Actors' Playhouse: Are We There Yet? (2 reviews)

Actors' Playhouse opened its production of Are We There Yet? on July 7, 2010. Written by James Hindman, Ray Roderick, and Cheryl Stern with music by John Glaudini.

Fresh, funny, and entertaining, this light hearted but genuine musical comedy tackles the question we so often ask ourselves on life's roller coaster journey of ups and downs, Are We There Yet. The typical bumps, u-turns, and road blocks that we are all too-familiar with are played out on stage in a riotous fashion through the eyes of the modern American family that may seem strangely similar to your own. This refreshing and reflective comedy that has been called the parents' edition of I Love you, You're perfect, Now Change! may finally prove that the answer to life's question is simply a sense of humor.

David Arisco directed a cast that included Meghan Moroney, Allan Baker, Lisa Manuli, and Christopher Kent.

The Sun-Sentinel has declined to review this production.*

Roger Martin reviewed for MiamiArtzine.com:

The actors sell this show well and that's the fun part. The sad part is that they don't have a better product. The music is by John Claudini but despite the fine performances you won't be singing these songs in your bath tub. But there is some good news: we have to watch adults playing children for only a brief period.

Costume designer Ellis Tillman helps the show considerably, especially with his baby rapper outfits and the money suits in Cha-Ching, one of the better numbers. Gene Seyffer's scenery, Patrick Tennent's lighting and Alexander Herrin's sounds all work well for what the show is: Summer Fare Light.

Christine Dolen reviewed for The Miami Herald:

...if all you want from an evening out is the chance to laugh or sigh at sketches and songs about familiar situations, well, why not? Such revues can be clever -- think I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change -- but Are We There Yet? doesn't begin to rise to that level.

Fortunately for Actors' and its audiences, the production features four fine singer-actors -- Allan Baker, Christopher A. Kent, Lisa Manuli and Meghan Moroney -- as well as energetic musical director David Nagy and inventive direction from David Arisco. The work of costume designer Ellis Tillman, who for one number creates suits and dresses that appear to be made of money, also displays a wit absent in the contributions of Hindman, Roderick and Stern.

Are We There Yet? plays at Actors' Playhouse through August 15, 2010.