Theatre Review: 'Holiday Inn' by Connecticut Theatre Company

NEW BRITAIN - Connecticut Theatre Company is presenting Irving Berlin’s heartwarming musical, “Holiday Inn,” to close out its 2021 season.

The musical version is based upon the classic movie of the same name. It tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in yes, Connecticut… but soon learns that life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance.

Jim’s luck takes a wonderful turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn open only during the holiday seasons, with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the “Easter Parade” to the Fourth of July.

But then Jim’s best friend Ted arrives and tries to lure the beautiful teacher away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood.

This is a joyous musical that features many dance numbers, fun comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including “Blue Skies,” “Heat Wave,” “Be Careful, It’s My Heart,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Shaking the Blues Away” and the iconic “White Christmas.” The book was written by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge.

The show is directed well by Duane Campbell of Middletown, the Executive Director of CTC, with the assistance of his wife, Erin Campbell. When choosing this show for the 2020 season, Campbell was drawn to the charm and nostalgia of the music by Berlin and the heartfelt messaging of the show. In his Director’s Note he writes: “Holiday Inn” was originally created as a respite from World War II. It sought to provide ease and comfort for a changing society that experienced so much collective pain.” Perhaps it is needed even more in the current challenging times.

The two acts evoke a bygone era in a deliberate classic Broadway musical style. The musical opened on Broadway in 2016 after making its premiere at the Connecticut’s own Goodspeed Opera House in 2014. It is old fashioned entertainment that takes a tour through a year of holidays.

The music direction by Nick Stanford of Deep River (who holds his BA in Music from UConn) is also well-done, as he conducts the small orchestra seated above the stage from behind his keyboard. From the overture to the finale, the group of musicians do well with the extensive score.

The choreography by Erin Frechette of Bristol in her sixth CTC production, is challenging. It includes a lot of tapping, beginning with the opening number “Steppin’ Out With My Baby.”

Chris Corrales of Wethersfield plays the role of Jim Hardy with plenty of charm and Stephen Michelsson of New Britain, appearing in his eighth production on this stage, dances very well in the role of Ted Hanover. Julie Carvalho (“Guys and Dolls”) of Wethersfield is very good as the dancer Lila Dixon and Mitch Hess of Manchester plays the manager Danny in his first production at CTC.

Ariana Straznicky-Packer of Southington (pictured above in one of her stunning costumes) is a standout in the role of the teacher Linda Mason in her CTC debut after a decade long hiatus from the musical theater world. With her magnificent singing voice and lovely stage presence, she shines in the role. Michelle Johnston of Killingworth is a delight in the role of a farmhand who has worked at Mason Farm since Linda was a child, Louise Badger. Mitch Hess plays Danny and eight-year-old Grayson Howard of Burlington is adorable as young Charlie Winslow.

The talented ensemble includes: Galen Donovan (as Stanley,) Julia Leba (as Susie,) Ralene Goff, Paul Kornman, Natalia Katz (as Hadley,) Nancy Ferenc, Erin Frechette, Bonnie Rae Sprague, Rebecca McLean Rudolph (as Brenda,) Jodi Dickson (as Rose,) and Kim Saltzman (as Daphne.) The beautiful and friendly Otto Campbell makes his stage debut as “Good Boy,” alongside his Dog Walker, Erin Campbell.

Duane Campbell has once again designed a sparkling array of well-fitting costumes for the cast that are a treat for the eyes. He also worked out the set design that nicely sets the various scenes.

The musical runs through Dec. 19 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7 p.m. and two Sunday matinees. For tickets, please visit the website at https://www.connecticuttheatrecompany.org/

Connecticut Theatre Company is located at 23 Norden Street in New Britain CT 06051
Tickets start at $23 with students, seniors, and group discounts available.

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. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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