Firehouse Musical ‘People Like That’ Plays to People Like Us

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A labor of love defines the 11-year journey behind the Actor’s Studio production of
“People Like That” staged at the Firehouse Center for the Arts. The musical was originally written in 1996 by Ellie Lee, who sadly never lived to see the production of her romance. Her partner Deb Severo from the Actor’s Studio along with founder Marc Clopton, became producer/co-writer and brought it to life in 2019 as “Conflict of Interest,” which also had its run at the Firehouse.

A cast of 15 actor-singers, and even larger backstage crew, collaborated to create a wonderfully sweet three-in-one story of love new and rediscovered, of workplace shenanigans, of parental disappointment and redemption; every moment celebrating what it means to be seen, understood, and accepted.

With parallels to the traditional ‘coming of age’ story, the story centers on a discovery of love shared between college-age women, the focal point of the theme and the true-to-life story that led to the play’s creation.

Talented lead actors Violet Veith and Maggie Mifsud sang their hearts out, delivering a dynamic performance. In one early scene, Veith does the splits midway and midair between two chairs, an image that made the audience gasp in disbelief, as though done by smoke and mirrors.

A discovery of love’s magic also visits the girls’ respective parents, played with conviction by Shannon Muhs and Steve Berger. The wide disparity in life experience between the young and older couples does not sour the theme or spoil the plot.

The third leg of the interwoven comedy involves the ambitious J.D. Byrd, played with hilarity by the versatile Scott Jedry, who obsesses over a promotion to V.P. and connives to obtain this elusive goal, acting as the antagonist. In the number, “Pay the Rent,” he jumps out wearing a black mask and cape looking like Zoro.

From its original staging, the retitled version was revamped with refinements to the musical score, dialog, and stage direction by the award-winning director Anna Smulowitz, a veteran thespian with more than a thousand plays under her belt as well as being co-founder of Theatre in the Open. Choreography was enabled by Jessica Beal, whose film credits include Netflix’s “The Society.”

One enjoyment were the verbal gymnastics behind the“patter song,” a cascade of tongue-twisting lyrics delivered at breakneck speed, turning the singing voice into a percussion instrument, making for delightful entertainment. In “People Like That,” many patter songs lived up to the occasion, impressing everyone.

The romantic comedy is set in 1983 and pronounces its own share of social satire. The story behind its production is largely grassroots, with nearly every person involved being locals. It’s surprising to see how much young and old talent is shared in our small town of Newburyport.

“People Like That” is about feelings that connect all of us. At one time or another, we have all felt judged, misunderstood, or shamelessly categorized. This heartwarming musical invites us to examine the moments when we all too often let suspicion cloud our judgement and preconceived notions of one another. It celebrates the capacity for acceptance, deep connection, and the bravery to live as our true authentic selves.

Be sure to catch the show this weekend before it runs out Sunday, June 14.

Victor Cruz
Newburyport resident

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