PHS Production of 'My Favorite Year' Brings Back Golden Era of Television

Back in the days before “Saturday Night Live,” way back, even, before Ed Sullivan, Sonny and Cher, and “Laugh-In,” were the great variety shows of the early 1950s.

These shows featured musical acts and comedy routines, and spawned some of the biggest names in the genre’s history. Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, and Neil Simon all cut their teeth as writers on a show starring Sid Caesar.

In fact, two of the characters in “My Favorite Year,” Parsippany High School’s spring musical, which opens this week, are based on Mel Brooks and Sid Caesar. Benjy Stone (the Mel Brooks type) is a writer on a variety show starring King Kaiser (the Sid Caesar type).  The plot of the play revolves around a guest appearance by Benjy’s childhood idol, Alan Swann, who is now a bit of a has-been with a penchant for women and alcohol.

The responsibility of wrangling Swann falls on Benjy, who wants to see his hero succeed, but certainly has his work cut out for him. And this, of course, leads to the chaotic hilarity that musical comedies are known for.

Parsippany High School Director Ester Musilli fell in love with both the music and the show's comedy. When it came time to select the spring production, she thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase the students' talent.

“PHS drama students have a knack for comedy,” Musilli says, noting that the show also has some great ensemble pieces. “There is a part for everyone.”

Freshman Brian Lanigan, who plays Benjy, sees many similarities between himself and his character.

"I really like being Benjy,” he says of his energetic counterpart. “I’m outgoing and wild and crazy. It fits me. I’m glad I got the part.”

Raymond VanSteyn, a senior who plays Alan Swann, says the swashbuckling ladies’ man he portrays is nothing like him, but that’s all the more reason to enjoy taking on the persona.

“He’s fun to play,” VanSteyn says of his character. “I don’t normally fool around with four different people at once, so it’s an interesting experience!” he quips.

 The show promises great music and a ton of laughs. Opening on Broadway in 1992, it was written by Joseph Dougherty with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It was based on a film of the same name that premiered ten years earlier and starred Peter O'Toole.

Senior Elena Marmo, who plays Benjy’s love interest, K.C. Downing, is certain their version of the play will go over well with audiences. “It’s a very funny show,” she says. “It has a lot to entertain the audience with dancing and singing and all the jokes. There’s a lot of stand-up comedy.”

Senior Claire Davanzo turns the spotlight on her co-stars while discussing the aspects of the show that are sure to be hits. She says audiences will be impressed by Lanigan’s portrayal of Benjy, as he’s worked tirelessly to bring his character to life.

“And Raymond,” she says of VanSteyn, “everyone loves Raymond!”

 Given her vast theatre experience and hours logged in three different choirs, Davanzo’s own turn as Benjy’s overzealous mother, Belle, promises to be none too shabby either. One of the things Davanzo likes most about the character is a song she sings about her husband. “It’s a really passionate song, “she says.

Musilli hopes that the cast and crew’s months of hard work and dedication will result in the audience having an “evening of great comedy and music that will leave you humming.”

But she knows that her students will take away even more.

Apart from a strong work ethic and a greater ability to cooperate well with others, there’s the energy and rush that comes with the culmination of so many people pooling their talents to produce something truly wonderful.

 “I love to see the magic that opening night brings, “ she says. “There is something special about it. Any problems we may have encountered all go away. It’s all worth it. To see the kids put on their best performance, it’s all so exciting.”

“My Favorite Year” will run Thursday through Saturday in the Parsippany High School Auditorium. All shows begin at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and non-Parsippany students. All Parsippany students are free.