'The Cemetery Club' at Phoenix Stage Company - My Review

The premise for The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell is that three middle-aged Jewish widows meet once a month for tea before going to visit their relatively recently passed husband’s graves. Ida (Colleen Renzullo) is sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life. Lucille (played by Helen Adams) is a feisty embodiment of the woman who just wants to have fun, and Doris (Donna Storms) is priggish and judgmental, particularly when Sam the butcher (played by Scott Stanchfield in his Phoenix Stage Company debut) enters the scene. He meets the widows while visiting his wife’s grave and when Doris and Lucille squash the budding romance between Sam and Ida, they become guilt stricken when this nearly breaks Ida’s heart.

The play is the perfect blend of funny and poignant and is a great chance for actors with several years worth of theatrical credits to work together. Lovingly directed by Lucia Dressel, the four ladies (Beth Steinberg appears in a smaller role as the interloping Mildred) definitely have a chance to show off their acting skills in these well-drawn characters. The cast and Agnes Dann devised some great costumes for all the characters and managed to find matching bridesmaid dresses for the three leading ladies, one of which the flashy Lucille modifies significantly to be more to her liking.

Ms. Adams was spot on as the flirty Lucille in her second production of this piece. The first time she played Doris. Ms. Renzullo, who has appeared on many local stages, gave a nuanced performance as the lady who is ready to move on with her life. The actress directed Goshen Players’ excellent I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change last season, and will be directing Litchfield Middle School’s fall play.

Ms. Storms, who has both acted and directed often at the PSC, was a bossy but delightful Doris; she delivered some of the show’s best line in her own inimitable way. Mr. Stanchfield held his own among all these talented ladies and had a charming take on the role of Sam the butcher. Ms. Steinberg, who has directed and produced a number of school show in Litchfield, was great as the fun-loving Mildred.

The set designed by Ed Bassett and dressed by the director, stage manager Agnes Dann and Mr. Bassett was a section of Ida’s comfy home as well as the aforementioned cemetery, so its transformation by the running crew was something to watch. The incidental music added to the ambiance and the newly installed lights worked well.

Kudos to everyone involved in this sweet and funny show. The opening night audience was full and I heard lots of praise during intermission and after the show. The Sunday matinee that followed was completely sold out, so call the theater at (203) 632-8546 to reserve a seat for one of the performances scheduled for the next two weekends.

The Cemetery Club continues on August 29, 30, and September 5 & 6, 2014 at 8:00pm and August 31, 2014 at 2:00pm. Regular Admission: $22.00 Students & Teachers: $18.00 Seniors (60+): $18.00 Groups of 12 or more: $17.00

Next up at the Phoenix Stage Company is a stage reading of a new work Radio Ridiculous by Rich Orloff, New York, NY on August 28 at 8:00pm. Mr. Orloff will be coming to the Naugatuck to attend. Admission is free and the audience is encouraged to provide feedback after the reading.

Pictured: Beth Steinberg as Mildred in ’The Cemetery Club’ at the Phoenix Stage Company Photo by the PSC