Based on the 1988 romantic comedy film with the same title, a stage musical adaptation has arrived in La Mirada. The musical which is making its West Coast premiere features songs by Melissa Etheridge and other known pop songs from the 80s and 90s. The musical follows two sisters and their friend who work at a pizza joint in Connecticut. With iconic hits driving the story, we follow the three friends on their coming-of-age stories. Each girl sails the twists and turns of love, family, and dreams in the seaside town. The musical includes ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, ’The Power of Love’, ’Hold On’, and ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ to name a few.

Director Casey Hushion brings an entertaining night to the theater with fully developed characters and moments of authenticity. Hushion focuses on moments that feel personal and make you realize the characters on stage have hearts and human connections. With a musical that includes many characters’ stories, at some point, their objective can get lost in transition, but Hushion is successful in giving each character their moment to shine, making the musical adaptation feel fresh. If you haven’t seen the film whatsoever, Sandy Rustin’s book feels like an exact copy of the original material. Some scenes feel that they were placed into the book for nostalgia purposes. The songs’ selection for the musical adaptation is noteworthy as it helps the production move forward, becoming indelible. Another notable element is the Costume Design by Jennifer Caprio and Hair/Wig/Make-up Design by Kaitlin Yagen whose work is factual and distinguishable. It’s quite dumbfounding.

The whole cast shines on stage but stand-outs include Krystina Alabado as Daisy Arujo and Gianna Yanelli as Josephine “JoJo” Barboza who stick out like thumbs in their performances. Alabado voice is angelic but at the same time is a fall of fire depending on the type of genre she is singing. From the moment, she walks on stage, it becomes hard to not stare at her unique interpretation of Daisy. With the choices she decides to bring to the table, it’s hard not to notice her for her gifted talent. As for Yanelli, she is the comedic relief. Her comedic timing is perfect, making her stand out more in dialogue rather than singing. Although her interpretation of Jojo can feel uproarious at moments, she does that on purpose to evoke hysterical and unforgettable moments throughout the performance.

With a production that feels fresh from the beginning, Mystic Pizza deserves a Broadway run due to its uplifting new take upon the 1980s classic. The musical feels like a fresh piece of your favorite pizza coming out of the oven. By the end of your night, you will want to ask for an order to go, It’s that good!

Mystic Pizza will play performances at the Mirada Theatre until February 11, 2023.

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