Urgent Review: ‘Romy & Michele’ Musical Fails to Impress Audience

URGENT UPDATE: The Off-Broadway musical adaptation of Romy & Michele has just opened at Stage 42, and early reviews are in—it’s a disappointing flop. Audiences are leaving the theater feeling like they just survived a painful high school reunion, with critics calling it “anemic” and lacking the charm of the beloved 1997 film.

The musical, which features stars Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay, has been criticized for failing to capture the anarchic silliness that made the original movie a cult classic. Romy & Michele The Musical premiered in Seattle in 2017 but has not found its footing on the New York stage.

Critics note that the score, composed by Gwendolyn Sanford and Brandon Jay, feels more like generic Broadway pop than a nostalgic nod to the late 1990s music scene. The show lacks memorable songs that could resonate with audiences today, leaving many feeling underwhelmed.

The plot follows the titular characters, reminiscent of their film counterparts, who concoct a scheme to impress their former classmates at a Tucson high school reunion by pretending to be successful businesswomen. However, the execution has drawn comparisons to watching the same film multiple times—tedious and uninspired.

In a striking review, one critic remarked, “This musical is about as much fun as going to a high school reunion where everyone else is better looking and more successful.” The cast, while talented, struggles to recreate the chemistry of the iconic duo played by Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, with the direction leaving little room for individual expression.

As audiences ponder whether to spend their hard-earned money on tickets, the production’s set design has also come under fire for being overly simplistic and lacking creativity. Critics suggest that the visual elements miss the mark, failing to enhance the storytelling.

With ticket prices reaching into the triple digits, many are questioning if Romy & Michele The Musical can turn around its fortunes as it continues its run. The production, aiming to tap into the nostalgia of a generation, may instead leave viewers feeling as if they’re trapped in a sinkhole of creativity.

WHAT’S NEXT: As the show continues to receive mixed reviews, industry insiders are watching closely to see if changes will be made to improve the overall experience. Meanwhile, audiences are urged to consider their options before committing to what critics are deeming a lackluster reunion.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.