Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay prove ‘Romy & Michele’ were born for the stage, glittered heels and pink boas included

By Lindsay B. Davis

Romy & Michele: The Musical body rolls Off-Broadway with bright colors, bold performances, and Broadway powerhouses Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde, Tony nominee) and Kara Lindsay (Newsies, Wicked) leading the charge as the ditzy duo we never knew we needed back in our lives.

Based on the 1997 film Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion and adapted by its original screenwriter, Robin Schiff, the pair who concoct a story about inventing Post-its^TM to impress former classmates at their 10th high school reunion are reborn for the stage. The show makes every effort under the West Coast sun to elicit feelings of sweet nostalgia and ‘You go girl!’ empowerment.

Videography and editing by Harry McFann Productions.

Targeting those who already love the film, the musical stays true to the original plotlines and eras while introducing a bright new universe, punctuated by heightened physical comedy, MTV golden-era dance routines, and character portrayals that defy imitation. Romy & Michele also evokes feminist themes, including the importance of female friendship, which remains relevant nearly 30 years later.

But the 80s and 90s pop-inspired score (music and lyrics by Gwendolyn Sanford and Branford Jay), while a refreshing departure from all the jukebox musicals, is uneven and, with the show’s nearly two-and-a-half-hour length, ends up searching for memorable hooks.

Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay in "Romy & Michele: The Musical." — Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay in “Romy & Michele: The Musical.” Photo by Valerie Terranova.

Jason Sherwood’s multi-media scenic design, replete with retro images and a perfect Cali color palette, does wonders in creating a sense of place, and Tina McCartney’s costumes expertly recreate the ones fans have grown to love over the years, among them glittered heels, metallic fabrics, and pink feather boas.

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Aided by a phenomenal supporting cast that gives the whole ensemble main character energy—especially standouts Heather (Jordan Kai Burnett), the misfit turned successful entrepreneur, and A-group girl turned trad wife, Christie (Lauren Zakrin)—the production succeeds in its nostalgic nods while still maintaining a sense of authenticity among its leading ladies.

In the end, Romy & Michele: The Musical is exactly what director Kristin Hanggi promised: a “joy bomb” that detonates with glitter, heart, and enough “business women specials” to remind us why we fell for these two in the first place. Even if the explosion lasts a little longer than necessary.

Fast facts: ‘Romy & Michele: The Musical’

Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay shine in Romy & Michele: The Musical, a nostalgic film-to-stage adaptation that’s big on joy, light on memorable hooks, and packed with supporting performances and eye candy design.