Based on Wendy Wasserstein’s 1996 children’s book, Pamela’s First Musical was supposed to have its world premiere in 2005 but was cancelled due to the composer Cy Coleman’s death and Ms. Wasserstein’s illness. All these years later, Two River Theater has produced the world premiere. Christopher Durang co-wrote the book with lyrics by David Zippel. Graciela Daniele directed and choreographed this show. Big time Broadway talent signed up to perform.
On her eleventh birthday, Pamela is in her bedroom playacting and accepting an award for her brilliance. An oddball child bursting with creativity, she mostly keeps to herself. On this big day, her widowed father decides to tell her the great news that he is remarrying. It is not a very happy birthday. Thankfully she has a Aunt who is fabulous and whisks her away to New York to see her first Broadway musical. Aunt Louise is played by three time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello (Tuck Everlasting, Scandalous, Parade). She has major connections with producers which leads to a backstage visit with an eleven time Tony winning star named Mary Ethel Bernadette. If that tickles your funny bone, Pamela’s First Musical will be a nice, very simple children’s show to pass the time.
The performers have given this musical a solid showcase. There are funny bits about how impossible it is to make critics happy and the importance of a makeover. None of it is especially inventive but it does amuse and occasionally delight. Broadway fanatics will enjoy the insider wink-wink wisecracks. Those with no affinity for musicals who arrive without children in tow will likely be miserable.
In addition to Ms. Carmello, Howard McGillin (Phantom of the Opera), Andréa Burns (On Your Feet), Mary Callahan (Bandstand), David Garrison (A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, TV’s Married With Children) and Michael Mulheren (Kiss Me Kate, Bright Star) add their considerable pedigree to present the best case for Pamela’s First Musical. Nick Cearley’s multi-character creations were the most fun to watch and gave the show a little needed, yet still sweet, edge. Sarah McKinley Austin was Pamela. I imagine hundreds of little girls (and some boys) went home after this show wishing hers was their story.