Review: 'Witness for the Prosecution' By Naugatuck Teen Theater

Naugatuck, CT - Naugatuck Teen Theater is celebrating their 25 year anniversary this year. For the last three months, the teens have been in rehearsal for their spring play, Agatha Christie’s WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, under the direction of Lucia Dressel.

This show marks Bob Rosa’s final production as the chairman of NTT. This beloved gentleman, affectionately referred to as “Bobert” by some members of group, has been producing NTT shows for the past seven years, bringing ten wonderful productions to the stage at St. Michael’s Parish Hall. Mr. Rosa has made a strong impact on the lives of countless teens that have come through this program for 7 through 12th grade students. In his note in the printed program, he recognizes his long-time collaborators set builder John Lauer, NTT Secretary Mike Milo, and Vice Chairman and Technical Director Daniel Wagoner. I personally would like to thank Mr. Rosa for all of his hard work with NTT over the years and for always welcoming me into their productions.

“Some shows have been challenging, working with directors, music directors, cast members and parents, while others have just run smooth as clockwork. But with those challenges, comes rewards. My reward is watching these teenagers grow into young adults and the hope that I have had some impact on their lives, either large or small, makes the time I’ve invested in this program worthwhile.” - Robert Rosa Chairman of the Board, NTT

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION is set in post WWII London and is one of the only play adaptations the Ms. Christie wrote herself. It was produced for the first time in 1953, amidst the Cold War frenzy. Director Lucia Dressel, an English/Writing teacher at Post University, writes “WITNESS has twists, turns, and bumps, and meets all of the crafty criteria set by true Christie fans.” Ms. Dressel also beat me to the reviewer’s punch by noting her group of actors have developed character portrayals that are well beyond their experiences.

“We hope that you enjoy our rendition of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION and that it thrills you to your toes.” - Director Lucia Dressel

The synopsis in the program gives a good idea of what this drama is all about. “The affable Leonard Vole is being tried for the murder of a wealthy woman, and legendary lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts has chosen to represent him. Unfortunately, Leonard’s alibi depends on the testimony of his callous wife, who after the discovery of a legal loophole, makes the shocking decision to appear in court against him. To Sir Wilfrid’s surprise, this is only the first in a series of puzzling revelations and reversal.” That is all I will share about the twist.

Jennifer Guluzy, a senior at Woodland Regional HS, opens the action as Sir Wilfrid’s typist (remember those?) Greta; this talented young lady also testifies as a forensic scientist named Clegg. Ms. Guluzy plans to attend College of St. Rose in Albany, NY in the fall. Makayla Hart (JOSEPH, WORKING,) a sophomore at Farmington HS, took on the role of Carter, the lawyer’s clerk, as well as another role. Mr Mayhew, the solicitor of the accused, is played by Woodland HS junior Robert Hansen.

Benjamin Dressel (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, ROMEO AND JULIET) is extremely effective in the role of accused Leonard Vole. He understood the angst while still retaining the charm of his character. Ms. Dressel is a freshman at Pomperaug HS. Jessica Sember, a senior at Naugatuck HS who appeared in JOSEPH, WORKING, R&J and other NTT shows, gave a most impressive performance as the legendary Sir Wilfrid, in gender bending casting, wearing a great vintage suit and even pretending to smoke an old-fashioned pipe. In her bio, expresses her deepest gratitude to “the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Rosa. Mr. Rosa has helped Jessica through all sorts of problems and she is so grateful that he decided to stay and ‘graduate’ with the class of 2019.”

Quentin LaBrecque, a senior at Naugatuck HS, gives a bit of comic relief as Inspector Hearn in his fourth and final year with NTT. Mr. LaBrecque plans to attend NVCC in the fall to study acting. Sydney Lauer (JOSEPH, WORKING, R&J) is very convincing in the role of Romaine Vole, the wife of the accused. This young actress does very well with the Austrian accent and the character’s haughty attitude. Best wishes to Ms. Lauer will attend Roger Williams University to major in Creative Writing and Secondary Education.

The clerks of the court are played by Pomperaug HS sophomore Isabella Labonia (JOSEPH) and Holy Cross sophomore and Blessed Sacrament alum Matthew Keating; the latter also plays a police officer. Mr. Myers, the Crown prosecutor who goes up against Sir Wilfrid, is nicely played by Woodland HS sophomore Nicholas Santovasi (JOSEPH, WORKING) and Mr. LeBrecque returns as Wader. Loria Marshall (JOSEPH, R&J,) a freshman of Pomperaug steps out of the jury to testify as Dr. Wyatt. Courtney Rivnack (JOSEPH,) a senior at NHS presides over the courtroom as the judge and Brianna Cochran (JOSEPH,) an eighth grade student who will attend Woodland HS next year, plays the jury foreperson.

Naugatuck HS junior Anna Conforti is a standout in the role of the deceased’s housekeeper Janet Mackenzie. She beautifully captures the essence of this devoted Scottish employee. Ms. Conforti participated in WCSU’s summer opera HANSEL AND GRETEL.

Jury members include Ms. Cochran, Ms. Conforti, Ms. Galuzy, Mr. Hansen, Ms. Hart, Mr. LaBrecque and Ms. Marshall.

Experienced director Lucia Dressel knows how to get the best performances out of performers of any age, but I think she does her best work with young people. Jacqueline Branco serves as the devoted stage manager. Daniel Wagoner designed the suspenseful lighting. Mr. Rosa is in charge of the sound, which was perfect at the final dress rehearsal. The inspired backdrop was painted by Post University students and Post Professor of Art John Rohlfing added much to the stage. Costumes donated by Phoenix Stage Company are appropriate for the time period and most flattering to every cast member. I loved the raincoat with the cape.

I very quickly forgot that the actors are still in their teens, thanks to the professional level of their performances and excellent costumes. English accents were spot on. The teens maintain the suspenseful tenor of this courtroom drama throughout and they held me in rapt attention until the very end. I’ll admit that I did enjoy this thoughtful production down to my toes.

Heed Ms. Dressel’s warning in the program: Do NOT share the ending with anyone who hasn’t seen it. Opening Weekend for NTT's production of Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution is Saturday, May 11 at 8 PM and Sunday, May 12th at 2 PM.

Please support NTT in their mission to bring the arts to teens. Tickets can be purchase online or at the door. http://naugatuckteentheater.com/index.php/tickets/

Prices at the door are General Admission (Adult) $15, Senior Citizen $12, Student $7
Thursday, May 16th at 7 PM is a special night commemorating 25 years where Students price is $5 and NTT Alumni price (non-student) is $7.

Other shows are Friday, May 17th at 8 PM, Sunday, May 19th at 2 PM
Location: St. Michael's Parish Hall, 210 Church Street on the green in Naugatuck.

Naugatuck Teen Theater is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the theatrical development of area 7th-12th grade students. Participants are given a wide range of opportunities to cultivate and enhance their talents in front of an audience and behind the scenes. This is accomplished in an encouraging, stimulating and supportive environment culminating in a superior theatrical production.

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.