Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical

This amazing yet not very well known musical is based upon the life of singer/songwriter Ellie Greenwich who composed such classics as "Doo Wah Diddy," "Going To the Chapel of Love," "River Deep, Mountain High," "Leader of Pack," "Hanky Panky," and "Wait 'til My Bobby Gets Home." She also wrote many other greats from the 60s/70s. All of them are in this musical intertwined with the somewhat tragic story of Ellie's road to fame, her marriage/divorce leading to her nervous breakdown, and her eventual comeback. Though most of the music does not help tell the story, it does help in establishing the motive of this career-driven woman as all of her songs are performed before you. The book by itself is not a particularly great read just because you do not get to see/hear the songs being performed which is what makes this play truly memorable. Unfortunately, because Leader of the Pack is not a very popular musical (though you would think it would be), it is not put on often and is therefore hard to find. When I was in Sydney, Australia this last spring, I saw that Leader of the Pack was coming to the playhouse (sorry I don't know the name) where I'd just seen the equally fantastic Mamma Mia! I was surprised to have found it and was disappointed that I would be leaving before I'd get a chance to see it. So, if you see it being performed somewhere near you, no matter what country you're in, go!! Both Leader of the Pack and Mamma Mia! are highly recommended!