CHARMING NEW MUSICAL REVUE ABOUT TIME ENTERTAINS YOUNG AND OLD AT GOODSPEED'S TERRIS THEATRE
By Kiersten Bjork (June 11, 2025)
About Time is a delightful new musical revue that played at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester, CT, May 24 through June 15. A show about the passage of time, growing older, and the many lived experiences that we have, About Time is a charming new work that makes you laugh, makes you think, and might even make you cry. Featuring music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., the revue is directed by Maltby, Jr., with choreography and musical staging by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and music direction by Deniz Cordell. Josh Walden serves as associate choreographer, with Annie Pasqua as assistant music director and Gideon Temple as music assistant.
About Time stars a talented, tight-knit ensemble of six performers who, through solos, duets, and small group numbers, tell stories of life, love, loss, aging, parenting, and more. The revue is packed with witty, clever tunes that are both memorable and timely, the songs linked by the overarching theme of “life, love & laughter in your third act,” as the show materials state. Despite the target audience being a potentially older demographic, as one of the younger members of the audience, I found myself struck on a rather emotional level at different points of the show, something that I don’t think I was quite expecting. Each and every number, no matter your own age, speaks to relatable experiences, whether your own, or perhaps those of a friend or family member close to you. If you have been a part of someone’s life who is aging, there is an emotional weight to this revue, despite the many comedic numbers that will have you in stitches. “No One Will Know” and “Just a House” struck me in particular, while “Overripe Fruit” had me laughing the entire time. Each number is carefully crafted and, together with a handful of hilarious “interlude” monologues, combines to create a charming, and surprisingly moving, piece of theatre.
About Time is a delightful new musical revue that played at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester, CT, May 24 through June 15. A show about the passage of time, growing older, and the many lived experiences that we have, About Time is a charming new work that makes you laugh, makes you think, and might even make you cry. Featuring music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., the revue is directed by Maltby, Jr., with choreography and musical staging by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and music direction by Deniz Cordell. Josh Walden serves as associate choreographer, with Annie Pasqua as assistant music director and Gideon Temple as music assistant.
About Time stars a talented, tight-knit ensemble of six performers who, through solos, duets, and small group numbers, tell stories of life, love, loss, aging, parenting, and more. The revue is packed with witty, clever tunes that are both memorable and timely, the songs linked by the overarching theme of “life, love & laughter in your third act,” as the show materials state. Despite the target audience being a potentially older demographic, as one of the younger members of the audience, I found myself struck on a rather emotional level at different points of the show, something that I don’t think I was quite expecting. Each and every number, no matter your own age, speaks to relatable experiences, whether your own, or perhaps those of a friend or family member close to you. If you have been a part of someone’s life who is aging, there is an emotional weight to this revue, despite the many comedic numbers that will have you in stitches. “No One Will Know” and “Just a House” struck me in particular, while “Overripe Fruit” had me laughing the entire time. Each number is carefully crafted and, together with a handful of hilarious “interlude” monologues, combines to create a charming, and surprisingly moving, piece of theatre.
The cast of Goodspeed’s About Time, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Issy van Randwyck with Shinnerrie Jackson and Lynne Wintersteller in Goodspeed’s About Time, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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The ensemble is comprised of six actors – Darius de Haas, Shinnerrie Jackson, Daniel Jenkins, Eddie Korbich, Issy van Randwyck, and Lynne Wintersteller – who each play a range of characters, though they are billed with their first names as their roles. As a company, they are lively and engaging, each one a talented storyteller who puts on character after character with ease with each passing song.
Korbich opens the revue as the “writer” of the evening’s performance, linking the songs and stories together by letting the audience in on the secret that it’s all “about time.” One of my favorite numbers in the show is “Kensington Kenny” at the top of Act II, when Korbich all but steals the show with excellent character work and a powerful story. His performance throughout is dynamic yet grounded, returning back to the narrator role before busting out again with another fun character performance.
De Haas really struck me with his rendition of “What Do I Tell the Children?” as he asks the audience what to do when the morals and mantras he was told as a child seem so far-fetched in today’s world. The passion and pure feeling poured into that number, as well as his other songs, is moving.
Though it’s one of the shortest songs in the revue, Jackson tugs at your heartstrings with “Just a House.” If you or a loved one have ever had to leave behind a family home, especially if it’s a situation where an aging loved one just can’t manage it anymore, this song hits hard. Jackson’s simple yet layered performance packs a punch without the need for belting vocals or power chords. Jackson’s intentional vocal and physical choices, blended with the emotional message of the song, result in a heartfelt and heartwrenching performance.
Jenkins has some of the more humorous songs of the show and really shines on “Smart People,” “I Like Jazz,” and “Saying Goodbye.” His comedic timing is excellent, and, whether sung or spoken, he delivers the punchlines with curated intent, fun facial expressions, and delightful energy.
Van Randwyck is incredibly entertaining in every number she is in. “All I Wanna Do Is Go Dancing” is a favorite of mine for the joy that infuses the number, and “Little Susan Lawrence” got numerous laughs early on in the show. She provides hysterical interruptions in “Lunch with Linda,” adding in amusing physical choices to elevate the comedy of each moment.
Wintersteller has an impressive soprano voice that tackles the highest vocals with ease. Her version of “No One Will Know” is brimming with emotion, the audience tuned in to every word. Likewise, “Done” hits especially hard for the artists in the room, speaking to the exhaustion of rejection as a performer before ending with the reminder of why we do what we do. Wintersteller gives a beautiful performance all around.
Korbich opens the revue as the “writer” of the evening’s performance, linking the songs and stories together by letting the audience in on the secret that it’s all “about time.” One of my favorite numbers in the show is “Kensington Kenny” at the top of Act II, when Korbich all but steals the show with excellent character work and a powerful story. His performance throughout is dynamic yet grounded, returning back to the narrator role before busting out again with another fun character performance.
De Haas really struck me with his rendition of “What Do I Tell the Children?” as he asks the audience what to do when the morals and mantras he was told as a child seem so far-fetched in today’s world. The passion and pure feeling poured into that number, as well as his other songs, is moving.
Though it’s one of the shortest songs in the revue, Jackson tugs at your heartstrings with “Just a House.” If you or a loved one have ever had to leave behind a family home, especially if it’s a situation where an aging loved one just can’t manage it anymore, this song hits hard. Jackson’s simple yet layered performance packs a punch without the need for belting vocals or power chords. Jackson’s intentional vocal and physical choices, blended with the emotional message of the song, result in a heartfelt and heartwrenching performance.
Jenkins has some of the more humorous songs of the show and really shines on “Smart People,” “I Like Jazz,” and “Saying Goodbye.” His comedic timing is excellent, and, whether sung or spoken, he delivers the punchlines with curated intent, fun facial expressions, and delightful energy.
Van Randwyck is incredibly entertaining in every number she is in. “All I Wanna Do Is Go Dancing” is a favorite of mine for the joy that infuses the number, and “Little Susan Lawrence” got numerous laughs early on in the show. She provides hysterical interruptions in “Lunch with Linda,” adding in amusing physical choices to elevate the comedy of each moment.
Wintersteller has an impressive soprano voice that tackles the highest vocals with ease. Her version of “No One Will Know” is brimming with emotion, the audience tuned in to every word. Likewise, “Done” hits especially hard for the artists in the room, speaking to the exhaustion of rejection as a performer before ending with the reminder of why we do what we do. Wintersteller gives a beautiful performance all around.
Darius de Haas in Goodspeed’s About Time, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Issy van Randwyck, Shinnerrie Jackson and Lynne Wintersteller in Goodspeed’s About Time, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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The onstage band is composed of Cordell (piano/conductor), Pasqua (piano II), and Scott Chaurette (bass), who are wonderful. They take up a good section of the upstage right stage space, while the rest of the stage is modestly appointed with a few chairs, a door, some trunks, and a clothing rack with assorted costume pieces. Costume design by Tracy Christensen is well done. Each actor has a base costume that fits nicely into the world of the show, that they then add different pieces to – hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. – to differentiate between characters. Lighting designer Mitchell Fenton makes great use of color, utilizing the upstage cyc to frame different songs with strong backdrops of color. I absolutely loved the final lighting look of the show, and I liked the range of different silhouettes and spotlight looks used throughout. Sound design by Jay Hilton is strong, and the balance throughout the show is solid.
Daniel Jenkins in Goodspeed’s About Time, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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The cast of Goodspeed’s About Time, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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About Time is a wonderful new piece that surprised me by the level and depth of storytelling and emotional weight conveyed, all in a well-written, tight, endearing musical revue. From start to finish, it’s enjoyable, impressive, and an all-around great show. I look forward to seeing where it may go next: it’s a revue that would play beautifully in cabaret spaces and smaller houses, I think. Here’s to “life, love, and laughter,” and don’t forget, “it’s all about time!”
About Time played May 24-June 15, 2025, at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at goodspeed.org/seasons/2025-season/the-terris-theatre or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
About Time played May 24-June 15, 2025, at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at goodspeed.org/seasons/2025-season/the-terris-theatre or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.