IT’LL KNOCK THE PANTS OFF O’ YOUSE
Who Is Jimmy Pants? is the second production in the York’s Spring 2025 “New2NY” series, presented at the Theater at St. Jean’s on East 76th Street—a welcome upgrade from their former home at Saint Peter’s Church, which was unfortunately lost to flooding in 2021. This 90-minute concert-style staged reading, with scripts in hand, runs for a limited 11-performance engagement, closing on March 30th.
Michael Notardonato, Aaron Harrington, Charlotte Odusanya, David Garrison,
Steven Booth, Avery Elledge, Jim Conroy, Kirsten Scott, John Wascavage
Avery Elledge, Jim Conroy, David Garrison, John Wascavage, Michael Notardonato,
Steven Booth, Aaron Harrington, Kirsten Scott, Charlotte Odusanya
With an original score spanning the sounds of the ‘60s to the aughts, composer Joseph Church delivers vibrant music, lyrics, and orchestrations, while Jeff Bienstock’s charming book and co-lyrics fuel the show’s comedic punch. Though marketed as a zany satire of bio-jukebox musicals, the show feels even more like a loving, laugh-out-loud spoof of Jersey Boys, poking fun at the genre’s tropes while celebrating its nostalgic appeal.
John Wascavage, Michael Notardonato, Steven Booth, Aaron Harrington
High tenor Jimmy Pants (Steven Booth) has no interest in following his parents’ dreams of him becoming a doctor or a rabbi—especially since college is too expensive, and they’re not even Jewish. Instead, he’s determined to be a singer and write a number one Billboard hit. He assembles an assorted vocal group: the stereotypically smooth Italian Tony (Michael Notardonato), the colorfully Nordic Bjørgvin (John Wascavage), and the deep-voiced, bass Nicky (Aaron Arnell Harrington).
Aaron Harrington
Together, they churn out a series of unforgettable yet questionably titled songs—“Snappin’ For You,” “Shruggin’ For You,” and “Shavin’ For You.” But chart success remains elusive. Then, with nothing but a two-second audition, legendary producer Burt Grompsky (David Garrison) miraculously signs them, launching their career as the opening act for the wildly popular girl group Dora Dell (Kirsten Scott, Avery Elledge, and Charlotte Odusanya).
Steven Booth and David Garrison
As the years roll by, the group barely scrapes onto the Billboard Top 50 with their modest hit “Tight White Suit.” Meanwhile, Jimmy’s tumultuous romance with Dora turns into a dizzying cycle of marriages and divorces. Even as the disco era offers him a near-hit with “Sue, Sue, Sue,” his greatest, most unexpected success is yet to come—the discovery that Dora secretly had his son, Timmy (Jim Conroy). After decades of song writing, and being cheated out of his monetary fortune, he finally finds success in doing a bio/jukebox musical of his life.
Avery Elledge, Kirsten Scott, Charlotte Odusanya
John Wascavage, Michael Notardonato, Steven Booth, Aaron Harrington
Director/choreographer Stephen Nachamie keeps the energy high, relying on the talents of a sprightly nine-member cast and a five-piece orchestra under the musical direction of Benjamin Weiss. With minimal props, scenery, and costumes, the production speeds along as fast as the actors can turn their pages. The amusing show’s potential is evident. With fully realized dazzling costumes, polished choreography, and a fleshed-out showy scenic design, Who Is Jimmy Pants? could easily evolve into a flamboyant, silly, entertaining hit.
John Wascavage, Michael Notardonato, Steven Booth, Aaron Harrington
photos by Carol Rosegg
Who Is Jimmy Pants?
The York Theatre
The Theater at St. Jean’s
entrance on 150 East 76th Street, just east of Lexington
ends on March 30, 2025
for tickets, visit York (facebook instagram youtube)
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