Theater Review: Rated P for Parenthood

(Clockwise starting with top left) Courtney Balan, Chris Hoch, David Josefsberg, Joanna Young © Carol Rosegg

Rated P for Parenthood
Book and lyrics by Sandy Rustin
Music and Lyrics by Dan Lipton and David Rossmer
Directed by Jeremy Dobrish
Music Director: Meg Zervoulis
Choreography: Rachel Bress
Starring Courtney Balan, Chris Hoch, David Josefsberg and Joanna Young

Summary:
Four very talented actors take one numerous roles as parents and kids in this very entertaining voyage through parenthood. From birth to empty nest, every parent can relate to some or all of the situations depicted through able direction and a tightly written book with lyrics that range from humorous to touching -- just like real parenthood.

The live action takes place on a colorful backdrop made up of rectangles (Steven Capone, set design) and is enhanced by video projections (Chris Kateff and Rochard DiBella, design) that entertain the audience pre-show with trivia questions about parenthood and during the show with text messages sent between a husband and wife.

Highlights:
A really fun show. The tunes are catchy and there are a couple of really moving numbers -- a mother coping with sending her tot off to kindergarten prays and talks with the spirit of her deceased mother whom she wishes could be there to comfort her and a husband, struck with love as he watches his sleeping wife. There's also a riotous number where a couple drives their kids to summer camp. Mom is concerned about leaving the kids, but Dad can only think about what having the house to themselves might mean. . . The show prompts laughter and tears not only because the material is well executed, but because we relate to it. Talking to your daughter about she's sexually active, dad's comparing themselves to each other on the soccer field, a mom coping with the fact that her son is smarter than she, leaving your baby with the inlaws -- these are just a few of the real-life parts of parenthood engagingly brought to life on the stage. Don't shy away if you're not a parent, though. I kept thinking how much my kids would have enjoyed it, because they could have related from the kids' perspectives. One nice bonus the night I attended: a marriage proposal on stage. She said yes -- the first step on the road to starting their own parenthood story...

Lowlights:
None. I enjoyed it.

Other information:
Rate P for Parenthood plays Off-Broadway upstairs at the Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd St., NYC through April 8. Discounted tickets are available for our readers by clicking here.

Christians might also like to know:
-- Language
-- Lord's name taken in vain
-- Sexual dialogues, movements and situations
-- Homosexuality (on of the parental units depicted is two guys reflecting on how their triplet boys are all heterosexual.