By Melissa Griegel…
Photos by Melissa Griegel Photography
The new musical Reunions celebrated their opening night this week on November 2, 2025 with a party at Tanner Smiths. See below for opening night curtain call and party photos. Their Off-Broadway and world premiere began previews October 24 at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th Street), kicking off a seven-week limited engagement, running through November 30th. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are available at: www.nycitycenter.org.
Reunions is a musical adaptation of two famous one-act plays with a common theme: What happens when you rediscover the life you almost lived? The musical is divided into two acts with each act a different story. The new musical is directed and choreographed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party; Amazing Grace) with a book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf (Who’s Got Me; David Copperfield, the new musical) and music by Jimmy Calire (member and principal writer of “Raven,” a Buffalo, New York based band).
“The Twelve Pound Look” is based on the play by J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. The play takes place in Downton Abbey-era London. Harry Sims is about to be knighted when the past catches up with him in this ripped-from-the headlines look at issues of social class, a woman’s “place” and the high price of success. “A Sunny Morning” is based on the enchanting play by Spain’s prolific Quintero Brothers. The action takes place in a park in Madrid where the hope of love springs eternal, even among septuagenarians.
The cast of Reunions stars Bryan Fenkart (Memphis) as Sir Harry, Joanna Glushak (War Paint) as Dona Laura, Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful: The Carol King Musical) as Kate, Courtney Reed (Aladdin) as Lady Sims, Daniel Torres (Evita) as Edward/Juanito, and Chip Zien (Into The Woods) as Don Gonzalo. The swings are Janet Aldrich (Me And My Girl), Keith Lee Grant (Ragtime; Founder of Harlem Repertory Theater), and Pearl Rhein (Natasha, Pierre…).
Reunions features scenic design by Edward Pierce (Associate Scenic Design and worldwide Design Supervision – WICKED), lighting design by Ken Billington (Chicago) and Mitchell Fenton (Gypsy; Sunset Blvd.), costume design by Jen Caprio (Spamalot; The Heart of Rock and Roll), sound design by Megumi Katayama (Titanic for City Center Encores; For Colored Girls…), hair and wig design by J. Jared Janas (Buena Vista Social Club; & Juliet), and Ashley Wren Collins is the Associate Director & Choreographer. Orchestrations and arrangements are by Sonny Paladino (A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical; POTUS). Reunions is executive produced by Davenport Theatrical Enterprises/Jonathan Hogue.
“When I first started writing REUNIONS, I envisioned the show in New York and here we are with a great cast and team,” said book writer and lyricist Jeffrey Scharf. “The underlying materials are wonderful examples of dramedy with a shared theme that is timeless and universal – who hasn’t wondered what a ‘we meet again’ moment would be like? Musicalizing heightens the impact and poignancy in a way I hope audiences will find entertaining and relatable.”
For more information see: https://www.reunionsthemusical.com/
