I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical
Written by Alexander Bermange; Directed and choreographed by Eamon Foley.
SoHo Playhouse | 15 Vandam St. , New York, NY 10013
February 6, 2026 - February 28, 2026
Photo Credit: David Gibbs
Frivolous and rich with stories of life upon the wicked stage, “I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical” is a delightful journey into the mind of the musical theater actor.
With generous choreography from Eamon Foley, the actors give it their all. Stepping on chairs and parading through the aisles, they share one solo after another. In support their devotion, posters from “A Chorus Line” and “Les Miserables” are on the walls. Eamon Foley’s direction is fanciful, with a feeling of being always at Summer Stock. The actors experiment with new fabrics and the perfect scarves to shimmer with each jazz move. Lights surrounding a mirror in a dressing room provide that extraordinary pause for preparation before the next thrilling moment.
Writer Alexander Bermange crafted this carefree musical review for two men and two women, who are constantly onstage together. After the Opening Number, the performance quickly moves to Ripley Grier in New York City, where hopefuls displaytheir anxiety about performance. Each player confesses their devotion to the arts and their hidden panic when all begins to go wrong. We’ve all been there, and even I had to provide an embarrassed laugh, seeing Tyler Gallaher lament about health while coughing up green fluid and Elizabeth Mandell reachingto the top of her pitch while singing out. When Sam Brackleywears a leather mask, we get that twinge of fear that all may go quite worse, like an out-of-control rendition of a “Phantom of the Opera” parody.
What a relief to see Madelyn Whitehead take the stage for “The Diva’s in The House.” Wearing a beret with a poodle by her side, she really rocks it. Bold and unapologetic, she is backed by her ensemble players, adding just a bit of verve to an already joyous evening. The magic of the art of making musical theaterwas never more lauded. Cheers to an inspired creative team and an impressive ensemble of actors.
Review by Marcina Zaccaria.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on February 17th, 2026. All rights reserved.
