Review: 'Tied to the Tracks' by Community Theatre at Woodbury

Woodbury, CT - Community Theatre at Woodbury has produced the musical melodrama entitled ‘Tied to the Tracks’ which runs through May 21 in the Woodbury Historic Town Hall. The musical features a book by Tim Kelly, music by Arne Christiansen and lyrics by Ole H. Kittelson and the CTAW production was produced and directed by Don Fiftal and Lois Fiftal with music direction by Lois Fiftal. The couple recounts in their director’s notes that the musical was chosen to revive the melodrama form, as well as to honor the Woodbury Players (now CTAW) who 66 years ago presented a 19th century melodrama called ‘Gold in the Hills’ that featured the talents of iconic Woodbury resident Adele Taylor and her husband.

The producers/directors describe the work as a vaudeville-style piece that takes place in the Melody Hotel in the Dakota Territory of the 1880’s. “TTT, as we call it, is being produced for the sheer fun and enjoyment of our players and of our audience. TTT contains the classic melodrama ingredients--an unscrupulous Villain; a sweet and lovely Heroine; a boastfully handsome Hero; a bad-girl Bandit Queen; a Fake Pirate; men and women Farmers; rowdy Outlaws; well-bred Gentlewomen; Harvey-Girl Waitresses; a Pinkerton Detective; wholesome Teen Girls; and an odd-ball Medicine Troupe!!”

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Ms. Fiftal is the author of ‘Shivering Santa,’ which was one of CTAW’s earliest productions. Elizabeth Fisk served as choreographer and Harriet Grannick did well with period costumes, props and dressing the set which was lit well.

‘Tied to the Tracks’ continues through May 21 and please note the 7:30pm curtain at evening performances.