Larry McKenna Reviews


THE BUZZ ON BURT & ME

“A fun romantic musical comedy!” NBC’s “The 10 Show” in Philadelphia, PA http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/shows/10-show/Burt___Me_Philadelphia.html

*****

“An engaging musical that can’t help but bring a smile to your face…..mesmerizing vitality….a fun and thoroughly entertaining production.” April Boyle, Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

http://www.pressherald.com/life/deertrees-burt-and-me-fun-well-spun-nicely-done_2011-08-14.html

*****

“Good wholesome fun...filled with likeable characters and plenty of ‘feel good moments’…nostalgia galore!” Marianna Salz, The Examiner

*****

“Bacharach’s tunes are beautifully integrated into the dialogue with appropriate lyrics to match the situations.  Five performers do an outstanding job bringing the tunes to the ears of an attentive audience that appeared to be very familiar with the composer’s works.  Their applause after each and every number indicated they were delighted with what they were watching and hearing.” Harvey Pollack, Press Focus

*****

“The perfect romantic fling…it’s a whole lot of summer lovin’ and light-hearted fun squeezed into one whimsical act, complete with its own soundtrack. The precise arrangement of pop classics nicely complements McKenna’s playful script.” T.J. Neary, Stage Door Magazine

*****

“The script nicely weaves the dialog around the music, all songs by Bacharach and David, to create a light, fun, very enjoyable performance.” Christine Perryman, Delaware County Times

*****

“Playwright Larry McKenna delivers a seamless integration of the best popular music with the story of two high school sweethearts brought together by music…Burt & Me a great selection for a light-hearted summer show. For Bacharach fanatics and those who don’t even know his name, Burt & Me gives the audience a chance to reminisce upon high school memories of first love, memorable friends and, most of all, good music.” Christine Adkins, Philadelphia Citypaper

*****

“Fans of the hit TV series “Glee” will want to head to Ambler to catch Act II Playhouse’s world premiere of the romantic comedy musical “Burt & Me,” on stage July 6 through Aug. 1…Vince DiMura’s musical arrangements of songs such as “Wishin’ and Hopin’, ” “What the World Needs Now” and “Say a Little Prayer” would make “Glee’s” Will Schuester proud…Conceived and written by McKenna, “Burt & Me” weaves Bacharach’s irresistible music into a story about young sweethearts who meet up again as adults.” Naila Francis, Bucks County Courier Times

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AUDIENCE RESPONSE FROM PREMIERE PRODUCTION

ACT II PLAYHOUSE IN AMBLER, PA

“The show was GREAT!” Bernadette Matteo Naab, Springfield, PA

“A spectacular show. You've got a real winner on your hands!!!!!” Karen Bernstein, Wayne, PA

“A wonderful production!” Karen Moxley, Bala Cynwyd, PA

A GREAT show…funny and touching.” Chuck Shea, Broomall, PA

“Really wonderful…Great music, great acting and singing, great writer! A funny, touching, romantic story with the Burt Bacharach songs fitting perfectly.” Suzy Eyler, Woodbury, NJ

“Electric energy, contagious rhythm and comedic creativity.  The acting was amazing, the blocking was brilliant and the music was memorable yet infused with a bright new life.  The tender moments were touching and brought tears to many eyes and the hilarious moments made us belly laugh out loud.  What a gift to the audience!” Debbie Bower, Wayne, PA

“What an wonderful production!!!” Susan Ettinger, Philadelphia, PA

I absolutely adored the show - - I can't wait to see it again.” Gerri Smith Weagraff, Wilmington, DE

“An incredible show!” Bill Hushion, Springfield, PA

“A great ‘feel good’ night!” Frances Schwabenland, Philadelphia, PA

Incredible piece of theater…what a story to go with that beautiful and memorable music.  All of us were humming and tapping our feet, trying not to be rude to the actors but wanting to jump up and sing along.” Merle Holman, Phildelphia, PA

“Great show…great music!” Deedee Mann, Norristown, PA

“I left the theatre with a lump in my throat as the show unearthed all types of emotions.  Happiness, sadness, loneliness, love. I woke up this morning reliving the plot which was like a good book you hate to put down.  Burt and Hal's songs have been in my life for years but I never heard the words until last night.  The two gentlemen would be proud.” Sharon Sudhop, Springfield, PA

“Truly delightful and entertaining and funny and poignant and has all of the ingredients of a hit show!!!!  This show could go on the road!!” Carmelo Mayo, Springfield, PA

“Loved it!” Patricia Tressler Barr, Hatboro, PA

“Great show!” Kathleen Conner Achuff, Chadds Ford, PA

“Everyone loved it. Very funny and very touching. Great music.  Telling my co-workers about it.” Cindy Leporati, Sea Isle, NJ

"It was great...five stars!" Denise Tauscher Burcaw, Seaville, NJ

“It was great, everyone in our group enjoyed it!” Gene Rodgers, Philadelphia, PA

“Thanks for a special evening.” Jan Snovel, North Wales, PA

“What a delightful evening. 'Burt & Me' is a joy!!” Helene Porter, Ambler, PA

“I absolutely loved it!  It is a great show for all ages!” Betsy Portland Welsh, Newtown Square, PA

"The show was absolutely wonderful, we all had a great time! I love the story, and am amazed at how well you    seamlessly weave comedy & heartfelt emotion.  The SPECTACULAR musical performances throughout added the final knockout punch.  Bravo!!" Kathy Martino, Ocean View, NJ

"Awesome show!  We all had a great time." Cindy L. Tauscher, Sea Isle, NJ

“Saw the show and LOVED it!” Jim McLaughlin, Springfield, PA

“Great show!” Devon McChesney, Moorestown, NJ

"Fantastic!" Marie Northington, St. Davids, PA

“A wonderful musical…sweet, touching, funny, everything a show should be.  I hope Broadway finds it because it was really that good.  Simply fantastic!!!” Susan Carlini Mangigian, West Chester, PA

""Burt and Me" was fantastic! Almost like mini-Glee but better." Joanna Barr, Norristown, PA


 

THE BUZZ ON THE NEXT REUNION



"A great show!"
ABC Channel 6 in Philadelphia

“A witty, sharp, entertaining…and even insightful play!” Mary Cochrane-McIvor, The Examiner

“Energized by a charming cast, a fast-paced plot, and quick-witted dialogue, this new production is a first-rate comedy and a sure-fire crowd pleaser.” Thomas J. Neary,  Stage Door Magazine

“A none stuffy, casual attire, belly laughing good time." Susan Mangigian, Chester County Life

“A gathering not to be missed…cleverly written and highly entertaining.” Christina Perryman, Delaware County News Network.

"Hilarious...a delight...laden with comic action and wonderful dialogue...brings the audience to their knees in laughter!" Harvey Pollock, Press Focus

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AUDIENCE RESPONSE FROM PREMIERE PRODUCTION

SOCIETY HILL PLAYHOUSE IN PHILADELPHIA, PA


“I absolutely loved the show!” Denise Shearson, Philadelphia, PA

“Fantastic show!! Don’t miss it!! Laughed till I cried!”
Bernadette Matteo Naab, Springfield, PA

“The show was fabulous!” Susan Ettiinger, Dresher, PA

"I haven't laughed that much in a long time. I loved it!” Karen Hamm Sandler, Wayne, PA

“Funny play.  Had a great time.” Barbara Moore, Newtown Square, PA

I thoroughly enjoyed the show last night.    I thought the plot was absolutely hysterical.   The scene where they have to sing was the absolute part when everyone was in the most stitches. Keep going it is a sure hit!!!“ Chellie Finnesdore, Wayne, PA

“We had a blast!  The show was so much fun and the actors were wonderful.” Joan Conti, Annapolis, MD

"By the reaction from the audience, it was clear that it was a great product that appealed to all ages.  Thanks for a great night." Lee Williams, Wayne, PA

"Hilarious.”
Brian Curley

“LOVED the show last night!” Kathy Conner Achuff, Chadds Ford, PA

“Great show!”
Ellen Epps, Wayne, PA

“I just had so much fun with the whole concept and I couldn’t help but erupt is side splitting laughter.” Nathan Nolen Edwards,New York, NY

“Great show last night!” Tracy Finney, Spring Ford, PA

“Thank you for a fun evening. I loved the premise of the play and the actors did such a fine job.  Very funny.  Thanks again for a great night." Susan Fisher, Radnor, PA

“Bravo! Loved the play! So glad I was able to make it (and win a t-shirt!).”
Megan McLain, Bryn Mawr, PA

“GREATTTTTTT SHOW LAST NIGHT.” Jeff Landes, Perkasie, PA

“Bravo! We really enjoyed last night. Great premise.” Susan Reilly, St. Davids, PA

“Loved it.  Honestly, I’m a McKenna fan from way back.  Seen all his stuff.”
Dan Linn, Lafayette Hill, PA

“Had me laughing for almost three hours on back to back nights.  It’s a great show!” Dave Boyd,  Fairless Hills, PA

“A funny, clever and thoroughly entertaining show!” Steve Bauer, Conshohocken, PA

“GREAT show on Saturday night. I laughed so hard I cried during the Hit Me Baby scene. The women next to me almost peed themselves.” Lisa Buscaglia, Newtown Square, PA

“Great show!” Nicole Lamson, Pitman, NJ

"A great play...many laughs." Fran Tanney, Radnor, PA

“It was great.  Well written, well acted, and thoroughly enjoyable.” Howard Gurak, Philadelphia, PA

“Spectacular!” Al Tolley, West Chester, PA

“The show was absolutely FANTASTIC!”
Kathy Martino, Ocean View, NJ

"Some very poignant points within the humor."
Mary Ann McCarthy, King of Prussia, PA

“Show was great.  I lreally loved it!” Devon McChesney, Moorestown, NJ

“What a hilarious show at Society Hill Playhouse...A Must See!!!”
Patricia Tressler Barr, Hatboro, PA

“The show is great.” Dana Tenenbaum, Chicago, IL

“What a great show and great time. I laughed from the minute the show started right until the end.  Five stars….awesome!”
Denise Tauscher Burcaw, Ocean View, NJ

“I thoroughly enjoyed your show last night! It felt so good to laugh!! At each joke and the anticipation of the next funny line! Great cast!” Suzy Eyler, Woodbury, NJ

“A really great show!  Fantastic cast!!”
Renee Ferst, Havertown, PA

“An absolutely fabulous time. I laughed until it hurt.”
John Curry, Malvern, PA

“The show yesterday was awesome.  The dialogue and the actors were tremendous. What a fun afternoon!” Pat Stout, Yardley, PA

"I’m still trying to catch my breath from laughing so much! Thank you for a great evening.” Maureen McMullen Vernon, Wayne, PA

"We had SOOO much fun! Thank you!“ Heather Hilas, Philadelphia, PA

“The show is great and fun!” Helen McCoy, West Chester, PA

“I loved it! I haven’t sat back and laughed like that in awhile – and certainly the entire audience was laughing throughout! Thanks for a great show!” Patty Borth Wilson, Marple Newtown, PA

"A real winner!  It's clever, funny, and original."
Karen Williams, Wayne, PA

"It was amazing!"
Darren Romero, Jersey City, NJ

“Loved the show!!!” Marge Thomas,  West Chester, PA

“We LOVED the show! It was so adorable. It was so clever!” Norma Michaels, Philadelphia, PA

“I LOVED the show! A very warm and very funny show!”
Renee Fitzgerald, West Chester, PA

“It was a fantastic show, kept me laughing the whole time.” Eric Green, Bryn Mawr, PA

“A great show!”
John McGrath, St. Davids, PA

"Really enjoyed it - great show.  Highly recommend it !" Chris Mottes, Philadelphia, PA

"Awesome show…a great time!”
Dianne Misticoni Barilotti, Philadelphia, PA

"We completely enjoyed it all – very funny.” Lois Allen Charles, Havertown, PA

"Fabulous play!” Kathleen Cooney Thompson, Trenton, NJ

"It was a treat.  What a clever script!” MJ Ormsbee, Chicago, IL

“The show was great and we all had a great time!!!” Linda Flaherty, Perkasie, PA

"Extremely funny!”
Tammy Walker, Philadelphia, PA

“Wonderful…funny, cute, poignant, fast-moving, and clever as can be.”
Janet Haas, Radnor, PA

"Awesome!"
Cindy L.Tauscher, NJ



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