“More fun than a trip to Wally World… great gags and some killer choreography”
The show by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen has several things going for it and a few huge things against it. Good news first. It's more fun than a trip to Wally World. The book is just plain funny with its many references to New York and its denizens, and the ridiculous antics the Griswolds' get up to. Most notably the bevy of Times Square character knock offs, whose number was one of the few good ones in the show, and the recurring gag of Rusty constantly turning potential disaster into success due to the fact that he's just a nice kid. And I must mention the hysterical fake Times Square signs from scenic designer Jason Sherwood. I'm sorry, but what was the name of that massage parlor? (Chef's kiss.) All that plus so many more great gags and some killer choreography from director and choreographer Donna Feore makes this show a lot of fun.
BroadwayWorld
Jay Irwin
“Leaned forward in my seat… it’s very nice”
When the show got truly absurd, I leaned forward in my seat. When Clark and Ellen mused about the nature of marriage, with hetero-upsetero dialogue that could have been transplanted from any episode of King of Queens or Modern Family, I had time to sit back and let my gaze wander over the production design. (It's very nice.)
The Stranger
Matt Baume
“Never laughed this much… threatened to make me cry as well”
The music is there, with multiple songs still running through my head. The direction and choreography are there. Honestly, I've never laughed this much at any of the previous "Vacation" series properties. And surprisingly, the end of the show threatened to make me cry as well.
Seattle Times
Jerald Pierce
“Beautiful music, beautiful voices and really strong story telling”
The creative team has put together an engaging comedy that really takes off in the second act. Instead of growing tiresome or boringly derivative, David Rossmer and Steve Rosen (Book, Music and Lyrics) create a show that takes time laying the groundwork for comedic and heartfelt relational payoffs. They also leave some of their best songs for the last hour, including giving brief but ridiculous humorous homage to Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton musical stylings. My favorite song was the father/daughter duet "You Can Tell Me Anything (But You Don't Have to Tell Me Everything)." It is the perfect mix of beautiful music, beautiful voices and really strong story telling through song.
The Moderate Voice
Doug Bursch