≡ Meet John Doe
Music by Andrew Gerle, lyrics by Eddie Sugarman
Book by Andrew Gerle and Eddie Sugarman
Additional story by Matt August
Directed by Eric Schaeffer
Produced by Ford’s Theatre in association with Goodspeed Musicals
Reviewed by Gary McMillan

Meet John Doe, Frank Capra’s second-tier (though decidedly not third-rate) political comedy-drama is not the best source material for a musical, but Andrew Gerle and Eddie Sugarman have crafted a very good show with book-driven songs and enchanting melodies. There are weak moments and rough edges, but with six great numbers in the first act alone, much here is delicious. I am grateful that Ford Theatre’s production of Eleanor: A Love Story is preserved on a cast recording (I saw that show at least four times), and — weaknesses notwithstanding — I hope that Meet John Doe will be recorded with this cast.




Jason Stiles as F. S. McDade (Photo: Ian C. Armstrong)









