Review Highlights: WE AIN'T EVERY GONNA BREAK UP: THE HYMON & PARFUNKEL MUSICAL at The Phoenix Theatre Company

Louis Pardo and Gregg Hammer
Photo by Brennen Russell, Blink Sessions Photography

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 3

"Gregg Hammer, Louis Pardo, and Scott Weinstein have attempted to create a satire of (jukebox musicals) with their We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical, which uses a duo modeled on Simon and Garfunkel and a structure similar to many jukebox musicals. The show is making its world premiere at The Phoenix Theatre Company. While there are several laugh out loud moments, some nice songs, and a few lines that joke about other shows in this genre, it's also a tad too long and not quite the satire it's being billed as. Fortunately, Hammer and Pardo are very talented and the poignant ending provides a high note for this fun, cheerful and charming show."  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Jukebox musicals have become a big thing since “Mamma Mia” premiered in 1999. “Jersey Boys,” “Beautiful,” “Always…Patsy Cline,” and “The Cher Show” are among the many shows that have become hits since.  The now tiresome trend has just about worn out its initial welcome.  The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) is presenting the world premiere of “We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical” which attempts, without much success, to parody this popular genre. The show debuted as part of TPTC’s Festival of New American Theatre last season but even though the musical has been fined tuned, it sputters and dies on every level.  Created and performed by Gregg Hammer and Louis Pardo the show’s original score is derivative and flat."   -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)