On The Town

“Paper Mill’s On the Town is better than any musical now playing on Broadway, South Pacific included. It belongs there. Failing that, it deserves to tour to every regional theater in America. Failing that, it deserves to run for a year in New Jersey. Don’t wait for any of these unlikely developments, though: Catch the next train to Millburn and treat yourself to a night of bliss.”
The Wall Street Journal, Terry Teachout

“The Paper Mill Playhouse’s whole new production is high-class, hotsy-totsy, spiffy and just plain swell.”

“The 1949 movie version, with Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Jules Munshin and company, is dandy, but the stage show, at least this one, is much shinier.”
The New York Times, Anita Gates

“Never mind New York City. These days, it’s Millburn, New Jersey, that’s ‘a helluva town’.”

“Since conquering Broadway in 1944, On the Town hasn’t had much luck in Manhattan. Neither the 1971 nor the 1998 revivals could muster even 75 performances apiece. Too bad that this wasn’t the production brought to Broadway.”
The Star-Ledger, Peter Filichia

“With an appealing cast directed by Bill Berry and choreographed by Patti Colombo, the Golden Age musical hums with bounding energy and soars with Leonard Bernstein’s exhilarating score in a revival far more satisfying than George C. Wolfe’s production a decade ago.”
Variety, Robert L. Daniels

“Let’s say it right at the start – On the Town which has just opened at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, is the most satisfying production at that site in more than 20 years.”

“The revival at Paper Mill has it all: Superb dancing, fine singing, more energy than the famous Energizer bunny; strong direction by West Coast (mainly Seattle) director Bill Berry; and sensational choreography by Paper Mill favorite Patti Colombo (with a nod to Robbins, but all on her own).”

“You will be treated to some of the best dancing you will see in many-a-year.”

“My suggestion would be to put this review aside, dash to the phone and beg Paper Mill to let you buy whatever tickets you need. If not, find a way to steal them. But don’t miss On the Town.”
New Jersey News Room, Stuart Duncan

“Paper Mill nails the show’s humor, wistfulness and bust-the-speedometer energy.”

“On the Town is New York in a bottle – the distilled essence of a city, captured by a small group of talented people who loved it. Now, 65 years later, Paper Mill Playhouse has uncorked the bottle, and lovingly poured the contents. And the fizz is still there.”
The Bergen Record, Jim Beckerman

“For starters, it features lavish production values, a lively, full-size orchestra playing the classic score, and a young, very appealing cast.”

“Its biggest selling point is the innovative, sexy, and very physical choreography of Patti Colombo.”
Theatermania, Matt Windman

“Astonishingly nostalgic, dance-centric, musically comedic theatrical extravaganza!”

“If you are looking for some light-hearted fun and want to see an expert, pull-out-all-the-stops presentation of a classic gem from America’s musical theatre canon, you don’t need to look any further than On the Town at Paper Mill Playhouse.”
Nytheatre.com, Lynn Marie Macy

“All hail On the Town at the Paper Mill Playhouse!”

“If ever a train or car ride to Millburn, New Jersey was worth the time and effort, this is the occasion.”

“The Paper Mill Playhouse has gifted us with a wonderful production of a beloved show that has defeated many other estimable artists. So here are three heartfelt cheers to everyone involved.”
Broadway Stars, Michael Portantiere

“This is the most rewarding and entertaining musical the Paper Mill has produced in a long time and should not be missed by anyone either in love or on 24-hour shore leave.” CurtainUp, Simon Saltzman “Treat yourself to an evening of stellar theatre!” qmetropolis.com, Sherri Rase