What if you lived the same day endlessly? And it was in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Groundhog Day? How would you live it?
That is the existential question for the fictitious weatherman Phil Connors (Trevor Greenfield) in Groundhog Day the Musical, now playing at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre (AGST), as the final show of its 59th season of outdoor community theater productions downtown in Maryland’s capital city.
Director Jerry Vess shepherds a spirited 22-person cast to create the community that is the star of this production, which is closely based on the 1993 Columbia Pictures motion picture and the story by Danny Rubin. In addition to Phil, there is the ambitious producer Rita Hanson (Taylor Hinds), insurance salesman/high school classmate Ned Ryerson (Adam Conklin), and the lovely Nancy Taylor (Elda Twombley). Hinds, in particular, brings a sweet and mellifluous voice that lends an essential warmth to the role originated by Andie MacDowell in the film.
The other 19 cast members, often playing multiple roles, are wonderful because of the joy they bring to the overall production. In a play where the band members come out and perform the exact same dance multiple times, actresses (such as Meghan Day, Kat Caldwell, and Kristin Tufo) have to hit their marks happily and repeatedly. They do; others as well — like Mrs. Lancaster (Katherine Lang), Sheriff (Will Griffin), Deputy (Thomas Digby), and the Piano Teacher (Abby Wilson) — provide consistent comic relief and believability essential for the retelling of Rubin’s story in this small Pennsylvania town.
This AGST production further distinguishes itself with a seven-piece live band, positioned behind the set and overseen by Music Director Trey Pope, which enhances the quality of this intimate outdoor experience. Choreography by Kristin Rigsby is consistently smooth, with the second act’s “Philanthropy” is a tap-happy highlight. Lighting design, by Mairead Cummings, is not elaborate but does the job nicely, especially in facilitating the endless loop of Phil’s life.
The challenge of Groundhog Day the Musical has little to do with the charming cast, talented production team, and dedicated volunteers associated with this show. It is, unfortunately, more fundamental; the book to this musical (Rubin) and the music/lyrics (Tim Minchin) are just not terribly endearing, especially in the first act. For a musical that pledges allegiance to the movie on which it is based, the show does not capture enough joy and sweetness.
It’s perhaps a testament to the iconic Bill Murray, who in the movie made the leading man Connors both an awful person and eminently likable. But Minchin, as a lyricist, can do better than in the first act’s “Small Town USA,” where Greenfield sings “suck my balls, I’m out!” The odd “Stuck,” another first-act song, is one of the few in the musical theater canon that includes lyrics referencing an enema. And, amid Phil’s perpetual seduction of Rita, the sticky bun sexual innuendo is unnecessary. The audience understands that this story is Phil’s path from self-indulgence to becoming a better person. Yet Rubin and Minchin, perhaps in an effort to modernize aspects of the story, inject a crassness to the first act that is often over-the-top. This show premiered 23 years after the film came out; a sizable portion of its audience is just there for a sweet nostalgia trip that the first act does not deliver.
Groundhog Day’s second act, and in turn this production, however, engages the audience in a way the first act does not. In “Everything About You” and “If I Had My Time Again,” Greenfield gets a better vehicle for his voice, which shines in Minchin’s softer songs. Rigsby makes better use of Vess’ set design, including a fun Tilt-A-Whirl sequence and moving the actors around more, both into the audience and onto the set’s second level during a climactic moment. It brings joy, which ends this show on an uplifting note.
That is, at its heart, the moral of Groundhog Day. Our growth comes from the path to understanding yourself through being kind to others. It’s the joy of seeing the cast dance (the same dance). The humor as a befuddled Piano Teacher sees her first-time student play amazingly well. The connection we feel with this small town. This summer theater production, as it concludes with spirit, shows us that delightful path toward happiness.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Groundhog Day the Musical plays through August 31, 2025 (Thursday through Sunday evenings), at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre – 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($30, with no fees) call the box office at 410-268-9212 or purchase online.
Parental Advisory: The ASGT website notes, “Children under age 5 cannot be admitted to the theatre. Children aged 5+ are welcome as patrons, but parents/guardians should determine beforehand whether the subject matter is appropriate.” Reviewer’s advice: Groundhog Day the Musical is a romantic comedy, which, particularly in the first act, has a variety of expletives and sexual innuendos; best for age 13+ overall.
Groundhog Day
Book by Danny Rubin
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Directed by Jerry Vess
Choreographer: Kristin Rigsby
Music Director: Trey Pope
Production Manager: Kylie Sjolie
Stage Manager: Kylie Sjolie
CAST
Phil Conners: Trevor Greenfield
Rita Hanson: Taylor Hinds
Larry: Jayden Maduro
Ned Ryerson / Radio Clock Voice 1: Adam Conklin
Nancy Taylor: Elda Trombley
Mrs. Lancaster :Katherine Lang
Chubby Person: Karen Grant
Mrs. Cleveland / Ensemble: Selene Athas
Freddie / Psychiatric Pharmacologist: Scott Armiger
Debbie / AA Person: Danielle DiBella
Ralph / Elder: Matt Gray
Gus / Bartender Billy: Billy Luzier
Doris / Priest: Jill Robinson
Buster / Elder :Gene Valendo
Sheriff: William Griffin
Deputy / Healer: Thomas Digby
Lady Storm Chaser / Ensemble: Meghan Day
Storm Chaser / Piano Teacher / Elder: Abby Wilson
Jeff / Director / Old Jenson: Carter Grimes
Joelle / Radio Clock Voice 2 / Scientologist: Kathryn Caldwell
Nurse / Ticket Person: Kristin Tufo