More Theater Monday - Wonderful Town

We received complimentary tickets to Wonderful Town for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Wonderful Town

Where: New York City Center 

              131 W. 55th St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 8 and Up

When: Through May 11, 2025

Wonderful Town is not a very exciting show. Things happen, but in some ways, it doesn't feel like the plot advances; it just moves in circles. The story follows two sisters who move from a little town in Ohio to the big, scary City, or at least that's how New York City is portrayed in the show at first.  There are a few nice songs. One of the more well-known songs from the show is "Ohio," which Jane Lynch and the legendary Carol Burnett sang on an episode of Glee. 

One sister, Eileen, is a tremendous flirt and always has men falling at her feet. She is coyishly played by Aisha Jackson. The other, Ruth, is much more earnestly played by Anika Noni Rose as she is the more serious sister. It is Ruth, though, who has the more romantic storyline, except that there isn't any development in the romance. The two characters have a scene or two together that is not at all romantic, and suddenly, they are in love. 

Despite these plot issues, City Center's production of the show is still very well done. It may not be one of the best shows they have ever done, but they still do a really nice job with the show. The actors are talented. The singing is beautiful, and there is some really incredible dancing, including a lot of tap. If you are looking for an interesting show with an intelligent plot that makes sense, you may want to skip this one. If you want to see a bunch of talented actors strutting their stuff in another brilliantly performed City Center production, you might enjoy it. 

And that's our view. For more information about Wonderful Town or to purchase tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2024-2025/wonderful-town

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All Wonderful Town production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.