hale Centre Theatre’s 2026 season. Music by the legendary Barry Manilow and book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman, the musical runs May 25th through August 1, 2026. Performance times vary by date, with many evening performances at 7:00 PM and select Saturday performances listed at 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Tickets are $51–$71 for adults and $25–$35 for youth ages 5–17; children under 5 are not permitted. For the most up-to-date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit the Hale Centre Theatre website: www.hct.org
Editor’s Note: Photos will be added to this review when recieved.