Review: 'We Will Rock You' at Watertown High School

Watertown, CT - The students of Watertown High School Musical Theatre raised the roof this weekend in their high school auditorium with an impressive production of the school edition of WE WILL ROCK YOU. The jukebox rock musical ties together many of the iconic songs of the British rock band Queen with a story and script by Ben Elton. Music and lyrics by Queen mix with an original vocal score by Mike Dixon, Brian May and Roger Elton and original orchestrations by Steve Sidwell. The school edition was prepared by Stuart Marley.

WWRY tells the story of a group of young Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. In this world, musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is unknown or hilariously misunderstood. There are lots of sly references to classic rock lyrics that even the very young can appreciate and the well-known tunes rock the house until the final note.

Director/choreographer Foster Evans Reese directed the wonderful production of WE WILL ROCK YOU for Landmark Community Theatre last September, so he clearly knew what he was doing during the four months the WHS students were in rehearsal. Joseph Hahn returned to WHS for the fifth time to serve as the Instrumental Music Director and conducted the amazing student orchestra. Western CT State University student Christine Manalo returned to her alma mater once again to lead the singers as Vocal Music Director.

“People are always pointing out Freddie Mercury’s amazing voice, stage presence and his backstory. However, always remember he wrote great music and is responsible for some of the most iconic songs of our time. While directing WE WILL ROCK YOU, I have found a whole new appreciation for Freddie Mercury and Queen. I hope you will as well.” - Director/choreographer Foster Evan Reese

There were a few songs that I still didn't recognize, but rest assured that there was "Somebody to Love," "Under Pressure," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Another One Bites the Dust," and the songs about the bicycles, champions, the killer queen and of course, the beloved “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Mr. Reese’s choreography was well-performed, especially when identically dressed Ga Ga girls filled the stage and kids of the future decked out in black and silver filled the aisles.

The sixteen students in the orchestra made it seem easy to cover the challenging score and were assisted by some expert adult musicians, including Mark Garthwaite shredding his electric guitar onstage as he did in the Landmark production.

The costumes designed by Christine Holmes reflected both the future and classic rock. Ms. Holmes was assisted by Rehekah Holmes. I loved their take on the ensemble for Killer Queen. The lighting design was very effective and lasers that seemed to be mounted everywhere provided a never-boring lightshow on the sides and ceiling of the auditorium. There was also a video montage honoring musicians who are no longer with us. Mr. Reese borrowed an authentic Harley Davidson motorcycle painted in WHS colors for the production.

Senior Jack Ryan took on the vocally challenging role of the dreamer Gal in his first major leading role. This is the character who hears strange words in his head and has the full name (direct from "Bohemian Rhapsody") Galileo Figaro. This talented singer had to nail the works of Queen while bringing out the character of the confused but driven young man and, until the very end of the final performance, he did just that. Kudos to this talented young actor on a performance of which to be proud.

Hannah Jack, a junior at WHS and a member of the school’s Chamber Choir, rose to the challenge of the role of Scaramouche, the strong woman who is neither a Ga Ga girl or a chick. She rocked both of her two costumes and never broke character. Ms. Jack appeared as Erzulie in Whimsicality’s ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.

Maya Khazzaka did very well with the role of Killer Queen, a commanding villain that was supremely confident and rules the iPlanet with an iron fist.

Senior Skylar Bartush took on the role of Khashoggi, head of Globalsoft's police and a henchman of sorts to the queen; this young actress rocked a wonderful long gray coat and nailed her vocals while maintaining a strong stage presence. An active member of the music department at WHS, Ms. Bartush plans to study musical theatre in college next year.

WHS sophomore Jordan Elliot, who recently played Pharaoh in JOSEPH with Naugatuck Teen Theatre, rocked a sixties-inspired gray wig to play the role of Buddy, an elderly librarian trying to figure out the "exact date the music died;" he is constantly trying to piece together the artifacts of rock and roll with hilarious mispronunciations of words like "television" and "video tape." Mr. Elliot had the comedic timing to pull off the fun role.

Senior Megan Gallagher played the role of a teacher reporting to Khashoggi. Teen Queens included Jessica Liano, senior Charina Manalo, senior Hayley Zemaitis and Lily Burne. Featured roles included senior Alesia Balliji as Puff, and senior Kiara Balliji as Quatro. Senior Emily Teixeira, who will attend Pace University next year, appeared as Aretha and senior Garett Mitchell, who plans to attend WCSU to become a music teacher, was at his comedic best in the role of Paul.

Sophomore Noah Ryan played the guy named Britney Spears, the main male Bohemian rebel, in a long skirt and spiky mohawk. He used his track team stamina for the physical demands of his character. Senior Eliya Brennan, in her fourth WHS musical, played the leading female Bohemian who goes by the name "Oz," as in Ozzy Osbourne. This young singing actress made her mark in a great role.

The ensemble played Bohemians, Ga Ga kids and Youth of the Future. The singer/dancers included underclassmen Courtney Candee, Evan Davidson, Bonnie DiAngelis, Ruth Fomo, Mason Gowell, Erica Gugliotti, Rebekah Holmes, Jaymee Hughes, Owen Jalbert, Cameron Natusch, Alyssa Ruskowski, and Jillian Veronneau.

While the Watertown stage is always full of talent, the dedicated parent volunteers make sure that the annual musicals are a success with an impressive amount of support. There was an auction of a show poster autographed by cast, crew and musicians during intermission. The last eleven musicals at Watertown HS have won a HALO Award and I would predict that this one will be continue that winning streak.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. 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 on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.