Mystic Pizza, The Musical, is now at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ, only until February 23, 2025.

Mystic Pizza the 1988 film, was a popular coming-of-age film highliting three local girls after their high school graduation as they assess their futures while working at the local pizza joint for the summer. Of course, one teen wishes to marry, while the second wants to pursue an academic career. The third friend is undecided. Maybe she’s looking for love in this busy resort town. Well, excitement visits all three this fateful summer. All three men are unique, and uniquely troubled. 

Three lovely men shine in their roles. Ben Franklin Hauser is Tim Travers, an older, professional man who seems bewitched the second he sees the teen girl. At one point, we hear the exclamation, “He must be thirty!” F. Michael Heynie is Bill Montijo, who wants to get married, but his fiancée faints at the altar. He owns a sailing vessel, wants to be married, and have kids in Mystic. The spoiled Charles Gordon Windsor, Jr., is sensually played by the ultra heated Vincent Michael. 

Three exceptionally talented women are the stars of this musical, Kristina Alabado, Alaina Anderson, and Deanna Giulietti. Kudos to Jennifer Fouche, as Leona.

This is a lively juke-box musical, with never a long breath taken. We never have a downtime, with prolonged dialogue. In some ways, it’s breathlessness is exhausting. Intermission is about 80 minutes in, and many said that they felt exhausted.  Still others loved the energy onstage. 

The film has something of a cult following because several stars today began their careers here, more or less. We hear that Matt Damon, Billy Moses (sigh!), and Julia Roberts, as well as several others started their careers with this film. 

The theatre is a bit of a steep.walk down to the orchestra seats, but handicapped areas are easily accessible. There are elevators, and plenty of parking. So, feelings are mixed on this musical. One can find many positive things to say, and it looks fine. Go see Mystic Pizza, The Musical, and enjoy a flashback to the 1980s, and endless energy from the stage.

For more information about this show and other offerings at The Paper Mill Playhouse, visit, www.PaperMill.org .