3 out of 5 stars

“Joy” is a big-hearted musical that comes up short in various ways. But if you look past its faults – a middling score, comedic scenes that aren’t quite so funny – you may find yourself charmed by it. The true-life story is itself a winner: Meet Joy Mangano, a single mom who dreams of being a successful inventor. And the cast, headed by Betsy Wolfe, radiates, well, joy in telling that tale. But the issues become more apparent in a plodding second half. Still, it's hard to dislike a show that offers the chance to win a free mop (aka Mangano’s invention). — Charles Passy

At the Laura Pels Theater, through Aug. 17, 2025; joythemusical.com. (Review date: Aug. 14, 2025)