THE HANGOVER REPORT – Debra Barsha and Hollye Levin’s A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME at the York is pleasant, simplistic

The company of "A Taste of Things to Come" at the York Theatre Company

The company of “A Taste of Things to Come” at the York Theatre Company

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to catch Debra Barsha and Hollye Levin’s new musical A Taste of Things to Come, courtesy of the York Theatre Company. The show tells the story of the evolution of four women’s friendships, with the first act taking place in 1957 and the second in 1967. The changing times strain the relationships, but ultimately (surprise!) all ends well. The era-appropriate score is pleasant enough with a few crowd-pleasers sprinkled throughout. Unfortunately, the book is full of clichés, taking a simplistic approach. As a result, key scenes feel emotionally unearned and/or unbelievable.

By York’s low-budget standards, the production is on the lavish side (and I love the new seats in the auditorium!). The refreshingly all-female cast of four – comprised of Janet Dacal, Paige Faure, Allison Guinn, and Autumn Hurlbert – are game and enjoyable to watch (the band is also all-female). They each have their moment in the spotlight, and they each make the most of their big numbers. At the end of the day, A Taste of Things to Come gives off the air of a musical that will do very well at dinner and community theaters, catering to women tour groups across the country.

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A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME
Off-Broadway, Musical
The York Theatre Company
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through December 11

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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