Review: 'The Crooked House Murder' at The Arts at Angeloria's

Pictured above: Peter Weidt as Mark Palegrave and Jennifer Berlin as Bridget Moriarty in 'The Crooked House Murder'

“I have only one rule in acting--trust the director, and give him heart and soul.” - Ava Gardner

Southington, CT - The Arts at Angeloria’s is an “eclectic venue for events, entertainment, and instruction in the arts in a truly amazing turn-of-the-century Victorian setting.” Theatrical performances are presented in the black box theatre in what used to be the attached garage of the home; I have attended both musicals (‘The Who’s Tommy’ and ‘Mame’) and plays (‘The Clean House’) at this unique venue where Lori Holm is the artistic director. When I heard that, after much encouragement, she planned to present a murder mystery dinner theatre experience, I knew that the idea would work perfectly in this wonderful space.

‘The Crooked House Murder’ by Tim Kelly was the chosen “delicious murder mystery in four courses” and NewBrook Paleo Kitchen of Westport were chosen to cater those courses. After an hour of passed hors d’oeuvres, scenes of the mystery were performed by the 17 members of the cast on the black box stage. When the action stopped onstage, audience members were led according to the row in which they sat to a particular room of the exquisitely decorated Victorian home, redubbed Orchid Hill Manor for the evening. The four rows rotated through the dining room next to the (off-limits) kitchen, the tin-ceilinged living room, the parlor, and the music room/outdoor porch. Most of the actors from the mystery play circulated throughout the rooms in character when they were not onstage in order to interact with the guests.

Ms. Holm, who doubled as the evening’s hostess, both directed and produced pretty much the entire evening, including the mystery play. Christopher Zajac was the technical director, photographer and program designer; the latter perfectly complimented the experience and included a list of “suspects” with his photographs.

Those cast members that gave their director their heart and soul started with suspect #1 Stephanie Kull of Simsbury in her Arts at Angeloria debut as actress Fay Strange. Carol Grant (Virginia in ‘The Clean House’) played a very German Nurse Payne. Felicina Petito made her A@A debut as a student reporter and Henrietta Gerard appeared on a stage for the first time as her reporting partner.

Matthew E Morrell of Bristol was a riot in the role of Jeeves, the befuddled butler of Orchid Hill Manor. Helen Malinka, a librarian by day, was a natural in her debut at this venue in the role of mystery writer Anguish Crispy. Jennifer Berlin was strong in the role of Bridget Moriarty as she made her debut with this company. Josh Morrell, who recently completed Bristol Central high school, appeared older in the role of police Detective Bobby and Elizabeth Reynolds (‘The Clean House’) drew lots of smiles as Officer Mulligan.

Kate Simpson (Mrs. Walker in ‘Tommy,’ ‘Mame) played an ever present delivery person. Ms. Simpson will be making her directorial debut with the upcoming ‘Brunnicula.’ Matthew Thomas made his debut at this venue as Leon Russell and Shannon Riccio was his wife Penny. Elyse Lachapelle (‘Tommy,’ ‘Mame,’ and ‘The Clean House’ as director) was very comfortable in the role of the manager of Orchid Hill Manor Rebecca Fitzwilliam. Peter Weidt appeared to be having a great time in the fun role of Mark Palegrave in a pith helmet and equally nutty in the role of Colonel Chutney was Kristopher Bates of Southington. Pam Boardman Simpson (‘Mame’) was Suspect #20 as Shirley the silent maid.

Alex Carabetta served as both stage crew and technical assistant and Jen Berlin was costume mistress. Rachel Proffitt was the production assistant and Bill Brush built both the set and the new sound booth.

NewBrook Paleo Kitchen is milk-free, soy-free, gum-free, 100% gluten-free, corn-free, organic and sustainable, but it certainly is not taste-free. The chefs for the evening were co-owners Cindy Hartog, an actress, chef and educator, and her daughter Danielle Hartog, a formally trained chef. The hors d’oeuvres included cubed cheese with house-made fig chutney, tuna tartare on a wonton crisp, and grilled vegetables with pesto on a stick. When it was time for the soup course, we enjoyed a cold carrot turmeric soup that was seasoned with ginger, turmeric and cinnamon.

The entree was a delicious serving of 16 hr. braised short ribs shredded on top of a mound of sweet potato puree served with sweet plantains. And for dessert there was an amazing chocolate lava cake topped with a rose reduction and fresh berries. While coffee, soft drinks and water were provided throughout the evening by house mistress Renee Crispino Andrzejczuk, many guests brought along adult beverages to with the various courses.

I had a great time during the four hours I spent at this magnificent venue. The wait staff took great care of everyone who attended the Saturday evening performance and the food was extremely good, and no doubt healthy. It was fun interact with the people seated in my row and across the tiny aisle; my group included actor John Zimmerman (who I remembered from ‘Tommy.’) Upcoming at The Arts at Angeloria’s is the musical ‘Bunnicula’ right before Halloween, a musical review ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ in November, ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ around Valentine’s Day, and ‘City of Angels’ next fall.

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