It is hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since the film version of Grumpy Old Men made its debut. The story of two aging neighbors vying for the attention of their attractive new neighbor starred Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret.
Grumpy Old Men: The Musical came into being when actor Jeff Gardner was looking for an established property to transform into a Broadway show. Securing rights from Warner Brothers, his team brought about the musical which opened in the U.S. in 2018 in Ogunquit, Maine. The result was a well-developed, tuneful, and laugh-filled romp, equal parts witty and sympathetic. With positive critical attention, the show opened in Southern California the following year.
(From left) Eddie Curry (as John Gustafson), Sarah Hund (Ariel Truax) and Jeff Stockberger (Max Goldman). (Photo by Julie Curry)
Beef and Boards’ production (sharply directed by Curt Wollan, and smoothly choregraphed by Sally Scharbrough) reunites B&B favorites Eddie Curry, Jeff Stockberger, and Sarah Hund for the latest of their array of shows together. Curry and Stockberger have frequently worked together onstage since college days, and their inspired comfort-level shows in their tight interactions here. Though much of the crossplay is insult hurling, with some of the best put-down lines you may ever hear, these roles also take them to softer characterizations which are very well set down.
Curry’s John Gustafson ranges nicely as he faces changes and opportunities in his life. I have said it before, I always learn something about acting watching Curry’s work and his ease of portrayal is a wonder to observe. As neighbor Max Goldman, Stockberger makes the most of his clowning skills – give that man a prop to play with and the results are most often hilarity – but he also shows a more touching side we don’t often see in his performances – set forth in his lamenting solo number “Family or Friend.”
Sarah Hund joins in the fun as comely new neighbor, Ariel Truax. Ms. Hund takes the role to its proper level, attracting the attention of the old gents without overplaying the part. I have, in the past, named her as the most talented person I know, and she did not lose any ground in that title. All three main roles are so well cast – I believe the familiarity these three have for each other paid dividends. It’s a lot of fun to watch them work together.
(From left) Logan Hill (as Melanie Norton), Eddie Curry (John Gustafson) Jeff Stockberger (Max Goldman), and Jacob Butler (Jacob Goldman). (Photo by Julie Curry)
The script offers many good supporting roles, and the cast comes through with very high marks. Jacob Butler as Max’s son Jacob and Logan Hill as John’s daughter Melanie provide a solid sub-plot as they both trouble about what to do with their lives. Butler and Ms. Hill are excellent vocalists, and both show their skills in several numbers. B&B Chief Douglas E. Stark brings just the right portrayal as raunchy Grandpa Gustafson. His delivery is pitch perfect for the crotch-centric curmudgeon’s humorous observations and advice. (This show does carry a PG-13 label, by the way.)
Devan Mathias is divine as IRS agent Sandra Snyder. She plays the role to the hilt, raising her comedic talents to new heights I haven’t seen from her before. Ty Stover is delightful as bait-shop owner Chuck Barrels, while Karen Pappas plays cousin/newcomer Punky Barrels with apt guilelessness. Jaddy Ciucci offers accident-prone Harry the mail carrier with underplayed aplomb.
Every single cast member is vocally gifted and the precise work of Musical Director Terry Woods is present in the finely tuned songs and choruses. Likewise, costume design by Kathy Henry and wigs by Andrew Elliot add polish to the proceedings.
The set design by Michael Layton fills the bill. As the program for this show noted: “The curtain is going down on an era, as Michael Layton, our scenic designer of over 40 years, is retiring.” Mr. Layton has shown his tremendous talents repeatedly (designing 330 sets in his run with the theatre company) by transforming B&B’s limited stage space into designs for productions large and small. His genius and innovative efforts always added much to the workings. Happy retirement to a true artist!
Bottom line: Grumpy Old Men – The Musical is a surprisingly satisfying stage show. Filled with humor and covering an engaging storyline portrayed by a very skilled company of performers, B&B’s entertaining production has something for everyone. It’s a complete success in my eyes.
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