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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