Theater Review: 'Harmony' at Music Theatre of Connecticut

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

“Harmony” is a heartfelt musical with music written by Barry Manilow and a book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman. At the beginning of its 40th anniversary season, Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) is presenting the Connecticut professional regional premiere on its intimate stage in Norwalk through Sept. 27. MTC’s Executive Artistic Director Kevin Connors directs, with excellent music direction by Zachary Anderson.

The musical tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists. The singing group was an ensemble of six young men in Germany who came together in 1928. The talented group of vocalists quickly became popular in Europe because of their blend of sophisticated close harmonies and comedic stage antics, but their inclusion of Jewish singers did not go unnoticed by the Nazis.

As restrictions by the Nazis tightened, the group was increasingly censored and eventually banned from performing in public in Germany. Their 21 films were destroyed, their recordings were forbidden and even owning their music became illegal. An insert in the MTC program concludes this way: “Today the Comedian Harmonists are remembered not only for their extraordinary music, but for what their story represents: the incredible creativity of a vibrant artistic culture –and how quickly that culture can be threatened, silenced, and nearly erased.

The director counts “Harmony” as one of a handful of shows that changed him, as both an artist and a human being. He writes: “It is a story of love, friendship, music, courage, and survival…A story lost and untold for more than 50 years, now brought to life through a sweeping, cinematic score and a smart, passionate book.”

Connors has assembled a talented cast of vocalists who gracefully perform the beautiful score. Frank Mastrone, whose most recent of a host of MTC credits was “La Cage” as Albin, returns to this stage to portray the elder Rabbi that narrates the story. Constantine Pappas, the dedicated new artistic director of Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, steps into the role of Young Rabbi. Pappas was in the ensemble of the Broadway production of “Harmony.”

Michael Alonzo, a recent Texas transplant, plays Chopin and Christian Libonati (“9 to 5” at MTC) sings the high C as Lesh. Dominic Pagliaro, who toured with “Kinky Boots” and “Pretty Woman,” sings bass in the role of Bobby. Jeff Raab, an adjunct professor at SCSU, returns to this stage to portray the founder of the group Harry. Dance Captain Cameron Edris returns to MTC to play the doctor Erich (“Your Son Is Becoming A Singer.”)

Jazmin Gorsline sings beautifully as Rabbi’s beloved Mary. Helen Clare returns to MTC to play Rosa and others, while Sandy Hook native Quinlyn Kessler covers Clara and other roles. Michelle Pauker makes her MTC debut in the role of Ruth.

Joseph Torello, who has appeared at both MTC, A.C.T and Seven Angels, portrays the roles of Titus and Obersturmfuher. Matt Mancuso (“9 to 5” at MTC and “Measure for Measure” with VSF) appears as Standartenfuher. Robert Peterpaul returns to MTC to play Fritz, Ezra and others.

The small band is conducted by Anderson, a “homegrown Norwalker” and on staff at WCSU, while playing keys 1. Jess Ong covers keys 2. Alan Lounsbury plays the bass line, Nate Dobas in on the drums and Gary Ruggiero plays the reeds in the score. The score is a mix of numbers in tight "Harmony," plaintive ballads, comedic pieces like “How Can I Serve You, Madame?” and “Come to the Fatherland” with a more ominous ending. "We're Goin' Loco!" was eliminated from the top of the second act.

Lou Ursone stage manages the production. There is a lovely mix of choreography styles designed by Chris McNiff. Dan O’Driscoll provided the intimacy direction. Sean Sanford designed the set with rolling panels for some projections, with lighting design by Jac-Que Robinson and sound design by Brian Salvia. Star curtains (“Stars in the Night”) on three sides prove to be effectively immersive.

Props were designed by Lauren Weglian. Diane Vanderkroef once again works her magic with racks full of the period costumes, including Nazi uniforms with red armbands and lots of lovely formal wear. The design of the wigs was a bit uneven.

The musical premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in 1997. In 2004, a planned Broadway production was canceled due to lack of funds, but an Off-Broadway production finally opened in April 2022. The Broadway transfer opened in Nov. 2023 starring Chip Zien as the elder Rabbi and Sierra Boggess as Mary, but closed on February 4, 2024.

“While HARMONY is set against one of the darkest periods in history, at its heart is the undying human spirit and the belief that, even in the darkest moments, there is always light.” –Director Kevin Connors

The MTC production is only the second production of the show since its 2023 Broadway run. I highly recommend a trip to Norwalk to catch one of the remaining performances of what is a beautiful musical with an emotional yet important message.

“Harmony” is presented with one intermission. The show runs Sept. 27. Performances Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets at https://www.musictheatreofct.com/harmony