First Wives Club Broadway Ready

The First Wives Club is a hilariously scripted and wonderfully performed new musical gem now in previews in San Diego at The Old Globe - that for some reason is receiving mixed reviews. Critics be damned - this show is connecting with audiences in a big way. San Diego theater-goers, no novices to Broadway preview shows, are cheering, laughing and clapping and then rising to their feet in a spontaneous group hug of a standing ovation each and every night.

If you know the story then you know that three middle-aged men are seeking to get rid of their first wives for "sweeter" confections (in this case all three of the Twinkies are played by the outstanding Sara Chase). The wronged women, old college friends reunited by the death of a friend, form the First Wives Club and vow to exact revenge. But while revenge was the plot of the same-titled movie and book, musical writer Rupert Holmes has other things in mind.

In the process of seeking revenge the women also find themselves - and their audience. When Elyse (Sheryl Lee Ralph) belts out "That Was Me Then" the applause is thunderous. When timid Annie (Karen Ziemba) comes out of her shell enough to "Jump for Joy" you're right there with her. And when staunchly determined Brenda (Brenda Walsh) reveals an aching vulnerability singing "My Heart Wants to Try One More Time," you find yourself hoping that true love will, indeed, prevail.

The First Wives Club is by turns funny, touching and determined. The audience walked out of the theater feeling uplifted, thoroughly entertained and thrilled that they got to be in on the birth of a brand-new Broadway show. Look for this show on the great white way very soon. The production continues in previews in San Diego through August 30.

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