Review: 'Memphis' by Waterbury Arts Magnet School

Pictured: Actor Jack Saleeby (front and center) poses with the cast of WAMS' 'Memphis' during a recent visit to his alma mater. Photo courtesy of Mr. Saleeby. All other photos by Nancy Sasso Janis

“And all I know is Memphis lives in me..”
"Hockadoo!"

Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAM) presents the musical ‘Memphis’ this weekend on the large stage at Waterbury’s Palace Theater, the venue that is attached to their campus. I had the honor of being invited to attend a special preview performance of this important and timely show on Thursday evening and I was blown away by the hard work on display by every single member of this large cast and the excellent production values assembled for the school’s big spring musical.

The high school students are under the direction of WAMS teacher and community theatre director Nina Agostine Smith, who is well-known for her WAMS productions of ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Grand Hotel.’ Ms. Smith told me that over 200 students came out to audition for this year’s musical and many made it into the cast. The new musical director is the talented Jerold Goldstein (who just did the same for the Trumbull HS production of ‘Company’) who directs a rocking professional pit orchestra to accompany the impressive student voices and the outstanding choreography that every student dancer mastered was designed by WAMS principal Lauren F. Elias. Where else would you find a school principal who doubles as a choreographer?

Memphis’ the musical begins in the underground dance clubs of Memphis in the 1950’s but this is not ‘Grease’. This is a tale of fame and forbidden love with lots of impressive dancing and great musical numbers. A white radio DJ who wants to change the world meets a black club singer with a big voice who is waiting for her big break. Inspired by actual events, their love story is filled with laughter and plenty of great rock ‘n’ roll. The musical features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

All of the supporting actors were “on” all the time they were on the stage in their various roles and nailed the tight choreography, as did the ensemble members. Supporting roles were covered by Clark Atkinson, Vincent Dadamo, Thomas Hutchinson (who did a great job “filming” the live tv show,) Jack Mardin, Kelvin Mizhquiri, Julianna Nascimento, Tyler Nizzardo, Crystal Ortiz, Charlie Pelletier (who stood out as Martin Holton,) Justin Ramos (who appeared as Rev. Hobbs,) Jessica Romaniello, Mikayla Rosario, Hadiyah Sackey, and Ayanna Scott.

Lead student actors are from the Greater Waterbury area and are lucky enough to attend WAMS. Eric Canfield (‘Godspell’ and ‘Working The Musical’ with NTT) a fourteen year old WAMS student gave a remarkable performance in the leading role of Huey, the white radio DJ with big dreams. This young actor could not have been more convincing as the man with a distinct look and sound. He nailed the character’s slower speech and frenetic body movements, he danced and sang with ease and definitely had great chemistry with his love interest.

Senior Zani Scott was just as strong in the role of the talented vocalist Felicia; this young lady possesses the vocal pipes required for her solos. The work of these two super talented students, along with that of the rest of the tight cast, made me feel like I was watching a touring company production of ‘Memphis.’

Dior Barnes was a bit of a scene stealer in the role of the radio station janitor Bobby, with his great voice and fine dance moves. Julio Alcalo was very strong as Felicia’s protective older brother Delray; he was a convincing actor who sang “She’s My Sister” like he meant it.

Julia Rocchio (‘Grand Hotel’) was impressive as always as Huey’s mother Gladys. It was fun to watch her costumes improve as Huey’s income rose, as well as her slow acceptance of her son’s interracial love affair. Kayin Bennett made his mark in the role of Gator.

My former first grade student (now all grown up) Dania Fedrick (‘Fences’ at Ridgefield Theatre Barn) made me so proud as Wailin’ J in a great white strapless dress and Ryan Kirkpatrick was blustery in the role of Mr. Simmons.

Shout outs to the company dance captain Lismarie Pabon and assistant Samantha Ferguson and everyone in the ensemble of powerful dancers, singers, and actors. It was fun to see young Henry Smith make his theatre debut in this production, along with five other ‘kids.” I can only imagine how hard lead student Stage Manager Emily Marcelynas had to work backstage, and congratulations to student Technical Director Tom Stroehrer, who also was in charge of light design.

Perhaps my favorite part of a Nina Smith show is the pictures that she paints onstage with her actors; few directors have such an understanding of blocking and this show was no exception. Ms. Smith was also in charge of costume design that was constantly changing and always of the time period. Mr. Canfield had two onstage quick changes which he handled easily. Some of the ladies wore flattering wigs to put them into the fifties. A large group of volunteers assisted with the costumes backstage. Steve Sudell designed the set that fit the requirements of the Palace stage and brought us to the many Memphis locations required. Mr. Goldstein conducted both the voices and the musicians in the pit and played the keyboard; the orchestra sounded great on every number. Marianna Vagnini-Dadamo served as the WAMS vocal coach.

The WAMS theatre department is proud to partner with our school’s chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, which will be fundraising for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital whose mission “is to advance cures and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.” WAMS NJHS will be collecting donations during intermission, and after the show.

I highly recommend this production that is destined for my annual top ten list. Come early because Ms. Smith has included a lobby performance for patron enjoyment prior to the show from 6pm – 6:45pm on Friday/Saturday and 1pm – 1:45pm on Sunday. Doors to the theatre will open at 6:30pm and 1:30pm respectively. WAMS Alumni (2006 – 2017) are invited to a meet and greet get together on Saturday April 7th 5:00pm in the upper lobby for an additional $3.00 charge. Please call the Palace Box office for Alumni Reservations at 203-346-2000.

General admission tickets are available now for the Friday April 6th & Saturday 7th 7:00 pm performances, and Sunday April 8th, 2018 2:00 pm performance at the Waterbury Palace Theatre: 100 East Main Street, Waterbury. Free parking is available at the Scovill Street parking garage: 33 Scovill St. Waterbury, CT. Tickets can be purchased through the school, without a surcharge; $20.00

Click to listen to J. Timothy Quirk's interview with Ms. Smith.