Review: 'The Wizard of Oz' by Curtain Call Kids

Photos by Nancy Sasso Janis

Dedicated to the talented Claire Roberts, who came to the matinee to support fellow Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre alums

Torrington, CT - Curtain Call Kids presented three performances of THE WIZARD OF OZ in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre at the Warner Theatre. The charming production of the classic tale was directed by Rich McKenna with Deb McKenna as producer and T.J. Thompson as the able music director.

Costumes are always a strength with Curtain Call Kids productions and this was certainly no exception. “The Jitterbug” featured light-up ensembles and was pretty impressive; I also liked the very long line of Winkie Guards “oh-ay-oh-ing.”

Alto Felicity Galarneau of Middlebury did very well in the leading role of Dorothy Gale. The 14-year-old sang well and never lost the character of the young lady from Kansas. At 12 years of age, Casey O’Toole from Watertown appeared in her 14th show in the role of the sparkly Glinda.

Jordan Elliott of Oakville made the most of the role of the Cowardly Lion in his 24th production; kudos to this talented 15-year-old on a great performance. The Tin Man was played by Elijah Miles Loucks of Naugatuck. Colton Morris of Middlebury was excellent as the lanky Scarecrow. Jessica Rodriguez of Southbury was memorable in her second show ever in the role of Professor Marvel.

Louis DiModugno, age 13, was strong in the role of Uncle Henry and Rebekah Holmes from Watertown did equally as well as Auntie Em. The farm hands included Danielle DuVerger of Middlebury as Hickory, Kylie Healey of Middlebury as Zeke, and Tyler White (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in Thomaston.)

There was an adorable small ensemble called the “Sleepy Heads,” which included Chelsea Altamirano, Isabella Altamirano, Tessa Coppola, Clara Dains, Jake Finkelstein of Middlebury, Alexa Larson of Watertown, Hudson Roach of Middlebury, and Ella Russell of Watertown.

Sophia Angiolini sported a great hat in the role of the Munchkin coroner and Molly Grealis of Middlebury was very good as the barrister. The Mayor of Munchkinland was brought to life by Jason Hanis of Watertown and Kelsey Hogrefe of Watertown and Kaitlyn Swindon of Naugatuck played city fathers. Jack Maguire of Southbury was strong in the role of The Wizard. Samantha McCaffrey of Oakville took on the role of the green Wicked Witch of the West.

“There is nothing so depressing as boundless optimism.” The Wicked Witch of the West

The Lollipop Guild was made up of Madison Bertrand, Kamya Keerthivasan in her debut, and Riley Mae McDonnell. The Lullaby League contained Molly Dains, Maura McDonnell, Kiley Pienszykowski, and Mallory Swindon of Naugatuck. The cheeky trees were played by Maddie Blais, Audrey D’Autorio of Watertown, and Jamie Dodge of Watertown.

Natalie DeVerger played a polisher of the Tin Man and Sylvia Pinheiro was a beautician and ensemble member. Eleven-year-old Liliana VanOrmer of Thomaston was a sassy Emerald City Guard in emerald green head to toe. The great trio of crows in super costumes included Nicholas Bates of Waterbury, Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre veteran Maura Kahuda of Watertown, and Juliana Meglio from Watertown in her theatrical debut.

Munchkins were played by Lilyana Bodnar of Naugatuck and Katie Grabherr of Thomaston.

A standout performance was that of 15-year-old Frances DiModugno of South Windsor as the evil Miss Gulch. This willowy young lady was a beautiful Kansas witch and wore a fabulous hat wonderfully; she then easily stepped into the ensemble.

Karla Wentworth lent her artistic expertise to the scenic panels that decorated the back of the stage. Jodie Angiolini was in charge of the adorable costume design that of course included a lot of emerald green. The production team thanked the many volunteers that put in countless hours making the costumes, sets, props and more. Traci Elliot was in charge of the wonderful props.

Mr. Thompson led the small combo of musicians on keyboard, with his younger daughter on percussion, my youngest son C.J. Janis on bass and The Taft School grad Louise Gagnon on violin.

Thank you to the Curtain Call production team for allowing me to attend and enjoy the matinee that preceded their closing performance. The opening night performance was sold out. Congratulations on yet another strong summer production.

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by J. Timothy Quirk

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