The York Theatre Company's world premiere musical centers around three generations of female singers, long-held family tensions, and a week together where change is in the air. More…
In modern day Cape Cod, Joy, a baby boomer and proud hippie, is holding a memorial concert for the other half of her popular musical duo, Jump & Joy. When her tightly wound conservative daughter and her sweet rebellious granddaughter arrive from Oklahoma, the sparks fly as one family seeks to find the common ground in their different values, dreams and goals. A heartfelt and comic story that celebrates diversity and acceptance, 'Unexpected Joy' weaves folk-rock, pop, and blues in bringing together a family that hasn’t experienced true joy together for decades.
See it if hearing great singers/musicians satisfies. Plot is cliched, lines/lyrics clunk, but the music (CW/soft rock) is good.
Don't see it if you want a believable story (this isn't!) Best songs are inset; plot-based songs thud. Spare set works; staging is solid. Strong female cast
See it if Three generations of female singers work out relationship and child rearing issues finding common ground in music.
Don't see it if You want an elaborate set. You want a musical that is longer than one act.
See it if a musical about family, diversity acceptance, lesbian themes & religion is of interest. Cast & musicians all 1st rate.
Don't see it if you want to be surprised. Somewhat predictable plot, occasionally preachy.
See it if you want to see a show that's definitely of its time with a talented all-female cast .
Don't see it if you need big production values. This cast of four (and four musicians) acquit themselves beautifully.
See it if you like family dramas with music. Nice to see 4 strong women onstage, all individuals. Great voices.
Don't see it if you are a member of a evangelical church--you might be offended. If gay themes bother you or can't stand to see a show of only women.
See it if Well acted and thoroughly entertaining production with original music and funny stories even though they are a bit far fetched.
Don't see it if You do not like small-scale musicals intertwined with funny anecdotal stories that are a bit over the top.
See it if you want an evening of pure fun. The four singers are fabulous and when not singing, they tell their story in a funny and entertaining way.
Don't see it if you don't want to see a family of three generations confront each other about sexuality, individual choices, & religion (in a joyful way).
Also Each of the four singers had their own style and a terrific voice. The... Read more Read less
See it if You want a night out with very good performances. You like to see new productions
Don't see it if You are tired of the same old generational biases - there are much better ones. This has nothing new.
Also This still needs work. It would be fine for a college production, but ... Read more Read less
See it if you want to hear great music sung by 3 generations of a family and significant other with diverse world views trying to connect and love.
Don't see it if female relationship musicals are not your thing even if the songs are great and the ideas are thought provoking.
See it if You are looking for a new musical that deals with modern day issues (this tries at least)
Don't see it if You are looking for a show that takes a hard look at prejudice and hate
Also This show tries but keeps skirting the issue. Good performances do the... Read more Read less
See it if you want an entertaining thought provoking 90 minutes of joy. The music is scrumptious. You will laugh. You will cry. You will cheer.
Don't see it if you don't want to be entertained by four wonderful actors sharing a story that should be shared and thought about.
See it if You enjoy great singing/ well written lyrics and dialogue detailing three generations of female family members with dissonant values.
Don't see it if This lived up to it's name, "Unexpected Joy". See it.
See it if you wish to hear a great soft rock/country score. Music/ lyrics/singing are spot-on. Book is certainly timely even with lawful changes.
Don't see it if shows about homosexual/religious issues frighten you; if you are expecting a musical on a grand scale. If an all-female cast is off-putting.
See it if What a joy to see this great casts of a show. It brings uplifting energy and poignant social issues without being preachy. Don’t miss it!
Don't see it if Talking about Christianity and gay issues offended you for 95 short minutes.
See it if you like: small musicals where you can get to know the characters; wonderful music and great singing; story lines about family dynamics
Don't see it if you are expecting a large Broadway production; don't like one act plays; don't like shows about family dynamics and/or social issues.