Arts & Entertainment
Review: 'The Seven Year Itch' at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre
This wasn't my favorite romantic comedy, but I must credit the talented cast with fine performances.
Berlin, CT - Connecticut Cabaret Theatre opened its 2017 season on Friday with the comedy ‘The Seven Year Itch’ by George Axelrod. The play was produced and directed by CCT owner Kris McMurray and James J. Moran designed the lights, sound and the impressive set. The three act play was presented with one intermission and Mr. McMurray shared during his curtain speech that during the season selection process, this play was one of the few that he was able to read to the end.
The phrase that is the title refers to a term used by psychologists for declining interest in a monogamous relationship after seven years of marriage. The play was filmed in 1955. It was directed and co-written by Billy Wilder and starred Tom Ewell reprising his Broadway leading role and Marilyn Monroe as ‘The Girl.’ I was only familiar with the film and the iconic scene of Ms. Monroe and that iconic white dress on the subway grate; it appears that the play is quite different.
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On opening night, I was seated at a (different) table with a pair of ladies that had been there for the opening of ‘Miss Abigail.’ Tilda was the one who recognized me and I shared that I had mentioned in my review all of the patrons who had bravely gotten up on the stage of the last production I had seen at CTT. From this table in the center of the room, I noticed how often many of the patrons offered advice aloud to the characters onstage and spoke to others at their table during the performance. Two broke into uncontrollable laughter at something I had obviously missed at their table. This was an interesting addition to the performance and was perhaps a result of the ‘bring your own policy detailed below.
‘The Seven Year Itch’ runs every Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm from February 17th through March 18th, 2017. Doors open at 7:15pm. Reservations are recommended. www.ctcabaret.com The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is located at 31 Webster Square Road, just off Route 9 (exit 22: Mill Street) and the Berlin Turnpike. The theatre’s motto is “BRING YOUR OWN”. Presented cabaret-style, patrons are welcome to bring whatever they like to eat or drink with them. They also can enjoy a dessert bar that has a variety of treats to purchase.
