“Groundhog Day: the Musical” is a well-acted whimsical romp…
“Groundhog Day: the Musical” is a well-directed whimsical romp…
“Groundhog Day: the Musical” is a well-written whimsical romp…
…despite its intentional time-loop repetition.

The 6th St. Playhouse production in Santa Rosa is decidedly edgier, darker and more sexualized than the smash 1993 film starring Bill Murray about a nasty weatherman assigned to cover Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who finds his humanity after getting trapped in a time warp.

Nelson Brown, who alternates in the Phil Connors lead role with Garet Waterhouse, absolutely owns the stage. His frantic physical-comedy chops are extraordinary, and his voice is potent, too. Michelle Pagano as Rita Hanson, his female foil, plays her part much straighter, but has exquisite vocal cords.

Ted Smith, who portrays insurance peddler Ned Ryerson, surprises with a soulful voice in his only solo, the plaintive “Night Will Come.”

A multi-racial chorus of singers in all shapes and sizes acquits itself well by starting and finishing together all the time.

Laughter from the audience occasionally drowns out a line or two, with the heartiest guffaws stemming from clever use of a vehicle that redefines minivan; three raucous drunks in a jeep; small dolls that stand in for a groundhog, a newborn, and a pooch.

But there’s a plethora of other gags. Director David Lear not only draws every possible chuckle from them, but he also creates awesome abbreviated, strobe-enhanced scenes and ensures music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Danny Rubin are skillfully delivered.

The production successfully utilizes projections of falling snow and a speedway, and other highlights include cast members marching up the aisles of the cozy theater, a magnificent upbeat eight-person tap dance choreographed by Karen Miles, and a backstage seven-piece orchestra of live musicians led by Lucas Sherman.

Flaws? The first act is a bit sluggish. Occasional lyrics are muffled. Not much to gripe about.

Multiple words can define “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” Try one of these: bouncy, goofy, fun.
Multiple words can define “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” Try one of these: bouncy, edgy, fun.
Multiple words can define “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” Try one of these: bouncy, amusing, fun.

“Groundhog Day: The Musical” continues through Feb. 23 at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $29 to $55.95 at 6thstreetplayhouse.com.