Theatre at the Bell's 'Groundhog Day' is a Hysterical Time Loop with Heart

Have you ever had deja vu?

Theatre at the Bell presents Groundhog Day, a hilarious comedy based on the classic 1992 film starring Bill Murray. Cynical weatherman, Phil Connors, is trapped in an endless time loop, repeating his least favorite day - Groundhog Day. Phil takes advantage of this situation but discovers new meaning in his connections.

Groundhog Day is one of my favorite films. I’ve watched it over and over (ironic, yes!). I had so much fun seeing Theatre at the Bell’s entertaining opening night. Their musical performance of Groundhog Day is a hilarious and touchingly beautiful production. Outside the story’s repetitive nature, the show assesses the importance of living each day to the fullest.

David Saunders fills in Bill Murray’s iconic groundhog shoes as Phil Connors. Saunders was excellent in the role. Phil constantly wakes up each morning and sees what mischief he could get away with. Saunders was hysterical, however, his genuine transition of Phil’s change of heart is a commendable job well done.

Phil flirts with Rita (Jen Stearns), fixing several failed romance attempts. Saunders and Stearns are a riot, battling in sarcasm wars, snowball fights, and slaps. You only know people once you get to know them. Rita’s song, ‘One Day,’ attests to that.

The ensemble has the most important job of all. Since nobody else is experiencing Phil’s deja vu dilemma, the townsfolk continue in their festivities, making it funnier! Some wish Phil a happy Groundhog Day, a gregarious high school frenemy, and someone wearing a groundhog costume happily dancing the stage.

I will say it again and again, there is no such thing as small parts in theater. The cast dove into their characters, creating a genuine town atmosphere. Character dynamics play an immense part in the story. The ensemble has a blast repeating actions in scenes, interacting with one another, and creating different personalities.

Groundhog Day is Lance Arnold’s all-time favorite film. His hard work is implemented in every layer of this production. His focus emphasized the character’s stories. As Arnold noted, “(the musical) adaptation delved deeper into the characters, enhancing the original storyline.’

Arnold noted how the show was an unexpected challenge to stage. Tech hands are constantly maneuvering sets back into place, like Phil’s hotel room, the diner, or the park. Arnold and Crystal VanArtsdalen built fantastic sets, like a car and a pretty convincing tilt-a-whirl. The winter costumes supplied by Debi Fici Tucker are excellent!

Groundhog Day is a funny musical, filled with jokes, funny reactions, and memorable songs. Performed by a live orchestra song titles include, ‘Nobody Cares,’ ‘Everything About You,’ and ‘If I Had My Time Again.’

Get ready for hysterical laughs! Phil’s drunk car ride with two bar pals is my favorite part! The audience belted out in laughter, applauding after every scene.

What I did not expect was to feel tears in the second act. The second act of Groundhog Day is a beautifully touching account that I will never forget. The cast documents several beautiful moments that depict human-like qualities.

The moral of Groundhog Day should not go unnoticed. You never know what anybody is enduring in life. Live each day to the fullest, make connections, and be true to yourself. The final scene ends on a perfect and gratifying note.

Fair warning, Groundhog Day has inappropriate sexual innuendoes and behavior. One sequence depicting suicide may trigger viewers.

You DON’T want to miss Groundhog Day at Theatre at the Bell. The show is currently repeating until July 28, so buy your tickets to see if the groundhog sees its shadow.