I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Theater Thursday - Benny & Joon

We were given free tickets to Benny & Joon for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.


What: Benny & Joon

Where: Papermill Playhouse
             22 Brookside Drive
             Milburn, NJ

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

When: Through May 5, 2019





Mom's view: Benny & Joon the musical currently playing at the Papermill Playhouse is based on the 1992 film of the same name. It is a sweet, funny and quirky show and yet also a very serious one. The relationship between Claybourne Elder and Hannah Elless as the title characters, brother and sister, Benny and Joon Pearl, is very touching, When they engage in the charming nightly ritual of singing their song, Benny and Joon, it can bring a tear to your eye. The relationship between the troubled Joon and the eccentric Sam, the latter played by Bryce Pinkham, is endearing. Pinkham does a a nice job in an iconic Johnny Depp role and really makes the role his own. He and Hannah Elless have a nice chemistry.  Sam's big dramatic song, In My Head although allegedly meant to explain a little bit about why Sam is the way he is, seems out of character and detracts from the story rather than adding to it. In general the lighter, fun songs are more memorable than the dramatic ones. Through the character of Joon, the show shines a lot on the problem of Schizophrenia and what it is like to live with it or live with someone who suffers from it. Yet utlimately, it's message is positive showing that we are  all worthy of having the opportuntity to love and be loved and that hopefully there is someone out there for everyone.




And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Funtivity Friday.

Photo credits: 
Photo #1, #3, #5 by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Photo #2, #6 by Jim Fox 
Photo #4, #7  by Jerry Dalia

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