Friendship is the secret ingredient in “Mystic Pizza” at Capital Repertory Theatre

Before the musical launches its national tour, Albany audiences can experience a heartfelt story powered by the chemistry of its three leading women

Some stories endure because they remind us that life’s biggest moments are often shared around ordinary tables, during everyday conversations, and with friends who become family. That’s the heart of “Mystic Pizza,” now playing at Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany.

At its core, “Mystic Pizza” is about the unwavering support found between three young women determined to discover who they are without losing one another along the way. Their shared laughter, setbacks, and triumphs remind audiences that while relationships may change, true friendship remains a constant.

Based on the beloved 1988 film, the stage musical follows friends and co-workers Daisy, Kat, and JoJo as they navigate love, family expectations, and dreams for the future while working in a small Connecticut pizza shop. Set to a soundtrack packed with iconic ’80s and ’90s hits, the production celebrates the bonds that carry us through life’s uncertainties — making friendship the show’s most satisfying slice.

That message extends well beyond the stage. Although Rebekah Rae Robles (Daisy), Lauren Marchand (Kat), and Carisa Gonzalez (JoJo) met just weeks before rehearsals began, the connection between them came quickly.

“We got here strangers,” Gonzalez said. “We’re roommates now.” She credits that instant bond with creating the chemistry audiences see each night. “We felt such a quick level of trust, which allows us to play and understand each other.”

The friendship among the characters has naturally grown into a friendship among the actresses themselves. Gonzalez describes JoJo as “the glue that keeps everyone together,” before adding with a smile, “I do kind of feel like that dynamic is in the three of us as well.”

For Robles, Daisy’s journey mirrors the comfort of leaning on the people who know you best. “There’s a lot going on, but she’s able to really stick close to her people and really hone in on just the love that we have,” she said. “Being able to have the girls here — even on a personal level — we’re able to talk about things.”

Marchand believes the story’s emotional resonance comes from its celebration of lasting friendship. “We start together, and we still end together,” she said. “It’s beautiful being in this show talking about friendship.”

The actresses also see “Mystic Pizza” as a story about community and finding your place in the world. Marchand points to one line from the musical that she feels captures all three women’s journeys: “It’s not fair. How are we supposed to know where we’re going to go or who we’re going to be if we haven’t met all the people we’re going to meet or seen all the things we’re going to see?” It’s a reminder that life’s path is often shaped by the people who walk beside us.

That sense of belonging extends to the show’s cultural themes as well. All three actresses identify as Latina and say the story’s immigrant family dynamics resonate deeply. “We’re all Latinx,” Gonzalez said. “We all know what it’s like to not be represented on stage. It’s just our lived experience.”

Before “Mystic Pizza” heads out on its national tour this fall, Albany audiences are among the first to experience the musical onstage, giving them another reason to savor this production. The national tour begins in September, making theREP production a special opportunity to see the show before it travels to theatres across the country.

Critics have praised the production’s energy and nostalgic appeal. The Times Union called it “an ’80s party at theREP,” highlighting its vibrant performances, lively choreography and emotional warmth.

Whether audiences remember the original film or are discovering the story for the first time, “Mystic Pizza” offers more than a trip down memory lane. It serves up a heartfelt reminder that life’s greatest recipes are built on loyalty, laughter, resilience, and the friends who stand beside us through every chapter — and that theREP audiences get to enjoy this heartfelt musical before it embarks on its next chapter across America.

Don’t wait to order your slice of “Mystic Pizza,” playing until Aug. 9 at theREP! For tickets visit the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Tuesday-Saturday 12 -6 p.m. or online by visiting attherep.org.