Theater Review: 'Pretty Woman The Musical' by Landmark Community Theater

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

Landmark Community Theatre has brought together a wonderful cast to present “Pretty Woman The Musical.” For me, the nostalgic story that encourages audiences to “Never Give Up On A Dream” never gets old.

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“Pretty Woman” is blessed with a book by the late Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton that thankfully sticks very closely to the beloved Touchstone Pictures motion picture written by Lawton. The music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance make this Cinderella story into a full Broadway musical with plenty of heart. Fans of the movie with Julia Roberts, Richard Gere and Hector Elizondo.

Katie Kovacs returns to LCT as the director of the production and carefully handles the romantic aspects. She notes that she has revisited the story to see it through “a new lens–one that highlights the deeper challenges, social complexities, and emotional growth at its core.”

The director adds that “This musical adaptation expands the story in meaningful ways, giving voice to its characters through dynamic performances and powerful music.” Hard-core fans of the film that can recite many of the lines will delight in the iconic moments that contain most of the memorable lines that they expect.

Michele Alicky works with her as the stage manager and Ethan Wollman (“Mean Girls,” “West Side Story” with LCT) is the assistant stage manager, as well as being in charge of social media and photography. The choreography designed Matthew Guerrera adds a fun touch to the production numbers

CJ Calzone is perfectly cast in the role of the working girl Vivian Ward, who Kovacs describes as “confident, bold and unforgettable in her sky-high heels.” Calzone was only five years of age when she first stepped on the stage so she brings a confidence that is commanding. Other credits include Tracy in LCT’s “Hairspray” and Jan in “Grease,” and Sandy Cheeks in “SpongeBob” at The Warner.

Giianni Perugini performs really well as the capitalist Edward Lewis, “--the classic ‘prince’ figure in this modern Cinderella story–quietly charismatic, generous and transformative in Vivian’s life.” Perugini, an educator who appeared as Dr. Pierce in “Miracle on 34th Street” with LCT, nails all of the characteristics and sings wonderfully.

Iona Turnbull, who has been performing for over two decades, is properly tough as Vivian’s roommate Kit De Luca.

Benjamin Fleury, who played Fyedka in LCT’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” does double duty in the role of the Happy Man that roams Hollywood Boulevard and Mr. Thompson, the hotel manager.

Griffin O’Neill dances his way through the role of Giulio the hotel bellboy in his first LCT show and he also plays Six String. O’Neill was part of “Radium Girls” at Hole in the Wall and “Legally Blonde” at WestRep Stage.

Tyler Bard takes on the role of the lawyer Philip Stuckey. Bard’s previous LCT roles include ensemble in “Rent,” Panch in “Spelling Bee,” and Chadd in “Escape to Margaritaville.”

Meric Martin of Plainville plays David Morse, the corporate man that Edward takes pity on and shows off his trained tenor voice as Alfredo in “A Night at the Opera.” Soprano Katie Kelly sings the role of Violetta in the opera gloriously. The performer holds three degrees, including a masters in vocal performance, and it shows in their magnificent aria.

Veteran community theater performer Jonathan Ross takes on many ensemble roles including Senator Addams and Hollister.

The ensemble includes Julie Baerny, Nicole Dimario, Lillianna McGrath (Scarlette, Susan and Leg Warmer Girl) and Rachel Saucier (“Escape to Margaritaville.”)

Ian Jones is in charge of all the technical elements of the show. The two-level set gives the vibe of “Welcome to Hollywood.” Congratulations to Andrea Bingham and the director on the costume design that includes the arc of Vivian’s iconic looks as she moves through her fashion transformation. There were a couple of hair/costume mishaps at the matinee that were worked into the action.

The ensemble members that are seen on the boulevard are dressed in strident eighties gear that might evoke a smile. Lighting by Caetlyn Doresey and sound by Michael “Gonzo” Gonsalves work well for the Opera House space.

Arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke are brought to life by Music Director Fiona Bryson, a Shelton native, who plays keyboard 2 in the backstage orchestra. Max Abarientos covers keyboard 1, Matthe Miskin and Korey Hunter are on guitar, Steven Anderson plays bass and Bob Kogut and Roger Post share percussion duties. Juan Cardona Jr. is the resident opera house organist that performs for the thirty minutes before the curtain opens.

“Sometimes the real fairy tale is realizing you were worthy all along.”

“Pretty Woman” continues at the Thomaston Opera House through May 3. Step into Hollywood April 18–May 3.
Tickets available at LandmarkCommunityTheatre.org
Box office: 860-283-6250

The performance runs approximately 2.5 hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Doors will open for seating at 1:30 p.m.

Parking is available on the street, behind our building, or across the street behind either banking facility.

Also posted on In the Wings 2.0 under Theater Reviews