Review: 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' at Seven Angels

Pictured above: Michael Meier as Tom Sawyer in THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER

WATERBURY, CT - The second production by the new initiative at Seven Angels Theatre, the aptly-named Seven Angels Children’s Theater, is an original musical entitled THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER. The adorable musical based upon the Mark Twain classic was written by Scott Kealey.

Mr. Kealey directed the group of young performers, punctuated with a few adult actors. Peter Kershaw served as Musical Director and Stephanie Gordner was the Production Supervisor. Resident 7A sound guy Matt Martin provided his expertise as Sound Engineer. Katerina Paul was the carpenter of the white picket fence and little house and Cheyenne Knehans was the talented Scene Painter.

Included in the musical are the classic fence whitewashing scene, the midnight graveyard proceding, the “pirates” that are presumed dead, and the kid’s adventures in the cave. I was impressed with the little songs that fit nicely into the action.

Michael Meier was perfectly cast in the leading role of Tom Sawyer. This young man has a natural stage presence that served him well as the mischievous character; add in his pitch-perfect singing voice and he was the perfect Tom.

Nicholas Bates was a great Huckleberry Finn and Sofia Barbagallo sang wonderfully and led the girl dance team as Becky Thatcher. Bryce Zalewski played Jeff Thatcher.

Samantha Valle was Aunt Polly. Anthony Marchetti played Sid Sawyer and Phoebe Booth played Mary Sawyer. Michelle Marchetti became Mrs. Harper and EJ Plourde was Joe Harper.
Imael Desquierto stood tall as Judge Harper.

Geno Buscetta played Ben Mitchell, Arianna Mennillo was Alice Collins and Celia Misuraca was Emma Randolph. Ella Perrotti played Sue Maifeld, Hannalie Cocchiola was Ann Jackson, Reagan Zupkus was Jane Berryman.

Mr. Kealey had to cover for an actor who called in sick in the role of Injun Joe and he had to do one big quick change to do so. Jake Liquindoli wore the overalls well to play Muff Potter and Jack Kealey played the doomed Dr. Robinson.

In the onstage pit was Peter Kershaw on guitar and the director stepped out of the cast on occasion to play guitar as well. Mr. Kershaw also appeared onstage in a small role. Christian “CJ” Janis played keyboard and drums and covered the role of the sheriff.

Costumes by the production team and parents of the cast fit the period and the wearers.

The production is presented with one intermission and is the perfect length for the very young. Relatives and friends of the cast members came out in droves for the opening performance on Saturday. Thank you to Tom Chute of WATR radio for his interview with the director during the week before opening.

Go see the musical adventures of Tom Sawyer on Sunday, May 12 at 10:00 AM. With a fantastic local cast, this is a great show for the whole family. Tickets $10. With Credit Card $12.50
Call, Click or Stop in the Box Office to purchase.
https://sevenangelstheatre.secure.force.com/ticket/#details_a0Sf4000003YBQxEAO

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.