Review: 'Nana's Naughty Knickers' at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

Pictured: The ladies of 'Nana's Naughty Knickers' (from left) Karen Gagliardi, Lori Feldman and Ashley Ayala Photo courtesy of CCT

Berlin, CT - ‘Nana’s Naughty Knickers’ is the latest offering at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin. The theatre’s long-time motto is “bring your own” and patrons did just that as they packed the house for the mid-run performance I attended. My companion and I brought snacks to share as we enjoyed this fun comedy by Katherine DeSavino; by the end of the performance, my face hurt from smiling, which is always a good sign. I am so grateful that CCT owner Kris McMurray and technical designer James J. Moran allowed me to attend a performance well after opening weekend when I could not fit and earlier performance into my schedule.

Mr. McMurray noted in his curtain speech that this production of ‘Nana’s’ marks the East Coast debut of a comedy that is one of Samuel French’s most popular productions on the West Coast.

So ‘Nana’s Naughty Knickers’ features Bridget (beautifully played by Ashley Ayala) and her grandmother who plan to become roommates in New York. What the young woman thinks will be chance to stay with her favorite Nana for the summer quickly turns into a madcap experience like none other. You see, the soon-to-be-law-student student discovers that her sweet old grandma is running an illegal boutique from her rent-controlled apartment; even worse is that she is selling handmade naughty knickers to lots of senior citizen in NYC. Her nosy landlord is sniffing around, just looking for a chance to get rid of his tenant and her rent-controlled status, and there is a good-looking police officer who could shut down the “trashy” operation if he discovers what is going on. Needless to say, hilarity ensues until there is a bit of a surprise ending.

Producer/director Kris McMurray has a knack for casting the right talent in leading roles and for this show he does just that. Lori Feldman (who was fantastic as Rose in ‘The Last Romance’) is a laugh riot in the role of the naughty granny named Sylvia Charles. Full of pep and certainly not ready for assisted living, her Sylvia was a piece of work. With just a look, this community theatre actress can make an audience laugh and in her pink glasses and gray wig, she did plenty of that.

As her hard-of-hearing sidekick, Karen Gagliardi (‘The Oldest Profession’ at CCT) aged up to play the role of Vera Walters. Ms. Gagliardi always give a solid performance and here she was in her element behind a walker. Ms. Ayala held her own as she got sucked into the family business. Josh Luszczak (‘Dracula’ at CCT and a slew of Phoenix Stage Company productions) was the handsome Officer Tom O’Grady and Dave Wall (‘The Fantasticks’ at CCT) came on strong as the cigar-toting landlord Gil Schmidt.

Melissa Pelletier came on in the second act in the role of the brassy Heather Van Pree and Bonnie Sprague (Vera in ‘The Oldest Profession’) sparkled in the small role of Claire. Chase Fish and Russell Fish (‘The Fantasticks,’ ‘Dracula’) delivered parcels as UPS men.

Mr. Moran designed a set that brought us to the NYC rent-controlled apartment, but also was tricked out to become the illegal boutique, complete with lots of slinky lingerie. The costumes for the lingerie peddlers were comically appropriate and nicely constructed for each of the characters. Lighting and sound were up to the usual standards of this venue.

The rest of the run of this kooky comedy is almost sold out, as was the performance I attended. Contact the box office to see if you can snag some of the remaining seats.

The upcoming season at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre looks to be a good one and the theatre owner announced that the entire season has already been cast. Opening in May will be Steve Martin’s ‘The Underpants,’ continuing the underwear theme. ‘Queen Bee,’ a jukebox musical comedy about a 60’s girl group follows in July. The comedy ‘Social Security’ is up next in August, followed by ‘The Rat Pack Lounge’ which opens in October. ‘Clever Little Lies, a comedy by Joe DiPietro that featured Marlo Thomas on Broadway, will close the season.

‘Nana's Naughty Knickers’ runs every Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm through May 5, 2018. Doors open at 7:15pm. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 860-829-1248. Reservations are recommended. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is located at 31 Webster Square Road, just off Route 9 (exit 22: Mill Street) and the Berlin Turnpike. Visit the website for detailed directions. The theatre’s motto is “BRING YOUR OWN”. Presented cabaret-style, patrons are welcome to bring whatever they like to eat or drink with them. They also can enjoy a dessert bar that has a variety of treats to purchase.

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