Review of Paramount Theatre in Aurora: ‘Groundhog Day: The Musical’ a timely premiere

Looking forward to an early spring? Regardless of various groundhog prognostications, winter isn’t done yet. However, those involved in the production of “Groundhog Day: The Musical” at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre can’t help but have a spring in their step these days.

After all, this is the Midwest regional premiere of a musical nominated for seven Tony Awards (including Best Musical). And it’s based on that beloved Bill Murray romantic comedy (“Groundhog Day”) filmed 30 years ago in the Woodstock area. On a Friday night in the cold of winter, audience members at the Paramount gave the show a warm reception in the form of a well-deserved standing ovation.

Before you buy tickets – which I encourage you to do – read on. Danny Rubin (who wrote the book for the musical and co-wrote the movie screenplay) and composer/lyricist Tim Minchin have made some significant changes from the film script.

For those who need a refresher on the basic plot of both the 1993 film and the musical, Phil Connors (played by the multi-talented Alex Syiek in this stage production) is a self-centered Pittsburgh TV meteorologist who’s reluctantly making his annual Groundhog Day trip to do a remote broadcast with a four-legged forecaster. That would, of course, be groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, who’ll predict either six more weeks of winter or an early spring, based on whether he sees his shadow.

When the human Phil wakes up in his Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, bed-and-breakfast room at 6 a.m. on Feb. 2, he’s eager to do the live shot and leave town. That proves impossible when an unexpected blizzard closes all roads out of town, keeping him, associate producer Rita Hanson (Phoebe González) and cameraman Larry (Ron King) in town for another night. When the alarm clock goes off at 6 the next morning, Phil discovers that it’s still Feb. 2 for everyone in town, and that he’s the only one who realizes Feb. 2 is being repeated many, many times.

That includes encounters with the sweet B&B owner, Mrs. Lancaster (Emily Rohm); Nancy (Haley Jane Schafer), a beautiful resident who’s initially immune to Phil’s charms; annoying insurance salesman Ned Ryerson (Kyle Adams), a former classmate of Phil’s; and an elderly homeless man (Michael Kingston).

Why see the musical instead of popping in a DVD of the movie or catching the film on a streaming service? A lot of reasons:

• The creative, snow globe-shaped background, skillfully used by Projection Designer Mike Tutaj for a wide variety of settings, even the Woodstock Square. Set pieces, such as Phil’s B&B bedroom and the town diner, have their back walls as part of that “snow globe,” and roll out and turn around for smooth scene transitions.
• Songs and scenes that provide additional insight into the backgrounds and thoughts of Rita, Ned and others.
• An excellent, 12-member orchestra under the direction of Kory Danielson.
• A hilarious bar-and-car scene with Phil and two of the tavern’s regulars.
• A moving performance by González – whose Rita clearly deserves someone better than Phil – unless he can change.
• Syiek, who shows virtually every emotion during his countless Feb. 2 iterations, and nails each of them.

My only concerns with “Groundhog Day: The Musical” are not with this production under the direction of Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti, but rather with the script itself, which spends the first 15 minutes or so of the second act with songs/scenes that are sad (Nancy emerging from Phil’s room to sing about being leered at and not being anything “more than just collateral in someone else’s battle”) or dark (a suicide attempt that’s successful for that particular version of the day). A subsequent song about “Hope” in which Phil sings that “a new day will follow – there’s always tomorrow” struck me as too abrupt a change. And also with a bit of adult language in the show, I’d suggest only teens and adults attend. [The Paramount recommends it for ages 14 and older.]

All that being said, the dramatic elements do help increase audience desire for a happy ending for Phil, Rita and all the townspeople, and I love happy endings. So put a little spring in your step and head to the Paramount for an enjoyable show – without a shadow of a doubt.

[Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and mask wearing are both required. Negative COVID tests also may be presented, with restrictions.]

• Paul Lockwood is an enthusiastic singer, local theater actor, Grace Lutheran Church (Woodstock) and Toastmasters member, occasional theater reviewer, columnist, and past president of TownSquare Players. He’s lived in Woodstock for over 20 years, and never experienced the same day twice.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Groundhog Day: The Musical”

WHERE: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora

WHEN: Wednesdays through Sundays until March 13

INFORMATION: 630-896-6666, ParamountAurora.com