Top Ten Plays of 2019

Naugatuck, CT - 2019 marks the eighth year that I have compiled end-of-the-year top ten lists of the productions that I have attended during the calendar year. Last year I published a total of 129 reviews, while this year the total number was down to 101 published reviews, with 13 of them falling into the category of community theatre plays. I enjoyed a few comedies, as well as many dramas, and even a mystery or two.

While this is certainly a large number of shows from which to choose, my four lists remain one person's opinion of the best of the many area productions produced in 2019. There were many shows that I had to miss due to health issues, weather, personal obligations and most often because I was unable to book a performance when many shows were happening with identical run dates. So take the rankings for what they are worth.

Click on each play's title to read the entire review of the show to see more reasons why it made the list.

Top Ten Plays of 2019

by Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

10. CALENDAR GIRLS at Connecticut Cabaret Theater

What makes CALENDAR GIRLS very touching is that it is based on the true story and the 2003 movie of the same name. It can't help but warm your heart, even as you laugh at the gentle comedy.

9. WAIT UNTIL DARK by Warner Stage Company

I spent the two hours paying rapt attention to the six members of the cast so I didn't miss anything. The talented community theatre performers made it all look easy, when it clearly was not easy at all.

8. THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION by Warner Stage Company

This was my third time seeing WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION and even though I remembered the ending and much more, I still enjoyed this very professional production.

7. THE LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS at Ridgefield Theatre Barn

I was afraid that the comedy might be dated and not appeal to the modern audience, but I was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Simon's work stood the test of time.

6. DEAD RINGER by Phoenix Stage Company

This is a chilling, cerebral script with both verbal and stage violence.

5. LOVE LETTERS at Community Theatre at Woodbury

One might think that watching two actors reading from a script might not hold one's attention for long, but listening to the content of the letters that the couple exchange is engrossing, and the audience quickly cares about the two characters, and if they will ever become more than just friends/penpals. What makes this play more personal for residents of Connecticut are the references to the Merritt Parkway, Hartford, Yale University, New Canaan and Stamford.

4. SYLVIA at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

The title role of Sylvia a dog is played by a human, yet somehow it works in this fun play set in 1980.

3. VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at TheatreWorks New Milford

I wanted so much to see the TheatreWorks New Milford production of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE ever since I learned that it would be a theatrical reunion of many of the cast members from their fun production of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN last May. The only problem I had was remembering the correct order of the names in the quirky title.

2. FIREFLIES by Phoenix Stage Company

Agnes M. Dann has done a wonderful job of directing the four Phoenix Stage Company actors that bring this engrossing work to life. I found myself wishing that the play did not have to end several times during both acts, a true test for me of what is a well-written piece.

1. THE MIRACLE WORKER by Landmark Community Theatre

The director did a fine job of accurately representing the struggle that I found surprising heart-wrenching. I managed to hold back my tears only because I knew that the story would ultimately lead to a happy ending.

Runner ups: SHERWOOD at Phoenix Stage Company, THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN by Phoenix Stage Company, ADMISSIONS at Square One Theater in Stratford.

Want to see the Top Ten Equity productions of this year? Click here.

Top Theatrical Tours are posted here.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of 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.