A Love Letter (and a Reality Check) to the Stage
Fresh from its accolades at the Edinburgh Fringe and a successful run in London, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical has finally strutted onto the stage at SoHo Playhouse. This 70-minute comedic revue is a relentless, high-energy deep dive into the glittering—and often grimy—world of musical theatre. It tracks the chronological “caper” of the performer’s life, following four wide-eyed drama students as they navigate the treacherous path from hopeful extras to seasoned (and sometimes slightly bitter) divas.
The production is anchored by a phenomenal four-person ensemble: Elizabeth Mandell, Madelyn Whitehead, Tyler Gallaher, and Sam Brackley. Each performer brings a distinct flair to the stage, filling their roles to a T. Whether they are portraying a chorus member desperately trying to be noticed or a brattish lead whose ego has outgrown the dressing room, the chemistry between the four is palpable. They masterfully balance the “wit, whimsy, and warmth” promised by creator Alexander S. Bermange, making the audience feel like they are part of a private, backstage confession.
One of the standout elements of this production is the songwriting. Bermange’s lyrics are tight, sharp, and incredibly well-written, landing every punchline with precision. From the strain of trying to hit an impossible high note to the absurdity of “debilitating dance routines,” the songs resonate with anyone who has ever spent time in a theater seat or in the wings. It’s no surprise that this show has garnered over 50 five-star reviews; the material is clearly written by someone who loves the genre enough to lovingly poke fun at its every flaw.
Complementing the brilliant score is choreography that can only be described as “killer.” In a small, intimate space like the SoHo Playhouse, the precision of the movements is even more impressive. The cast executes limb-spraining kicks and intricate sequences with an athletic grace that mirrors the very “mid-performance mishaps” and grueling standards they are singing about. It’s a meta-commentary on the physical toll of the stage, delivered with a smile and a perfectly timed jazz hand.
The show doesn’t just focus on the actors, though. It turns a hilarious mirror toward the audience, skewering everything from stage-struck superfans to the harsh critics and “detractors” who populate the stalls. It lifts the lid on the backstage backstabbing and off-stage feuds that are just as dramatic as the scripts themselves. Yet, for all the cynicism and satire regarding “awful auditions” and “never-was” careers, the show never loses its heart. It consistently returns to those magical, fleeting moments that make the struggle of a life in the theater entirely worthwhile.
Ultimately, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical is an essential watch for any theater devotee. It captures the unique obsession that drives people to the stage and the joy that keeps them there. Seeing it on the same day as Hold On To Your Butts made for a perfect SoHo Playhouse double-feature: one show celebrating the lo-fi imagination of cinema, and the other celebrating the high-stakes reality of the musical stage. If you have ever hummed a showtune in the shower or dreamed of your name in lights, this show is talking directly to you.
