Review of Sherman Playhouse “Save the Palace” Fundraiser

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch Neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

The Sherman Playhouse in Sherman, CT, is celebrating its Centennial with a special fundraiser performance of “Save the Palace,” an original musical by Connecticut playwright Roy O’Neil. O’Neil wrote the book, music and lyrics for this entertaining show.

“Save the Palace” is a musical comedy with a rock and roll beat about a 1960s rock band, Eddie and the Palaceades, who once opened for the Beatles on their last U.S. tour. After raising families, the band members, now in their 60s, reunite to save the historic Palace Theater from demolition by a group of corrupt politicians. The story is rooted in the early 90s.

O’Neil’s script blends politics, romance, and nostalgia. There are themes of community, courage, and small-town resilience. Never underestimate the power of aging rockers.

The author/composer spent much of his career in municipal government and real estate and shares that these experiences shaped many of the conflicts in this work. In the playwright’s program note, O’Neil writes that “Cities across America have faced economic decline, political corruption, and the loss of historic theaters. Whether it’s Waterbury, Columbus, Cleveland, Louisville, Albany, Manchester, Stamford, or New Haven, the Palace that gets saved is never just a building–it’s a memory vault, a gathering space, and a chance at a brighter future.” In song and story, “Save the Palace” celebrates this message.

The musical has won top honors at the Manhattan Theater Mission’s New Musicals Showcase and the Midtown International Theatre Festival, including “Best Musical Production” and “Audience Favorite.”

The playwright also gives a brief history of the show in his program note. “This show started as a song, then became a story, then insisted on becoming a full musical. The songs and the story have evolved through numerous showcases, festivals, readings and rewrites. I think it is in its best place ever right now.” O’Neil sincerely welcomes feedback at gotsongs@cs.com.

Lizzy Booth directed the cast for this staged singing of O’Neil’s work. Music director Sarah Fay, a versatile keyboardist and singer, helped the singers to learn the original music during the rehearsal process and then conducts the onstage band while perfectly playing keyboard. Clio Janis rocks out on two guitars, Steve Anderson covers the bass line and Bob Kogut keeps the beat on drums.

Chris Fay leads the cast in the role of the aging rocker Eddie of Eddie and the Palaceades. Mr. Fay does well in his first appearance at this theatre, although he was last seen on stage at the Brookfield Theatre in “She Loves Me.” The actor, who is the husband of the music director, also gets to share the stage with his daughter Melanie Fay, who appears as restaurant owner Mama Cerilli and the lead Zombie.

Missy Alexander plays the role of Gracie, the talented vocalist who is the wife of Eddie. Alexander, a singer/songwriter who recently retired from a career in higher education, also worked as the producer of the staged singing.

Jimmy Collins returns to Sherman to take on the role of Vinny, the bandmate of Eddie and Gracie. Collins has also appeared at the Brookfield Theatre and TheatreWorks New Milford.

Morgana Kate Watson, a professional singer, actor, writer and producer, plays the role of Eddie and Gracie’s daughter, a budding journalist. Watson runs the New Works Program at the Playhouse. Kyle Carnahan reads the role of Kyle, the son of Vinny and a young journalist with his eye on Mary.

Susan Chapin is a delight in the role of the corrupt Mayor Biggie Williams. Chapin was part of “Assassins” and “Camelot” in Brookfield. She shares the stage with her partner Paul Mayer, who plays the equally corrupt Alderman Perez in his third appearance in musical theater.

Susanna Marker reads the role of Alderman DeSoto and WestConn grad Chris Marker is Alderman Williams. I was honored to play the role of one of the Aldermen in the musical cabaret performed in Washington Depot last year under the direction of the playwright.

Jennifer Baran-Persaud makes her Sherman Players debut reading the stage directions and singing a small role. Technical Director Al Chiappetta is in charge of lighting and Roy Carch works the sound.

It was a personal delight to hear this stage singing of the entire “Save the Palace” script by this wonderful cast. I could not help but join in the singing of the songs that I remembered fondly, including “Welcome to the Palace,” “Pay to Play,” “Come on Eddie,” and the catchy “Bangarang.”

This staged singing fundraiser supports playhouse improvements and celebrates 100 years of live theatre in Sherman. The staged singing is part of the Playhouse’s Centennial season, which also includes other American-themed productions.

Remaining performances of “Save the Palace” are Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8:00 PM and the matinee on Sunday, Aug 23 at 2:00 PM. shermanplayers.org

The Playhouse is located at 5 Route 39 N, Sherman, CT 06784 Tickets: Minimum $20; donations encouraged to support the Playhouse Box Office: (860) 354-3622 or via the Sherman Players website.