Good, Old Fashioned Italian-American fairy Tale

I was delighted to see a brand new musical comedy playing at the Prospect Theatre Company recently. Maybe because old-fashioned musical comedies make me giddy, or maybe because I love all things Italian-American (except for Jersey Shore). But this new musical is actually a product of New Jersey, not just a Staten Island import. It's called Once Upon a Time in New Jersey and it's the story of Vinnie, a nebbish Italian deli clerk who falls for Angie, who has fallen for Rocco, as have all the other women in town. Alas, one of the women who has fallen for Rocco is the local dance teacher, Celeste, whose husband is not only jealous, but also a mob member. So, while Rocco lays low, Vinnie gets to be Rocco.

The music by Stephen Weiner, is infectious and romantic and the lyrics by Susan DiLallo are often very clever and always full of heart. Particularly fun, for me, was the second-act comedy song "Quando Scungili," in which Rocco translates faux Italian phrases for lovebirds Vinnie and Angie.

In the central role of Vinnie, David Perlman was equal parts adorable and awkward. And it wasn't difficult to see why he'd fall for a girl like Angie, especially as portrayed by Briga Heelan who's sweet smile and silver voice won everyone over. As Rocco, Jeremy Cohen brought a beautiful sensitivity to a role that could easily have been played as Danny-Zuko-lite. Also worth mentioning are the hilarious and high-kicking Catherine LeFrere as Celeste and Jonathan Gregg as her thuggish but equally hilarious husband Billy. Samie Mounts, Darcy Yellin and Mishaela Faucher brought a beautiful blend of humor and harmony as Rocco's gaggle of girlfriends, Conchetta, Lorretta and Etta.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening at the theatre that left me with a huge, silly grin on my face. It was sweet, fun and romantic. Everything you'd want out of an old-fashioned Italian-American fairy tale!

One Upon a Time in New Jersey is no longer running.