“The Unsinkable Molly Brown” is a Toe-Taping Smash Hit!

I can still remember the summer of 1964, as if it were yesterday, and the thrill that I felt at the ripe young age of eleven, going to the movies with my family to see Debbie Reynolds in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” That movie became one of my all-time favorites, and my most prized possession at that time was my Debbie Reynolds paper doll gift set, which featured many of the fabulous costumes from that movie.

I’m happy to report that Transport Group’s revitalized and remounted version of this classic musical comedy is filled with all the magic and wonder that I experienced back in the day. Saturday night’s audience showed their appreciation for this dazzling production by giving the cast a rousing standing ovation.

The original Broadway production, with music and lyrics by Meredith Willson and book by Richard Morris, opened in 1960 at the Winter Garden Theatre. This revival of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” retains a lot of Willson’s original music and lyrics, plus a few additional songs from his catalog, and a new book by Dick Scanlan, which is still based on the original by Richard Morris. There are also some new, exciting lyrics by Dick Scanlan, and Willson's original music was adapted by Michael Rafter, which made this revival of the show feel fresh and new again.

Transport Group’s production still preserves much of what we loved about the original production – the classic songs, the rag-to-riches story, and the indomitable spirit of Molly Brown; but the show has been updated to stress just how incredibly vibrant and forward-thinking Molly Brown was as both a champion of women’s rights and a fierce human rights activist.

The plot is a theatrical reimagining of the life of Molly Brown, a strong-willed, faith-filled woman, who miraculously survived the sinking of the Titanic, although her estranged husband attributed her survival to the fact that “she was too ornery” to drown.

This is a perfect show to take your whole family to with its life-confirming messages of faith, hope, love, and charity.

Tony-Nominee, Beth Malone gives a tour-de-force performance. She is a charismatic and very likable Molly Brown, exhibiting electrifying energy from the moment she stepped on stage right up to the final curtain call.

David Aron Damane gives a stand-out performance as JJ, Molly Brown’s husband, a man who loved her passionately, but the duet he and Molly sang in Act II, “I’d Like to Change Everything About You,” tells it like it is, about the rocky state of their marital union. This song was created specifically for this production, using the music of Meredith Willson, but the lyrics were written by Dick Scanlan.

Whitney Bashor, as Julia, is natural and convincing, and her voice is incredible. The audience loved the poignant duet she sang with Ms. Malone, “The Wonderful Plan.”

Omar Lopez-Cepero was a most believable Vincenzo, and Alex Gibson, as Erich, and Paolo Montalban, as Arthur, were equally impressive. These three polished actors had amazing chemistry with each other, and the song, “He’s My Friend,” which this talented trio sang together, was one of the highlights of the entire show.

My favorite ensemble number was “Belly Up to the Bar, Boys” where the entire cast and company gave it their all to bring this fun scene to life.

Paula Leggett Chase seemed to steal every scene she was in with her impressive dance moves and strong stage presence. The rest of this fine-tuned ensemble includes: Kaitlyn Davidson, Tyrone Davis, Jr., Gregg Goodbrod, Michael Halling, Karl Josef Co, Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Shina Ann Morris, Keven Quillon, and CoCo Smith.

Three-time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall’s brilliant direction and stunning choreography, combined with dazzling costumes, a live orchestra, and great performances from the entire cast, made this a most memorable night of theater.

The visionary creative team, includes scenic design by Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Sky Switser, with the fabulous gowns by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, sound design by Walter Trarbach, music direction by Joey Chancey, and casting by Nora Brennan. The stage manager was Victoria Navarro.

Upbeat and electrifying, you don’t want to miss Beth Malone in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown!” The show runs now through March 22 at the Abrons Art Center.

You can purchase tickets by clicking on the following link: Tickets for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown"

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright, and the author of two spiritual self-help books, "Grant Me a Higher Love," and "Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships." Her full-length romantic comedy, "Angel's Mice and Men," just had its world premiere at the Hudson Guild Theater as part of the NY Summerfest 2019 Theater Festival.