MICHELE KOLE
Staff Writer

With the holidays around the corner, many families are turning to Broadway for holiday entertainment. New Jersey residents need not look so far for the best family entertainment this holiday season.
The Paper Mill Playhouse, located in Millburn, has proven it is capable of providing Broadway quality (if not better) productions at a much lower ticket price.
The Paper Mill’s current production, “On the Town,” provides entertainment that is sorely lacking in the New York theater scene these days.
“On the Town” was originally produced on Broadway in 1944 and was made into the movie classic in 1949. The musical tells the story of three sailors, Chip, Ozzie and Gabey, on a 24-hour leave in New York City. They encounter three women who show them around the city of Manhattan. Chip falls for Hildy, the very forward cab driver. Ozzie enjoys the company of Claire, an anthropologist, and Gabey falls for “Miss Turnstiles,” an aspiring actress more commonly known as Ivy Smith.
The cast of Paper Mill’s “On the Town” is a solid one but the Broadway veterans in the cast stand out above the rest. Jeffrey Schecter, who played Mike in the original revival of “A Chorus Line,” stars as Ozzie. He is the best of the three sailors. His acting is believable and his voice is pleasant to listen to. And to top it all off, he comes truly alive when he dances.
Jennifer Cody, who has been in numerous Broadway choruses, is known mostly for her portrayal of Little Sally in “Urinetown.” Cody finally has the opportunity to prove she is a star and as Hildy Esterhazy she leaves no room for doubt. She commands the stage and she moves so well that the audience cannot take their eyes off her. Her “I Can Cook, Too” is a showstopper. While Hildy is not a subtle person, Cody believably endows her Hildy with a very likable vulnerability that is particularly endearing during her performance of “Some Other Time.” Her performance proves that she is not only a star; she is also an actress.
Harriet Harris, who won her Tony Award for her portrayal of Mrs. Meers in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” steals the show as Madame Dilly, Ivy’s teacher. Harris does not merely chew the scenery; she devours it. Her gift for physical comedy is so great that just the sight of her can make the audience start giggling. And as Madame Dilly becomes increasingly more intoxicated throughout the show, the audience’s laughs become increasingly louder. Harris and Cody are worth the price of admission, but it is lucky for “On the Town” audiences that there is even more to enjoy about this production.
The choreography by Patti Colombo is a stunning combination of traditional musical theatre dance and ballet. And the wonderful ensemble of dancers performs it gorgeously. Bill Berry’s direction is spot on and the beautiful set by Walt Spangler is grander than many shows currently on Broadway.
Leonard Bernstein’s lush music is still glorious after 55 years. Comden and Green’s lyrics and book are witty, warm and full of heart.
“On the Town” offers something that is difficult to find in theaters right now – a traditional book musical that does not apologize for itself. The Paper Mill’s production is joyous and heartfelt. It is a production that is guaranteed to lift spirits and leave audiences feeling full of hope.
Log onto www.thepapermill.org for more information about “On the Town” and upcoming productions at the Paper Mill.