It Shoulda Been You
‘It Shoulda Been You’ Brings Broadway-Level Wedding Chaos to New Jersey Stage Through March 1
February 27 @ 16:00 – March 1 @ 23:30
Wedding bells are ringing — but not everything is going according to plan.
It Shoulda Been You, the Broadway musical farce packed with blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing mothers, unexpected guests, and rapid-fire twists, is now lighting up the New Jersey theatre scene through March 1. For audiences who love high-energy ensemble comedies with heart, this production delivers a fast-paced night of laughter, emotional surprises, and musical storytelling that feels both modern and timeless.
As Explore New Jersey continues expanding coverage across our Theatre section, productions like this represent exactly why the Garden State remains a dynamic hub for live performance.
A Wedding Day You’ll Never Forget
Written by Brian Hargrove (Book & Lyrics) with music by Barbara Anselmi, It Shoulda Been You is structured around one of the most pressure-filled events imaginable: a wedding.
Two families — one Jewish, one Catholic — gather for what should be a joyous celebration. Instead, secrets unravel, tensions escalate, identities are questioned, and carefully constructed expectations collapse in spectacular fashion.
The premise is simple. The execution is anything but.
This is musical theatre engineered for momentum. The show moves quickly, leaning into sharp dialogue, layered ensemble numbers, and escalating situational comedy. Yet beneath the farce is something more grounded — a story about acceptance, forgiveness, and redefining what family truly means.
Creative Team Elevates the Production
This New Jersey staging is produced by Elizabeth Howard and directed by Zachary Mazouat, with music direction by Catherine Corcoran and stage management by Dana Dispoto.
That leadership structure matters. Musical farce is not easy. Timing is critical. Ensemble chemistry is essential. Musical transitions must feel seamless rather than chaotic.
When done correctly, the result is exhilarating.
When done poorly, it feels forced.
Early audience reaction suggests this production hits its marks, balancing humor with sincerity while maintaining the high-energy pace that defines the script.
Performance Schedule and Accessibility
Performance Dates:
February 13
February 14
February 20
February 21
February 22
February 27
February 28
March 1
The March 1 performance will be ASL-interpreted, with interpreters made possible in part through the support of the Cranford JayCees. That inclusion reinforces New Jersey theatre’s growing commitment to accessibility and audience expansion.
In a state where live arts continue to rebound strongly, accessible programming is not optional — it is essential.
Why ‘It Shoulda Been You’ Resonates Now
At its core, It Shoulda Been You is about expectations.
Families expect tradition. Parents expect control. Couples expect perfection. Reality rarely cooperates.
In 2026, audiences respond strongly to stories that acknowledge complexity without sacrificing humor. This show does exactly that. It allows characters to be flawed, loud, stubborn, and loving — often simultaneously.
The Jewish-Catholic family dynamic provides cultural specificity, but the themes are universal. Identity. Pride. Generational tension. Letting go.
And, of course, the unpredictability of weddings.
Broadway DNA, Jersey Energy
Originally produced on Broadway, the musical carries professional pedigree. Bringing that caliber of writing and composition to a New Jersey stage reinforces the state’s role as more than a satellite to New York theatre. It is an active participant.
New Jersey’s theatre ecosystem has evolved significantly, with regional companies consistently staging productions that rival larger metropolitan offerings in professionalism and polish.
Productions like It Shoulda Been You demonstrate that Broadway-quality storytelling thrives right here at home.
The Power of Ensemble Comedy
Unlike star-driven musicals, this show lives and dies on ensemble strength. The farce requires synchronized chaos — characters colliding, reacting, revealing, and regrouping at breakneck speed.
The music underscores that momentum, weaving comedic timing into melodic structure.
For theatre enthusiasts searching for “musical comedy New Jersey,” “wedding comedy musical NJ,” or “Broadway-style theatre February events,” this production checks every box.
It is fast. It is funny. It is heartfelt.
A Timely Reminder About Love and Family
What begins as a ceremony on the verge of collapse evolves into something unexpectedly affirming.
Love does not always arrive on schedule. Family does not always look traditional. Acceptance is rarely tidy.
That emotional pivot gives the musical staying power beyond its punchlines.
In a performance calendar filled with dramas and revivals, a sharp, modern farce with genuine warmth offers welcome balance.
Closing Weekend Approaches
With performances running through March 1, audiences have a limited window to experience this production live.
For couples planning weddings, families navigating generational dynamics, or anyone who has ever attended a ceremony where something went sideways, It Shoulda Been You offers both catharsis and comedy.
New Jersey’s theatre scene continues to prove that you do not need to cross the Hudson for Broadway-caliber entertainment.
Sometimes, the wedding chaos — and the applause — are happening right here in the Garden State.
