When Broadway playwright and actress Sandy Rustin called director Casey Hushion during the pandemic to collaborate with her on another play, Casey couldn’t have been more excited. “We've been friends for years, live in Maplewood, and had just worked on Clue together at Paper Mill Playhouse, where we found that we had this incredible chemistry,” she says. “We enjoyed Clue so much and were really eager to find the next thing together.”
That next great thing was Mystic Pizza, a musical based on the successful 80s movie starring Julia Roberts. “I can't believe the songs that we were able to get to be part of this show,” she says. “It’s spectacular.”
Beginning performances on January 29 at Paper Mill, the audience will be dancing in their seats to Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now and many more originally recorded songs by Cyndi Lauper, John Cougar Mellencamp, Wilson Phillips, The Bangles, Belinda Carlisle, and Bryan Adams.
Mystic Pizza, she says, reaches across generations. For those who watched the film when it came out, they will be filled with nostalgia, while at the same time being able to share it with older and younger family and friends.
“It’s about sisterhood, about family and your chosen family and friendships,” says Casey. “It’s about community as well and is a very open hearted, warm, and joyful show.”
As usual, Paper Mill Playhouse has a lot more in store for theatergoers. After Mystic Pizza closes, Take the Lead and Disney’s The Little Mermaid will finish up the 2024-2025 season. The 2025-2026 season is on target to be just as exciting.
Casey has been a director for 25 years and especially loves working at the Playhouse. “My first show here was Beehive during the pandemic. It's been a creative home for me and the people are so incredible. It's my absolute favorite place to work, and it's six minutes from my house.”
In addition to Clue and Mystic Pizza, she directed Jolly Holiday, Murder on the Orient Express, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. “I feel so lucky because my kids, family friends and the whole Maplewood community are able to easily come and see the shows,” she says. “It’s right in our backyard, and the quality of the shows are Broadway level without a doubt.”
Another thing that makes this gem of a theater a real draw is its beautiful building and grounds. In nicer weather, theatergoers can spend intermission outdoors viewing a meandering stream and watching koi swim in a little pond.
Paper Mill also provides unique experiences that complement their shows. Before Mystic Pizza even opens, fun 80s & 90s events will be on tap at The F.M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant, located right next to the theatre. Then, since the main characters in the play are Portuguese-American, Chef Jacques will be featuring a menu with Portuguese Kale & Linguica Soup and Iberian Lamb Stew & Olives. For dessert, diners can enjoy delicious Chocolate Pizza and Fruit Pizza!
As successful as the theatre is, there are always plans to make it better. In October, it kicked off a $43.7 million capital campaign to create an even more amazing experience. The theater is counting on their generous donors, subscribers, and single ticket buyers to complete the renovations over the next three years.
Get your tickets now for Mystic Pizza or one of the other phenomenal shows on tap. Go to PaperMill.org or call 973-376-4343.