Theater Review: [title of show] at Arts At Angeloria's

By Nancy Sasso Janis

The Arts @ Angeloria’s in Southington is presenting a gender-bent production of [title of show]. The little musical about writing a Broadway musical has music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and a quirky book written by Hunter Bell. They are the "Two Nobodies in New York" who want to be “Part of It All.”

Lori Holm takes on the roles of producer, artistic director and director on this one, and also managed to do the choreography and set design as well, with her husband Ed Rosenblatt in the role of music director.

Holm writes that she could not have dreamed of a better quartet of actors with “brilliant storytelling abilities, extraordinary vocal abilities, and openness to embark on this unique version” of the show. She adds that “their delivery is raw, natural, and unapologetic” and I concur.

The director warns the audience that although there are many theater jokes and celebrity name references “that might roll right off the ears of non-theatre folks, those of you that consider yourselves such will still appreciate the show.” As someone who is in rehearsal for “Grease,” I loved the “Hand Jive” reference added.

Holm believes that “there is enough wit, charm, and camaraderie to intrigue each of you as you watch the characters grapple with their demons to accomplish the major task of creating a musical, even one without a name.” She appreciates that (title of show) demonstrates that “when we strive to be bound to others by friendship, concern, and love, the world all of a sudden becomes a little less broken.”

Holm decided to "Change It, Don't Change It” in that she did not change the names of the characters, but did adjust the pronouns. She also directed the actors to use the tiny aisle in the black box theater and it was effective.

Jen Colella takes on the role of composer Jeff in her Arts @ Angeloria’s debut and I loved every minute of her performance. What a wonderful singing voice she has and terrific stage presence.

Kassiani Kontothanasis returns to this stage to become the book writer Hunter. This performer has appeared in multiple operas and of course, sings wonderfully.

As one of the “Secondary Characters" Sara Fabrizio is a delight as Susan. At Arts @ Angeloria’s, this talented performer played Rosie in “Mamma Mia,” Amalia Balash in “She Loves Me, Angel City of 4 in “City of Angels.” Other past credits include Martha Watson in Landmark Community Theater’s “White Christmas” and several shows with Squarefoot Theatre Company;

Nicole Zolad returns to the Black Box stage to play Heidi and does well with her role. Zolad has previously appeared in the venue’s production of “God of Carnage” as Annette, “La Cage aux Folles” as Anne, “Mamma Mia! “ as Ali and “She Loves Me.”.

Accompanist Bill D’Andrea of West Haven sits onstage with his piano and even gets a few lines as the character Larry. I love this aspect of the show, probably because I am the proud mother of a music director/pianist. D’Andrea is a Berklee College of Music Graduate Performance Major in Piano and has been involved in over 20 Musicals as Music Director and Accompanist. He met Holm during “The Sound of Music” in 2010 and has been back every year since..

Rosenblatt made sure that the vocal harmonies were always tight and a feast for the ears. The music director acknowledges the “changing tempos, keys, moods, tonalities and rhythms (that) make learning and performing these addictive musical numbers a real hurdle.” When you “add the rapid fire dialog and perfectly coordinated movement,” it is even more impressive that this quartet mastered every note.

Technical direction by Larch Purinton works well. Lighting by Eric Carson makes the space look its best. I loved the busy Times Square-theme wallpaper strips that backed the set.

As the company sings, this show can be "Nine People's Favorite Thing," and it certainly is for me. It continues through May 21 at this unique Southington venue located at 223 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike.

This show is recommended for mature audiences. It contains adult themes and strong language that provides a realistic tone to the action, as used in context.

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on 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.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.