“A FIRST-RATE PRODUCTION!
Romeo & Bernadette is a sweet, spoofy romp of a musical comedy. It feels fond, familiar, escapist: theater as merry comfort food. The appeal of that—especially in this time of relentlessly dire headlines—is not to be underestimated."
—The New York Times
2020 AWARD NOMINATIONS
OFF BROADWAY ALLIANCE
BEST MUSICAL
DRAMA DESK AWARDS
Outstanding Lyrics – Mark Saltzman
Outstanding Book – Mark Saltzman
OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD
Best Book – Mark Saltzman
Best Supporting Actress – Judy McLane
“RIOTOUSLY FUNNY! THE COMPANY IS FULL OF TERRIFIC VOICES.“
–Michael Dale, Broadway World May 16, 2022
“A HILARIOUS TWIST ON ROMEO & JULIET.
This thrillingly fast-paced and delightfully fun story never lags. The cast is amazing!
You don't have to love Shakespeare or even like Shakespeare, to enjoy this immensely irresistible show.
You won't want to miss it!”
–Says Me, Says Mom, May 19, 2022
“YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF LAUGHING OUT LOUD!
This musical spoof has some very funny dialogue and song lyrics delivered by an uber talented cast.
It’s pure entertainment and receives an “A+” from us."
–Sandi Durell,, Theater Pizzazz, May 16, 2022
“IT’S BEDDUH THAN EVUH!
Riotously clever and over-the-top funny, Romeo & Bernadette is sharp-witted and fun-loving,
while affirming the importance of love and harmony to avert tragedy."
–Deb Miller, DC Theater Arts, May 16, 2022
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“A LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY SHOW
that'll send you off smiling. Excellent performances feature some full-on belting and wow the crowd.
For a fun night out, grab your goombahs and say, 'Andiamo!'"
– Pete Hempstead, Theatermania
“THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF LOVE AND LAUGHS!
To describe Saltzman's show as something that simply 'works' is a complete understatement. It's quite exciting to see a piece of theater fully take charge of itself, and Romeo & Bernadette is truly a model citizen of Off-Broadway productions. Say "fuhgeddaboudit!" to any show you were thinking about seeing this week and allow Romeo & Bernadette to sing, dance and perhaps even throw some Italian charm into your life instead.”
– Kristen Morale, BroadwayWorld.com
“A BROADWAY-QUALITY PRODUCTION IN AN
OFF-BROADWAY HOUSE FOR AN OFF-BROADWAY PRICE.
The cast includes Broadway alumni as well as some making their NYC debuts such as Anna Kostakis, who won the audience over with her beautiful voice and comedic skills worthy of a theatre veteran. The same could be said for the three handsome leading men, Burshteyn, Michael Notardonato, and Zach Schanne. Judy McLane gives a superb operatic performance. Michael Marotta adds old-world elegance and the scene-stealing Troy Valjean Rucker had the audience in hysterics. This endearing and hilarious story is a definite MUST SEE FOR MUSICAL THEATER LOVERS AND SHAKESPEARE FANS ALIKE." – Blaise Buckley, Frequent Business Traveller
“A FUN ROMANTIC NIGHT AT THEATRE WITH LAUGHS GALORE!
This bada bing bada boom tale is like Moonstruck mixed with The Soprano’s and is laugh out loud funny thanks to Mark Saltzman’s book and lyrics and clever use of songs adapted from classic Italian melodies arranged with panache by Steve Orich. Director Justin Ross Cohen makes over the top Italian stereotypes lovable thanks to his fresh and uber talented stellar cast.” – Times Square Chronicles
“A KNOCKOUT, OUT-AND-OUT HILARIOUS
new take on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet so clever and well performed that you can say
it's been worth waiting centuries for.”
– Rob Lester, EDGE Media Network
“If you like musicals, you like comedy and you like Shakespeare
YOU’LL LOVE THIS SHOW!
The actors deliver their roles with comedic expertise and the exceptional performance by Judy McLane deserves a 'Brava!' I can’t imagine a more appropriate modern-day sequel to Romeo & Juliet. AMAS Musical Theatre’s production of Romeo & Bernadette couldn’t be easier to enjoy.”
– opplaud.com
“A HILARIOUS OFF-BROADWAY SHOW!
Two hours of spoofy fun – think Gilbert and Sullivan meets the Mafia with a dash of Puccini and Volare. Newcomers to off-Broadway – Nikita Burshteyn, Anna Kostakis, Michael Notardonato and Ari Raskin – shine in the show. If Shakespeare could have re-imagined his oeuvre as an exercise in camp, he couldn’t have done it any better.”
– Meryl Pearlstein, Allny.com
“UPROARIOUS AND A LOT OF FUN!
This madcap time-traveling rom-com is filled with clever references to Shakespeare and clashes between the Bard’s refined Elizabethan style and the pop culture of the ‘60s, laughingly delivered by an entertaining cast of ten, under the high-spirited direction of Justin Ross Cohen.”
– Deb Miller, DC Metro Theatre Arts
“A GENUINELY FUNNY, ENTERTAINING, ZIPPY PRODUCTION!
The show is effortlessly charming. Mark Saltzman’s script balances one-liners with a boisterous romantic heart. Justin Ross Cohen’s direction and the supremely talented cast provides an urbane, frothy, entertaining wit and edge. FOR A FUN NIGHT OUT, ROMEO AND BERNADETTE DELIVERS!” – Adam Cohen, Theater Pizzaz
“A SMART, MELODIC BREATH OF FRESH AIR!
This nutty and very funny mashup is the brainchild of Mark Saltzman who wrote the book and lyrics. Your face will ache with smiles and laughter. Go see it for yourself. Probably twice so that you catch all the jokes.”
– Oscar Moore, Talk Entertainment
“THE PERFORMANCES ARE SUPERB!
It’s rare that a musical synthesizes genres and influences from popular and high culture and succeeds at integrating them all, but when all the humor of Romeo’s archaic and awkward entry into modern society and the intricate plot twists are put aside, there is something noble and transcendent here. Recent BFA musical theater graduates Anna Kostakis and Ari Raskin excel in comedy, song, and movement. Judy McLane, a veteran Broadway star, deserves special mention for her stylized, tragicomic characterization of a crime boss’s wife.”
– Rachel S. Korvacs, offoffonline
“A VERY CLEVER CONCEPT, BRILLIANTLY EXECUTED!
An utterly delightful riff on Romeo and Juliet. What Mark Saltzman has done is written really excellent, delightful, clever, funny, sweet, new English lyrics to very old Italian songs. I can't emphasize too much how excellent these lyrics are – wonderful rhymes, no false rhymes, no missed accents; just stellar, stellar lyric writing all around. The entire cast was amazing. Judy McLane was brilliant in a supporting role as a Brooklyn Italian matron and the guy who played Romeo, Nikita Burshteyn, has one of the most beautiful tenor voices I've heard. I would very much advise everybody to check it out."
– Michael Portantiere, Broadway Radio
“A MUCH-NEEDED GOOD TIME!”
– The Unforgettable Line
“EVERYTHING A GREAT MUSICAL NEEDS!
Terrific music, glorious singing, block-busting ensembles, and love. Director/Choreographer Justin Ross Cohen and his cast have put together what I can say without hesitation is the best, fully staged NEW musical I’ve seen since I began reviewing. If it doesn’t move on to Broadway, I’m not sure anything can. Every moment is sheer magic. See it now, while you can afford it. It’s truly a work of genius.” – Hi Drama