Review: 'The Last Romance' at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

The cast of 'The Last Romance' Photo by Stu Clark

“My brother is quite the catch. He can still drive at night.” - Rose in ‘The Last Romance’

Berlin, CT - Kris McMurray, the owner and artistic director of the unique Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin, made a very smart choice for his first production of the calendar year. Joe DiPietro’s bittersweet romantic comedy ‘The Last Romance’ centers on a widower who once had ambitions to be an opera singer but got married instead. The eighty-year old Ralph lives with his possessive and slightly younger sister Rose. When Ralph spots the attractive lady of a certain age Carol at the local dog park, he works hard to establish a relationship. This heartwarming comedy about the transformative power of love easily mixes heartbreak with humor and Italian opera with laughter.

I always enjoy Mr. McMurray’s curtain speeches after the house lights go down, The usually cheeky artistic director showed a softer side when he told us of his very own dog, Molly McMurray, who is appearing in the role of Peaches. While this adorable white poodle often gets up on the low stage at CCT during rehearsals, this show marked the first time that she snagged an actual role. Clearly comfortable on the stage, Ms. McMurray stole the show in the little scene in which she appeared, and her proud director/owner brought her out for a bow at the curtain call.

Mr. DiPietro, who also wrote ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,’ ‘Memphis,’ and ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It,’ created a lovely play that gently mixed a mature romantic comedy with just enough dramatic twists. The operatic touches would never qualify the piece as a musical, but were a nice balance to the dog park setting. Mr. McMurray’s deft direction was evident; he also served as the show’s producer.

George Lombardo gave a fine performance in the role of the lonely Ralph. He showed a great sense of comic timing and was a believable aging Italian gentleman looking for love. Barbara Horan (‘The Oldest Profession, ’ ‘The Cemetery Club’) was perfectly lovely as the lady who walks her dog every day at the dog park. This actress once again had to play older for this role; it was a treat to see her again on the CCT stage.

In the role of Ralph’s sister Rose, Lori Feldman managed to steal the show back from the canine member of the cast. From her first entrance, Mr. Feldman brought the strong and very loud character to life with conviction. Kudos to this actress on making the most of a great part.

The excellent James J. Moran is once again credited with technical design; his cut-out set featured wooden trees and a fire hydrant and was simply adorable. Sue Emond was the dog handler for Ms. McMurray and Linda Kelly was the stage manager on this one.

The CCT house was almost sold out at the second weekend performance that I attended; they gave a deserved standing ovation to the cast.

Click here to read the Broadway World Review of 'The Last Romance'

In February and March, Mr. McMurray will be bringing two professional comedians to his venue for a rated R evening of comedy. Check their website for details.

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