Review of 'Calendar Girls' at CTAW

Dedicated to Ruth M. Sasso, a brave cancer survivor

Woodbury, CT - ‘Calendar Girls’ is a play written by Tim Firth in 2008 based upon the 2003 Miramax Motion Picture by Juliette Towhidi and Mr. Firth. It tells the true story of eleven women of the Woman’s Institute in Knapeley Village in Yorkshire, England who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for Leukemia research. In 2018-2019 ‘Calendar Girls The Musical’ will begin touring.

Artistic Director Maureen Denver directed the current production of the play for Community Theatre at Woodbury which performs at the Woodbury Historic Town Hall. Ms. Denver writes in her note that “This is not merely a story about middle-aged women who raised money for cancer research by taking their clothes off for a picture. This is the story of the journey that each of the women takes and the camaraderie, courage and determination these woman showed.”

"The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty, but the last phase is always the most glorious. Then very quickly they all go to seed."

Although I have never seen the movie upon which the play is based, I enjoyed this production that featured so many strong women. The performers had varying degrees of acting experience but they came together to form a fine ensemble.

In her sixth production with CTAW, Lisa Goldberg played the role of Cora and got to show off her beautiful soprano singing voice a capella. Liz Jaffin, who grew up in England but now lives in Woodbury, played the widow Annie in her CTAW debut. Shannon Sniffin (‘Vagina Monologues’ with Castle Craig Players, ‘Games Afoot’ with Landmark) was outstanding as the ringleader Chris.

Teresa Moran, a real-life cancer survivor, played the eldest lady in the calendar named Jessie.
Danielle Shaker (‘Tied to the Tracks,’ ‘New York’) played sexy Celia and Ashley Blackwell (‘Almost, Maine’ at CTAW) was excellent in the role of Ruth. Ms. Blackwell is such a natural on this stage; ‘Calendar Girls’ is her fourth production with this group.

M. Ellie Stankus was bossy as Marie in her CTAW debut; in fact, it was her first time ever acting and she did quite well. In her CTAW debut, Jan Marino of Woodbury appeared as Brenda Hulse and Elaine. May Bernhard, a resident of Heritage Village and a participant in every Theater Guild Production, was the royal Lady Cravenshire in her CTAW debut.

Leading the male characters was Rob Koelmel, excellent as Annie’s husband, the cancer victim named John. Dennis Walsh of Woodbury played another husband named Rod. David Macharelli of Waterbury was convincing in the role of the photographer Lawrence while Jack Kearney, one of the founders of CTAW, reprised his role of Liam, another photographer.

Costume design by Natalie Shreve was very well done and David Macharelli was in charge of designing a most appropriate set. Everything was nicely lit as always by Bill Geddes, although a delay with some of the lights was a bit distracting. The props by everyone involved were varied and important to the photo shoot, and some were actually edible.

Eric Dorio (‘God of Carnage’) served as producer for this production. Be forewarned that there is a tiny bit of partial nudity in this production. The Woman’s Club of Woodbury partnered with CTAW to sell concessions at the Mother’s Day matinee. Patrons attending CTAW productions are now seated on new more comfortable seats and the actors have a new, much safer platform in front of the stage to use for exits.

Pictured above: A rehearsal photo of 'Calendar Girls' at CTAW

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and 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 Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417