Review: 'The Golden Days of Radio' by The Theater on the Mount

Waterbury, CT - 'The Golden Days of Radio' is a sweet little show written and directed by David Gardino that is being presented by The Theater on the Mount at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall in Waterbury. The production features talented local musicians and cast members; the radio play includes comedy, news and commercials in the style of 1940s Waterbury.

Mr. Gardino himself served as the overture, when he shared some facts and figures of the era. The show takes us back to June 1942, six months after Pearl Harbor, when gas was 15 cents a gallon, stamps were 3 cents, a coke would cost you a nickel and the Waterbury radio station WATR was only seven years old. The two act “experience,” as the playwright calls it, gives the audience a peek behind the scenes at a typical radio show broadcast.

'The Golden Days of Radio' includes a little bit of everything, including lots of toe-tapping Big Band music, a sprinkling of comedy, a dramatic old-time radio mystery, iconic commercials and a heartwarming patriotic ending. The Waterbury and Naugatuck references make the performance even more special for area residents.

The terrific cast, some of whom are members of Mr. Gardino's band Swingshift, bring the sweet characters to life. Rosalie Veneziano has the acting chops to portray the cutesy Rosie Lee; with many a look, she made us smile. Sherry Mancini as Bonnie Cavanagh covered the torch songs like "Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Both gave wonderful vocal performances.

Jerry P. Padula portrayed announcer Fred Doyle in a smart bow tie and the smooth voice of Sam Goodman in the role of Sammy Green made the song “Georgia” sound wonderful. Dori Cuttitta appeared at the end of the second act as Hazel Kemp.

The couple called out of the audience to be part of an on air contest was played by Andy Maleto as Sam Pufferman and Elena Palermo as his very lucky wife Gladys, who consistently says the right thing when she doesn’t know the answer to the contest questions.

Michaelangelo Mancini had wonderful stage presence as one half of a very cute young couple; Hayley Cuttitto as Peggy James had a beautiful soprano singing voice. The two characters that were said to be from Naugatuck sang together as the Sparkettes. The writer/director himself covered the role of announcer Sid Carrington in an orange shirt and suspenders.

The audience loved the comedic timing of Mike Manna in the role of the Foley artist Louis Nebin. I have it on good authority that this appearance was his first time back on stage since his kids were born. He did not miss a sound cue or anything else and came very close to stealing the show at several points.
I really liked the medley of Big Band hits in the second act, and I appreciated the tight harmonies of the three ladies for “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and more.

Matt Kershaw served as technical director and Matt Kershaw Jr. was in charge of sound and lights. The authentic WATR radio set is graced with old-fashioned microphones (that worked as well as the more modern kind) with a functioning Foley area stage right for the necessary sound cues. Of course there were lighted On the Air and Applause signs. The period costumes designed by Ms. Veneziano worked well with hairdos on the young ladies to match.

The terrific small onstage "Les Sparks" band had a very big sound when needed. Patrons that remember the era will love this piece of nostalgia and the young can appreciate the great music.

I am so grateful to the director/author for inviting me to attend a performance of this original work that has been slightly changed since I last saw it. Mr. Gardino expressed his thanks to Father Ariello for the use of the church hall in the program, that was distributed with a small American flag tucked into it. The show sponsors included Bushka Lumber, Bill Wildman Floor Covering, The Lamattino-Devino, Unico National, and Gift Baskets Galore. The only remaining performance is the matinee on Sunday, June 3 at 2:00pm; bring a jacket in case the air conditioning is too high for you. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall is at 785 Highland Ave. in Waterbury. Proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Admission $20.

Photos courtesy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Facebook page

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by J. Timothy Quirk

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