Erica Ash, Christina Sajous, Crystal Starr and Kyra Da Costa as the Shirelles. Photo Credit: Sara Krulwich.

Behind every successful story lies its creator.  Baby It’s You is a new biographical musical about the typical struggle in the performing industry, expect with an unexpected twist.  Rather than telling the story of the first girl group to top the American billboard, the musical focuses on Florence Greenberg, the New Jersey housewife behind the Shirelles.  The musical illuminates Greenberg’s journey as a music producer, her shaky relationship with her family, her romance with producing partner, Luther Dixon, and the decline of the Shirelles.

I walked into the show knowing nothing about Greenberg and left learning about this incredible woman.  The cool, calm atmosphere of the Broadhurst Theater was an escape from the rush and stress of the NYC streets.  As I made my way through the mezzanine, I noticed that audience seemed to be mostly older people.  This was a blast from the past for the older generation.  The theater’s design was another surprise.  Built in 1918, its beauty and antiquity still had not languished.  However, unlike other theater’s, the mezzanine had a gentle slope and a high ledge, making it difficult to see the stage.  My small stature was no help and I watched the whole show perched on a booster seat!  Despite these initial shocks, the musical unfolded into an amazing experience.

It was clear that Beth Leavel who played Florence Greenberg carried the show.  An acclaimed Broadway actress, Leavel’s Tony-nominated performance was flawless.  Along with the authentic costumes and hair, Leavel created a spunky, determined Greenberg.  With her passionate voice and spot-on comic timing, there isn’t one soul who wouldn’t be charmed by her charismatic portrayal.  Allan Louis, who played Luther Dixon, also stood out.  Louis gave had an energetic drive and a soulful voice.  Together, Leavel and Louis created a lovable couple that you can’t help but root for.  The Shirelles played by Christina Sajous, Erica Ash, Kyra Da Costa, and Crystal Starr  were all filled with unique personalities and resonant of the actual singing group.

To me, one of the best parts of the show was the band.  The guitarist and saxophonist both displayed their talent in remarkable solos.  The music for the show is entirely iconic songs from the 1960s, including “Mama Said”, “Dedicated to the One I Love”, “Twist and Shout”, etc.

Overall, the musical conveys a strong message that as time changes, so does pop culture.  You need to give the people what they want.  The Shirelles lost popularity because their music did not fit the newer style.  Unfortunately, the dire problem with the show is that it doesn’t give people what they want.  Baby It’s You seems eerily similar to two currently running shows: Jersey Boys and Memphis.  However, Baby It’s You cannot measure up to the prestige of either show.  If this show had premiered on Broadway before either shows, it would have been novel and more successful for sure.

For a new theater-lover looking for a charming evening on Broadway, Baby It’s You is the perfect place to start.