“The creator of ‘Betty & The Belrays’, now at the Theater for the New City, pretty much dares you to compare his well-meaning, but cartoony, new musical to ‘Hairspray’, a comparison in which the new musical fares poorly. Written - book and lyrics - and directed by William Electric Black, with music by Black, Valerie Ghent and Gary Schreiner, ‘Betty’, like ‘Hairspray’, tells the story of a white high school-aged girl, the eponymous Betty, living in a racially divided city, here 1963 Detroit.”
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“The show originally ran in 2007, but 2019 seems like the perfect time to bring it back because many of its themes still ring true...The music transports the audience right back to the 60s...The pop songs, capture the sweet, feminine style of 60s girl bands...It’s a wonderful, important show full of heart that’s suitable for the whole family, especially during a time when the themes of racism, allyship and standing up for what is right are so relevant.”
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"I heartily recommend this musical. It’s full of pleasant surprises as it prompts one to think."
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"Betty’s decision, and its consequences, make 'Betty and the Belrays' something other than a series of scenes that showcase a wonderful cast, ensemble, and musicians, and a cute group of songs...Really a lesson in the history of race relations in the past fifty or so years...Pity that’s still necessary...A bubbly, humorous 60s girl-group story, and a dark tale of segregation and civil rights makes for an odd combination, but author/director William Electric Black pretty much pulls it off."
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“A must see...The set dress, costuming, songs and actors were awesome. Zipgun was hilarious...One of those shows where performers came into the audience so you felt like you were part of the action...The show itself balances the social commentary with great musical numbers.”
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