Critical Reaction

Critical Reaction

"High sentiment and low comedy harmonize splendidly.... The story, adapted by James Magruder with equal affection for French drama and musical comedy, is a deliberate push and pull between head and heart, between elevated wit and below-the-belt jokes."
– The Washington Post

"Modest in everything but talent and charm, this chamber-size comedy just might have the sass to take its place alongside... big-budget lions. [It melds]... a bright, comic-book style with a campy, irreverent wit... the broad comedy seamlessly (and quite effectively) gives way to moments of real poignancy as the aging brother and sister open their long-closed hearts to the dangers of love."
– Variety

"Although Mr. Stock's music contains glints of Stephen Sondheim-style intellect, the show s silly spirit also infects the score with a grab bag of styles that include tango, soul, swing, and music hall ditties. In fact, the music and the overall joie de vivre of Triumph of Love represent the best-case scenario when it comes to love a perfect union of the heart and mind."
– DC Theatre Scene

"One of the most delightful musicals to hit Broadway.... The lyrics are very much of a piece with the spoken dialogue and the music will resonate most for Sondheim fans. ...Underneath all the contemporary and allusionary jokiness, the playwright's more serious intent remains clear. He illuminates the way gender and philosophical confusions turn our attitudes towards the meaning to life and love into a hall of mirrors."
– CurtainUp