Weekend Round Up for November 18, 2018

Pictured above: Members of the cast of HAIRSPRAY at Wall Street Theater

WHAT'S NEW

THE GIFT OF PEACE by Shakesperience

COMING TO AMITY HIGH SCHOOL

Connecticut Critics Circle has a NEW Facebook page. Have you liked it yet?

Don't forget to check out the Connecticut Critics Circle website for current reviews.

NEW REVIEWS

HAIRSPRAY at Wall Street Theater

What was really good about the performance was the commitment of each and every member of the cast, from the preteens to the adults. The choreography by Tayler Shoji was very well executed by the cast members. Kudos to the young performers and the adults who work with them for pulling if off. The scenery featured some very good drop curtains and props that were efficiently removed by the backstage crew. The very big wigs were impressively high and the costumes worked for the sixties. What a magnificent rainbow coat was worn by Motormouth Maybelle. What could have been a lot better was the confusing lighting and microphones that ranged from too loud to inaudible.

CLEVER LITTLE LIES at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

So in CLEVER LITTLE LIES, new grandmother Alice suspects that something is wrong in the marriage of her son Billy when her husband returns home on edge after a tennis match (that Bill, Sr. won, for once.) Determined to piece together the puzzle, she insists that her son and daughter-in-law come over for drinks and cheesecake. Many a laugh ensues as Alice digs for the truth and ultimately takes a risk with her own marriage as well.

REVIEWS

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Goodspeed Musicals

As a diehard musical fan, I have enjoyed this fizzy show before, but learning the story of how it was originally created as a gift for two musical theatre fans that were getting married simply touched my heart. Mr. McKellar, Ms. Lambert and Mr. Morrison were getting ready for a party to celebrate the upcoming wedding of their friends Bob Martin and Janet Van De Graaf. In its earliest incarnation, DROWSY spoofed musicals from a wider timeframe and was a bit more risque, but it was a hit.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST at Playhouse on Park

It is loud, a bit ribald and in the end shattering, and I quickly realized that I had not watched as much of the film as I had thought. I have read that this Tony-award winning adaption pays homage to the original storytelling of the classic novel, while adding a chilling, poignant edge, but I cannot confirm or deny this because of my apparent lack of familiarity with the source material. I still found it be a moderately compelling tale with a strong dose of social commentary on the state of mental health facilities back in the day.

THE GOD GAME at Square One Theatre

There were some definitely funny parts but most of the play was quietly serious and thought provoking. A short scene with a dying bird brought the outside world temporarily into the small office. The wonderful cast all did a great job of bringing the well-drawn characters to life.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at Amity Middle School

Mr. Laffin and Dr. Smolinski worked with the students for almost two months to prepare them for opening night and the rehearsal time showed in all of their performances, especially the fun choreography. The performance featured a recorded musical track, so there were some limitations to the flow of the action, but the vocal harmonies were great and the voices were strong.

THE WILD PARTY at WCSU

Andrew Lippa did it all for this musical version of a book-length narrative poem by Joseph Moncure of the same name, writing the book, music and lyrics. While on might expect only jazz style musical numbers, there is a more pop-rock sound to the score and I couldn't help but notice the electric guitar riffs. Given the frenetic feel of the music and dancing, I was a little surprised that parts seemed to drag a bit, for me at least.

RIPCORD at Seven Angels

Because I have been reviewing everything at Seven Angels for a very long time, I tend to forget how lucky we are to have an affordable Equity theatre in nearby Waterbury. After the curtain call for RIPCORD, my fellow members of the Connecticut Critics Circle agreed that 7A consistently delivers an entertaining production and this show is no exception.

What is coming up this weekend and beyond?

Watch this space!

A DOLL'S HOUSE at Hole in the Wall Theatre

The character of Nora Helmer is the protagonist, a young woman living the the late 1800s. The role of Nora, a "doll" living the life of luxury, is brought to life marvelously by Emily Gray. Mrs. Helmer's primary struggle in the three days surrounding the Christmas holiday is against the selfish and oppressive attitudes of her husband Torvald and the society that he represents. For me, the best part of the performance was watching Nora's awakening after her husband's severe and selfish reaction to the climax of the play's action.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME) at Phoenix Stage Company

If the thought of sitting through yet another production of A Christmas Carol makes you cringe, read on. If having to watch the Grinch makes you feel far too much like the title character, or the prospect of seeing a performance of It's a Wonderful Life is not so wonderful, or you are tired of the eternally upbeat Frosty the Snowman, then the Phoenix Stage Company brings back the perfect show to make you laugh during this holiday season. EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (and Then Some) is a riotous send up of all of these classic tales and much more. There is only enough of each classic that even the most jaded will be able to tolerate the bit, and those of us who love them will laugh at their absurdity.

LITTLE WOMEN at CTC

GLITZ by Pantochino

Nancy Sasso Janis and her son, WAMS grad Christian "CJ" Janis Photo by Holly Martin

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 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.