So here's the early word on Under the Bridge, which I blogged about a couple of days ago. Sounds OK...the reviewer is clearly uncomfortable heaping praise on Kathy Lee Gifford, but this could be alright...

"Given that the new musical Under the Bridge is based on a children's book and features book and lyrics by Kathie Lee Gifford, it comes as no surprise that it's unapologetically wholesome and heartwarming. In fact, the show is so wholesome and heartwarming that it will appeal primarily to girls under the age of 10. On the plus side, the musical offers some pleasant songs by composer David Pomeranz and Gifford, as well as fine performances by Broadway veterans Ed Dixon and Florence Lacey.

Dixon plays Armand, a quintessential Parisian hobo who wears ratty clothes and lives, yes, under a bridge. After Armand and the rest of the company sing about the glories of Paris, his gypsy friend Mireli (Lacey) predicts new developments in his life in the song "You Will Meet With Adventure Today." Sure enough, Armand finds three redheaded urchins camped out under his bridge. Their father recently died, and their mother, Madame Calcet (Jacquelyn Piro), can't afford a room.

Best known as Regis Philbin's former co-host, Gifford does prove to be a capable lyricist. And Pomeranz--a successful pop composer who has written for Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, and others--contributes catchy tunes, some of which bring to mind Les Miz. Besides the lively 'This Is the Gypsy Life,' I enjoyed 'The Marriage of Lady Tartine' (sung by the three children), 'This House Where We Live' (sung by the oldest child, played by Maggie Watts), 'He Is With You' (sung by Lacey), and 'A Clean Start' (sung by Dixon).

With 19 numbers packed into 130 minutes, the show moves right along. Director Eric Schaeffer clearly made pacing a priority. He also maneuvers the 13 singing-and-dancing actors around the tiny stage with aplomb."