Review: 'Second Chance' at Seven Angels Theatre

Pictured above: L to R Standing: Jack Lafferty, Amanda Kristin Nichols and Warren Kelly. (L to R Seated) Marina Re and Paul D'Amato photo credit: Paul Roth

Waterbury, CT - ‘Second Chance’ is the comedy written by Mike Vogel that Seven Angels in Waterbury is presenting for their fourth show of the mainstage season. The show has been promoted as a story that the ‘sandwich generation’ especially can relate to, but at the preview matinee that I attended, the seniors in the audience laughed throughout. For some of the younger generations in the middle of that sandwich it might be just a little too close to home to laugh at all of the comedic interactions, but there was much to enjoy in the relationships of the family members, caregivers and fellow “inmates” at the aging (no pun intended) facility.

In ‘Second Chance,’ Jack Korman, a 77-year-old grouchy widower trying to live on a teacher’s pension, is aggravating his only son Larry. The father has left the gas on three times and finally maces a delivery man that he was told would be coming to the door with the groceries while he was watching his beloved Yankees play ball. When he becomes the loser of an arm wrestling match (it was close,) Jack reluctantly agrees to a one-week trial of assisted living at a local retirement home. The curmudgeon's mood significantly brightens when he discovers that there is a 4 to 1 female to male ratio at his new residence; his company is so much in demand that he asks his son to find out if Medicare will cover a Viagra prescription.

“The play solves its problems with unique twists and choices. Ultimately it reminds us that there are many surprises and solutions if we will take off our blinders and open our hearts.” - Director Russell Treyz

Director Russell Treyz clearly has a good understanding of relationships both romantic and familial and ensured that all of these Equity actors meshed well. Paul D'Amato did very well with the arc of his character’s softening. Marina Re, an Equity actress who has worked in film, tv and Off-Broadway, played Violet, a lady who has been living in the assisted living facility for five years. Warren Kelly returned to the 7A stage and nailed the physical comedy in his role as another resident named Chet, who wielded a mean walker. Amanda Kristin Nichols was convincing in her role as the young Russian caregiver Malka and the offstage voice of resident Blanche. The two women in the cast were members of the original cast when the play made its debut at Theatre Row’s Lion Theater last season.

For me the standout performance of the afternoon went to Jack Lafferty as the son Larry. As soon as he entered the set, he demonstrated a wonderful stage presence. This young NYC actor made his debut at 7A a memorable one.

It felt like there were a few line issues that I am sure will be worked out by opening night. The set designed by Daniel Husvar changed well from a studio apartment in Washington Heights to the retirement home. Costumes by Johnna Fettinger were flatteringly age appropriate. Sound design by Matt Martin always works well and lighting by Doug Harry hit the highlights.

Performances dates and times are: April 5-29, Matinees at 2 PM and Evenings at 8 PM. Special food and drink nights and matinees are available. Groups are welcome. To purchase call the Seven Angels Theatre box office at 203-757-4676, go online at sevenangelstheatre.org, or stop in at 1 Plank Road in Waterbury. Free Parking. Just off I-84.

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