Marblehead Little Theatre Cooks Up Splendid Talent with 'Mystic Pizza'

With some pepperoni and cheese, you’ll figure out life’s greatest secrets.

Marblehead Little Theatre performs Mystic Pizza, a musical adaptation of the 80s film. Revolving around two sisters and their best friend, Jojo, Daisy, and Kat work in a pizza parlor in the seaside town of Mystic, Connecticut. The trio navigates complicated love stories as they find their dreams.

I had no idea that the film Mystic Pizza had been adapted into a musical until Marblehead Little Theatre announced it as their next show. The excitement from entering the theater never faded as audiences enjoyed every minute of this upbeat production. From pizza and 80s music, Mystic Pizza is a heartwarming story about finding our pathways.

Jojo, Daisy, and Kat have a pepperoni-powered friendship that never gets stale. Chloe Castellano, Shannon Burke, and Lizzie Schwartz bring a powerhouse dynamic to their roles. Each actress fuels their character with animated and personal depth.

I loved watching the girls in each scene, whether they were competing in sarcasm wars, comforting one another, or being the best cheerleaders. Although different people, they’re searching for the same thing in life: love. I could write an entire novel about the girl’s dynamic and characters, but you must witness their genuine personal growth.

The ensemble welcomes audiences to the small town of Mystic, Connecticut. This show defines my motto: no small part exists in the theater. Cast members played multiple supporting roles, bringing this world to life. Based on their never-ending smiles and jubilant energy, they’re enjoying every second onstage while creating friendships.

Ursina Amsler plays Leona Silva, the owner of Mystic Pizza where the girls work (or goof off). Leona becomes a surrogate mother to the girls, offering advice on their relationship dramas. Amsler excels in the role, creating a humble leader.

Caught up in their own romances, each storyline targets a different message about love. Jojo is unsure about marrying Bill Montijo (Mark Damon), as Daisy is uncertain about her romance with the preppy Charles Gordon Windsor Jr. (Kyle Doherty), and Kat experiences unwavering feelings for Tim Travers (Ben Fuller), an older married man.

Lights, sound, and costumes transport audiences back to the 80s. Set designer Andrew Barnett created an immersive world for audiences to marvel at the story. The pizza parlor is the most important setting - it’s where the girls figure out their problems. You can almost smell the delicious, cheesy pizzas coming out of the oven.

Conducted by Lianne Bunting, a live orchestra adds pure 80s fun with crowd-pleasing hits like ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun,’ ‘Addicted to Love,’ and ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,’ a song that has become one of my favorites! The choreography by Autumn Blazon-Brown is another highlight, featuring high-energy ensemble numbers.

Steve Black went all out with this production, creating a joyous musical experience that has heart. One of the most remarkable parts about Mystic Pizza is its message about friendship, finding your flavor, and personal growth.

I love coming-of-age stories, and this show is a great example that we will find our way. It takes a lot of bumps, tears, and tough decisions, but no matter what, you will always have supportive ground.

With the heat radiating outside, Mystic Pizza is the ultimate summer show! It’s a hit among audiences who couldn’t stop talking (or singing the songs) on their way out of the theater. I was dancing in my seat through the majority of the show.

Currently, all shows of Mystic Pizza are sold out at Marblehead Little Theatre, but don’t hesitate if you can grab a slice of musical magic.