Review: Jerry’s Girls

Review: Jerry’s Girls | Veritas Productions & Theatre Arts and Mizel Arts and Culture Center | Pluss Theatre/Mizel Arts and Cultural Center, Denver, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald | November 14, 2025

With sequins, setbacks, and sheer determination, Veritas Productions & Theatre Arts, in partnership with Mizel Arts and Culture Center, made its theatrical debut with Jerry’s Girls—a production forged through illness, plumbing chaos, and a whole lot of heart. Staged at Pluss Theatre/Mizel Arts and Culture Center in Denver, a venue known for its dedication to vibrant, community-centered performance and visual arts, this inaugural production paid tribute to musical theatre icon Jerry Herman, who composed the music and wrote the lyrics for multiple award-winning Broadway hits, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, Mack and Mabel, and La Cage aux Folles. His legacy of joy, glamour, and unapologetic optimism resonated throughout the revue’s lively score and design.

Under the Broadway-bold direction of Katie Reid Milazzo, Jerry’s Girls found its visual rhythm with consistency and heart. Rebecca Scott Dean’s choreography complemented the staging with crisp, character-driven movement that honored the revue’s celebratory spirit. Together, their work shaped a production that felt theatrically assured, balancing glamour and grit in equal measure and guiding the ensemble through Herman’s melodic terrain with clarity and care.

The revue showcases Herman’s most beloved musicals, displaying a dazzling array of his Broadway hits. From Hello, Dolly! comes the lively title number, a showstopper that still knows how to make an entrance. Mame captures its signature energy with “It’s Today,” a celebration of living out loud. Mack and Mabel (my personal favorite) expresses emotion and longing through “Time Heals Everything.” At the same time, La Cage aux Folles delivers its anthem of self-acceptance, “I Am What I Am,” and wraps up with the hopeful tune “The Best of Times.” Each song reminds us of Herman’s genius—his exceptional talent for composing tunes that are both emotionally powerful and theatrically captivating.

None of this could have been achieved without the talents of Nancy Evans Begley (Founding Director and Producing Artistic Director of Veritas Productions & Theatre Arts), Ali Chung, and Dana Hart Wright, who carried the evening with grace and dedication. On opening night, each woman delivered an interpretation of Herman’s lyrics that showed both personal connection and artistic precision. Whether channeling bold exuberance or quiet vulnerability, their performances demonstrated a mutual respect for the material and a readiness to step confidently into the spotlight.

Music director Aldo Algoode anchored the production with both musical leadership and onstage finesse, doubling as the skillful accompanist throughout the evening. His piano work provided a steady, expressive foundation for the revue’s shifting moods, while bassist Johnny Torres added warmth and rhythmic depth, enriching the duo’s sound. Together, they brought a professional sheen to the musical landscape, elevating each number with clarity and care.

The physical production of Jerry’s Girls is nothing short of sublime. Costume designer Cole Emarine outdid himself, delivering a visual feast with looks that sparkled, flattered, and paid homage to Herman’s glamorous legacy. Brett Maughan’s complex lighting design sculpted the stage with precision and mood, while Andrew S. Bates’ scenic design offered a versatile, show-business backdrop that supported each musical shift. Curt Behm’s audio design ensured clarity and balance throughout, allowing Herman’s melodies to shine. These elements worked in concert to elevate the entire experience from start to finish.

Jerry’s Girls, playing through Sunday, November 23, at Pluss Theatre/Mizel Arts and Culture Center in Denver, marks more than a debut—it’s a declaration of intent. Despite the hurdles, Veritas Productions & Theatre Arts and Mizel Arts and Culture Center have shown a commitment to craft, community, and theatrical storytelling that bodes well for what’s to come. With strong design work, a resilient spirit, and an affection for musical theatre’s emotional core, this company has taken its first steps with courage and care. As the curtain falls on their inaugural outing, one thing is clear: Veritas Productions & Theatre Arts is ready to keep the spotlight burning.

For information and tickets: https://tickets.jccdenver.org/tickets/jerry-s-girls-336745#buy