Theater Review: 'Phantom of the Opera: A New Musical' in New Britain

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Offsite Connecticut Theatre will present “Phantom of the Opera: A New Musical.” The book and lyrics for the new work were written by T. Craft, with additional music and lyrics by Issac Chang.

I learned that “this theatrer group strives to produce shows that celebrate and welcome a cast of different: ages, races and genders. Showing how we can all come together to make theatre.” I was invited to a preview performance on Sunday morning at the venue across the street from Trinity on Main in New Britain.

The ambitious production is directed by T. Craft. The first first act opens with the song “Different,” moves on to “The Opera House,” and the funny “This is Ridiculous.” The second act opens with “Maska Masquerade,” moves on to some somber songs, and ends with a reprise of “Different.”

The virtual program includes the title of some of the musical compositions upon which the numbers are based. I recognized “Here We Come A-Caroling,” “Moonlight Sonata,” “Canon in D Major,” and others. Scene change music includes some classics pieces to enjoy as the actors accomplish the frequent scenery moves.

The performers do well with the new work. T. Craft covers the important roles of Christine Daae, Mademoiselle Debienne and Madame Giry with a lovely singing voice and great stage presence. The performer is the owner of Molly’s Puppet Cottage and the Artistic Director of Offsite, as well as the writer of the new musical movie entitled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz–A Psych Rock Movie.”

Marcileena-Avianne Khongdy plays Daroga and a doctor in her first official play and musical. She is a senior at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

JAT Josh (they/them) makes a mark in the role of Erik. They have appeared as a Phantom in “The Rocky Horror Show” with Square Foot Theatre in Wallingford, as well as Dr. Grimwig in Square Foot’s “Oliver.”

Debra O’Connell appears as Sorelli, Angelina and Amelie in her third Offsite appearance. She appeared as Julia in “Lend Me a Tenor” with Castle Craig and General Cartwright in Landmark’s “Guys and Dolls.”

Rae Johnson, who has worked in theater for over thirty years, portrays Viscount Raoul de Chagny and Firmin Richard. Johnson owns and operates CarPort Productions.

Maureen Rao, originally and currently from Bristol, steps up to play Armande Moncharmin and Jammes.

Thomas Craft appears in digital form.

Props and costumes were done by Rae Johnson, Thomas Craft and T. Craft. Spencer Reucci served as wig consultant. T. Craft had a lot of wig changes and most of them were flattering. Choreography by Rae Johnson and T. Craft worked. T. Craft designed the set that was frequently transformed for the various scenes. The musical tracks were created by T. Craft and Issac Chang.

Brian Taylor operated the lights and sound, as well as the spotlight. T. Craft was in charge of lighting design and the helpful projections that helped to set the scenes.

Performances are scheduled for March 22 at 7 p.m. and March 23 at 6 p.m. “Phantom of the Opera” will be held at the NBYT space at South Church, 90 Main Street in New Britain. “To find us, look for the brown church and enter the brick building at the back of the parking lot. There's parking on-site (which may be limited due to other church and organization events) and parking on the street and in nearby municipal garages and lots—which are free in the evening and on weekends.”

Tickets are available here:
https://rb.gy/hl6t83

(From Left to Right) Debra O'Connell, Marcileena-Avianne Khongdy, Rae Johnson, T. Craft, Maureen Rao & JAT Josh

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.
Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.