Based on the 2001 hit movie from France, Amelie, brings original music and distinctive whimsy to the Walter Kerr Theater.  (“Hoping to see you/ In Macchu Picchu” is one tickling lyric. What’s not to love?) Characters may don fish heads and in one incredibly silly bit, an Elton John sequined suit, but it’s all to Amelie’s happy theme: love conquers even acute cases of fear of closeness to others. And if this musical’s Paris looks familiar, look to the bridge, reminiscent of the children’s classic, “Linnea in Monet’s Garden” for inspiration. Best of all, Amelie is played by Phillipa Soo, Hamilton’s original Eliza; for the 100 minute, no intermission duration of this show, you are in great company.

 On opening night, Rebecca Hall, Barbara Barrie, and Rosie O’Donnell were just some in the exuberant crowd. At the Rockefeller Center after party we ran into Adam Chanler-Berat, the young man, Nino, who bikes about the stage’s Paris, hovering around photo booths, collecting portrait shards, and who breaks Amelie’s spell, and Savvy Crawford (10), the very talented young Amelie. This cast spends a lot of time running up and down the bridge’s steep stairs, getting quite the workout, they told us. Posing for photographers, no more the gamine, Phillipa Soo admitted, for this show, she does not need a gym. 

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura