Theater Review – September 7, 2024

DISAPPOINTING SPOOF OF JUKEBOX MUSICALS IS REPETITIOUS AND NOT THAT AMUSING

“WE AIN’T EVER GONNA BREAK UP: THE HYMON & PARFUNKEL MUSICAL”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hardes Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Jukebox musicals have become a big thing since “Mamma Mia” premiered in 1999. “Jersey Boys,” “Beautiful,” “Always…Patsy Cline,” and “The Cher Show” are among the many shows that have become hits since.  The now tiresome trend has just about worn out its initial welcome.  The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) is presenting the world premiere of “We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical” which attempts, without much success, to parody this popular genre.

The show debuted as part of TPTC’s Festival of New American Theatre last season but even though the musical has been fined tuned, it sputters and dies on every level.  Created and performed by Gregg Hammer and Louis Pardo the show’s original score is derivative and flat.

There are some mildly amusing comic moments early on, but they get duplicated over and over until they lull you into a stupor.  Scott Weinstein’s staging never catches fire and some interesting lighting touches get repeated so many times, one craves for something different and inventive rather than repeats of once cute original gimmicks. The pair of singers do some really weird and adult things to establish their singing career.

And then there are the performers themselves.  Neither is particularly dynamic and while they both work tirelessly, there isn’t much new after the first few minutes of the show.  The musical also seems to go on forever and the relatively short running time, played without intermission, seems to last an eternity.  The show is a long sit.

Of the two creator/performers, Hammer seemed more talented as he plays various instruments and has more spark throughout.  Pardo seems to enjoy fits of athletic exuberance as he dashes around the stage but his antics grow trite quickly. Both play a variety of characters with minimal differences as people who influenced the pair’s work.

At the opening night performance, some of the sold-out crowd seemed to have a good time but one can’t help but wonder if the show possessed a more creative trigger with more amusing interludes, the audience would enjoy it more.  Another serious issue opening night was that the theater was freezing making one yearn for the end so you could go outside and warm up.

“We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical” needs lots of refinement if it is to be a successful parody of jukebox musicals.  Now, the show is a meandering and repetitious disappointment.  It continues through November 3.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: C-