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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Theater Review: Pines’ ‘Love’ musical fun

Boy problems.

Luckily, good girlfriends are the antidote to boy problems, which is the theme of Roger Bean’s “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” through June 26, The Pines Dinner Theatre, Allentown.

Amber Blatt is director and choreographer for the lively musical set in the 1960s. It unfolds in Millie’s (Gianna Graziano) living room where she has invited girlfriends, who bring a from-out-of-town friend, rambunctious Dee Dee (Elizabeth Robinson), to help her recover from her wedding shower.

Fortunately, faithful friends can guide broken hearts through the rocks and shoals of love gone wrong.

Millie and Dee Dee and the rest of the ensemble belt out the title song which, of course, does not answer the age-old question of why fools in love, but instead leaves us wondering, “Why, why, Tell me why.”

Though the friends never find the answer, they make a terrific singing team.

The cast takes turns, with each singing lead, as the other three do great doo-wop backup singing. Blatt’s choreography of the songs’ accompanying dance moves is spot-on.

Dee Dee’s rollicking “My Boy Lollipop” sets the tone for the light-hearted show. Her giant lollipop prop helps define her character as a girl with a sweet tooth. Robinson as Dee Dee also brings her athleticism to the stage which helps define her role as the play’s free spirit.

Girlfriend Sally (Shannon Berg), channeling her inner Ann Margaret, brings a hint of bombshell Hollywood glamour to the show as her strong voice lets the world know “It Hurts to Be In Love.”

The fiancé seems to be missing. but betrothed Millie tries to dismiss any concern by characterizing him in her terrific rendition of “He’s a Rebel.”

As the women settle into drinks (It is a party, after all.), secrets start to flow like wine. Soon the hit songs, all lamentations of love gone wrong, fill the stage with memories of the 1960s.

Friend Florence (Aviana Rivera) looks guilty as she sings a riveting “I Stand Accused of (Loving You.”).

Prop and Costume Designer and Co-Producer Stacey B. Yoder creates just the right tone for this lovely musical.

Co-Producer Oliver Blatt’s set and lighting is superb.

Music Director Stacy Bechtel augments the performances in a great show that gets toes to tapping. The music is what the show is all about and sets the tone for a fun-filled evening.

Tickets: https://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com/ ; 610-433-2333

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO From left: Elizabeth Robinson (Dee Dee), Shannon Berg (Sally), Aviana Rivera (Florence), Gianna Graziano (Millie), “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?,” The Pines Dinner Theatre, Allentown.