The 71st Tony Awards are finally upon us this Sunday. It is the day all theatre enthusiasts anticipate for the whole season and where people, like the Oscars, attempt to predict the winners against others. With all the buzz of the Broadway universe surrounding the masterpiece of Dear Evan Hansen, other shows and their performers may be overlooked. From Bandstand to Come From Away to Anastasia, this Broadway season is just a showcase of premium talent. And so, all shows deserve to be looked into.
When first presented with the idea that the classic Billy Murray film Groundhog Day would be adapted into a musical, I, personally, felt very unsettled. Yes, I gave into the common belief that adaptations, remakes, and everything of such a variety are all inherently bad. On rare occasions, I have been disproven in this respect, and Groundhog Day is no exception. Winning lottery tickets to Groundhog Day, I went and tested my skepticism.
Ultimately, Groundhog Dog wins.
For a theatre-goer, you are welcomed into the August Wilson theatre by a buzzing crowd and a stage with an opening view of various monitors. The monitors capture the work of protagonist, Phil Connors as he works as a meteorologist. Although this sounds simple, it is a small entry into the world of the show. Even more, it shows just how the setting captures the beauty of the shows' message to the audience.
As a setting in general, Phil Connors' story is told in the weary wintry month of February. Thus, the setting itself is dark; however, the townspeople of Puxatawney, Pennsylvnaia illuminate their world through their passions and hearts.
The opening number of, "There Will Be Sun," allows the audience to know the people of the setting. The song itself also provides that in such a dark time, there is light. Such foreshadows the darkness in Phil Connors fading away itself as he faced the inevitably of reliving February 2nd over again until he evolves into a grateful and kind person. Song allows this beloved movie to have such a relatable and profound effect. Songs like, "Nobody Cares" allow you to meet those people in our loves who are reckless and without their own care. And we are moved by songs like "If I Had My Time Again", which highlights the human struggle with regret in past situations.
As Phil Connors, Andy Karl is able channel that apathetic man Connors is at the beginning of the show with the loving one he becomes at the end. Karl himself bears the stature of a rough around the edges allowing him to fit well into this role. On a personal note, Karl shows that he, like Connors, is able to overcome bad in life through positive changes as Karl is performing with a leg injury which is visible to the audience. Like Connors' dedication to winning Rita's love, his actor in Karl demonstrates that in life.
Groundhog Day is a personal musical which allows the audience to feel like a resident of the town it is set in. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and be moved by such a charming musical theatre experience.
