BABY IT'S YOU! at the Broadhurst Theatre

(Seen 5/13/11)

Yet another juke-box musical comes to Broadway, albeit not based on a hit film. BABY IT'S YOU! tells the behind-the-scenes story of how a group of young, black, female pop singers became the world-famous Shirelles. And it all happened because a strong-willed Jewish housewife from New Jersey -- Florence Greenberg -- had a vision and a belief in their talent.

It has all the makings of a powerful musical -- including her scandalous affair with a black recording artist, which broke up her marriage. But in the inept book by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, it becomes a boring and pedestrian tale of highs and lows, amateurishly constructed, and uninventively directed by Mutrux and Sheldon Epps.

If you are an avid fan of the Shirelles, or the pop music of the period, you might find it easier sitting through this sad tale.

Beth Leavel is burdened but brave and gung-ho as Mrs. Greenberg, and Kelli Barrett is excellent as her neglected daughter, who finally reveals a fine voice and attractive stage presence. The cast seems quite able, but the material unfortunately doesn't allow them to demonstrate more than superficial abilities.