All Shook Up - Goodspeed Opera House

Jukebox musicals come in many forms.  There are the shows that present songs as vignettes by a specific composer (Ain’t Misbehavin’), musicals that are biographical in nature (Jersey Boys, Beautiful), and productions that create a story with the songs of an artist(s) shoe-horned into the plot (Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages).  All Shook Up, which features the songs recorded by Elvis Presley, falls under the latter category and is receiving a lively, appealing production at the Goodspeed Opera House.

 

 

Ryan Mac and the cast of Goodspeed's All Shook Up. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

 

The show, with echoes of Footloose and Hairspray, begins as Chad, the likeable, roguish center of the story, is being released from jail, which allows for a high-spirited opening number to “Jailhouse Rock.”  He stops at a small, sleepy town to have his motorcycle repaired.  His appearance, friskiness, and womanizing ignites the down-to-earth townsfolk to suddenly erupt with love.  Keeping track of all the budding romances almost requires a scorecard.  Nothing can prevent cupid’s arrows from finding their mark, not even the Mayor, who has outlawed PDA (public displays of affection).  In the end, which includes a satisfying twist or two, weddings abound and blissfulness reigns.

 

Ryan Mac and the cast of Goodspeed's All Shook Up. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

  

The libretto by Joe DiPiertro, a Tony-winning writer for Memphis and the long-running Off-Broadway revue, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, is well-plotted, fast-moving, and full of humor and silliness.  I did find the cuffuffle over two teen’s interracial romance to be misplaced, especially when another interracial relationship proceeds with no hubbub.

 

A key to a rewarding jukebox musical is if an artist’s songs are effective in advancing the plot and providing motivation to a character’s actions.  On this count, DiPiertro finds the mark.  The over two dozen Elvis hits, which include “All Shook Up,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Burning Love,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Hound Dog,” are well-placed and come across as written specifically for the show.

 

 

The cast of Goodspeed's All Shook Up. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Director Daniel Goldstein keeps the show moving quickly, imbuing each scene with sparkle and comedy.  While Act II loses some steam, Goldstein still enables the show to come together for a gratifying conclusion.  He seamlessly incorporates Beowulf Boritt’s collapsing scenic designs and Paige Seber’s pinpoint lighting design.  He cedes the helm often to Choreographer Byron Easley who infuses almost every musical moment with energetic, enthusiastic dance routines.

 

The two nominal stars of the show are Ryan Mac (Chad) and Kerstin Anderson (Natalie).  Mac, as the rascally Chad, could easily slip into the role of Danny Zucco from Grease, brings, at times, a laid back coolness to his character and, at other points, an endearing befuddlement to the role.  Kerstin Anderson infuses her portrayal of Natalie, the tomboyish auto mechanic in love with Chad and loved by the nerdling Dennis, with an independent temperament and winsome heart.

 

Montria Walker, Ryan Mac, Jenna Bienvenue and Corinne C. Broadbent in Goodspeed's All Shook Up. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Not to take anything away from Ryan Mac and Kerstin Anderson, but it is the featured players that elevate the quality and overall enjoyment of the production.  Two to spotlight are Jordan Matthew Brown and Jessica Crouch.  Brown brings an endearing, cuddly charm to his role as the self-depreciating Dennis.  Ms. Crouch, gives her character, the blonde bombshell Miss Sandra, Director of the local museum, a pitch perfect haughtiness.  Other featured performers worth noting are Benjamin Howes (Jim), L Morgan Lee (Sylvia), Jackera Davis (Lorraine), Jackson Reagin (Dean), Amy Hillner Larsen (Mayor Matilda), and Kilty Reidy (Sheriff Earl).  When give their moments to shine, they don’t disappoint.

 

All Shook Up, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through August 24.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.

 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Ivoryton Playouse

Before Jesus Christ Superstar or Evita, there was the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice “pop cantata,” Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  The composition was their first publicly performed show, a work that was commissioned by a private school in London in 1968.  Webber was only 20 years-old, Rice four years his senior.  The expanded work, which played on London’s West End in the early 1970’s and Off-Broadway in the late 70’s, is receiving a satisfying production at the Ivoryton Playhouse.

 

As with all Webber-Rice collaborations, this is a sung-through musical that incorporates a variety of musical styles, including Pop, Rock, Country/Western, Calypso, Jazz, and even a song reminiscent of the king himself – Elvis Presley.  The songs are sung with enthusiasm and energy.  There is more of a playfulness and less complicated structure to the songs in comparison to the duo’s later compositions.  What prevents a total enjoyment of the score is Dustin Pfaender’s Sound Design, which made it very difficult to understand the lyrics, primarily the character of The Narrator.  In large, ensemble numbers, the issue is not as pronounced since Joseph is a large show with many singers.  It is more the songs spotlighting an individual character.

 

Jospeh is a family-friendly show that is a retelling of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis.  A favorite of his father, his envious brothers kidnap him and sell Joseph to slavery.  He eventually ends up in the court of the Egyptian Pharaoh, after correctly interpreting his dreams of feast and famine, which allows the country to prepare for the impending catastrophe.   Jacob's family is not as blessed and travels to Egypt to escape the famine.  Joseph, whose identity is unbeknownst to his brothers, provides food and shelter to them.  After saving his brood, he reveals himself, forgives their transgressions, and is finally reunited with his family, his father bursting with joy.

 

The production, directed and choreographed with a certain degree of liveliness by Todd L. Underwood, can occasionally appear under rehearsed, with all the various elements not always in sync.  While the Set Design by Cully Long is on the minimal side, Marcus Abbott’s Lighting brings splashes of color to the show.  Sean Spina’s combination of period costumes and flamboyant outfits (Pharaoh, aka Elvis) are a noticeable treat.

 

The cast is led by Kyle Daisimer as the bedeviled Joseph.  Throwing nuance and refinement to the wind, the actor ambles through the show with a self-effacing bravado.  Alanna Saunders, with her broad smile and effervescent presence, is a natural as The Narrator of the show.  Unfortunately, her singing voice, more than not, cannot always overcome the music accompaniment to be appreciated. Ryan Knowles provides the role of Pharaoh/Elvis with just the right amount of outrageousness and flash to make a notable presence.  The ensemble, primarily the actors who comprise Joseph’s large number of brethren, is a disparate group of performers that, nonetheless, supply a healthy dose of humor and entertaining and the production. 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through July 27.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.

CT Critics Give “Primary Trust” and “Ragtime” Top Honors at 33rd Awards Ceremony

The Pulitzer Prize winning play, “Primary Trust,” a moving, bittersweet drama about loneliness and friendship, which played at TheaterWorks Hartford, and a powerful, emotionally stirring production of “Ragtime” at Goodspeed Musicals took top honors at the 33rd annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards (ctcritics.org) held on Monday, June 23, 2025.

 

TheaterWorks Hartford Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero accepting the CT Critics Circle Award for their production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Primary Trust.

The event, which celebrates the work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2024 – 2025 season, was held at the Event Center, Housatonic Community College, in downtown Bridgeport.  The ceremony was emceed by Stuart Brown, President of the CT Critics Circle.

 

“Ragtime” was also honored for Best Director of a Musical (Christopher D. Betts) and Best Actor in a Musical (Michael Wordly).  Rashidra Scott from the Goodspeed Musical “A Christmas Story” received Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

 

“Primary Trust” also garnered a Best Featured Actor in a Play for Samuel Stricklen.

 

The chilling, highly theatrical production of the Hartford Stage production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” received the most overall awards on Monday night, primarily in the creative categories.  The show was recognized for Costume Design (An-lin Dauber), Lighting (Evan C. Anderson), and Sound Design (Jane Shaw).  Nathan Darrow, as the tormented Dr. Jekyll, received Best Actor in a Play.  Melia Bensussen, the Artistic Director of Hartford Stage, received Best Director of a Play for “Romeo & Juliet.”

 

Three productions from the Westport Country Playhouse garnered awards.  Their deliriously funny “The 39 Steps” won for Best Ensemble.  Erin Noel Grennan received Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance as a no-nonsense maid in “Theatre People,” while Anna Louizos was recognized for her lush Scenic Design in “Native Gardens.”

 

Awards for outstanding actress in a play and musical went to Irene Glezos (Musical Theatre of CT’s “Master Class”) and Kate Baldwin (Sharon Playhouse’s “The Prom”), respectively.  Felicia Curry won for her Best Solo Performance in the TheaterWorks Hartford production of “Sandra.”

 

Other winners were Jordan Friend for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Sharon Playhouse’s “Rock of Ages,” Mallory Davis (Best Choreography) for her energetic dance numbers in the Music Theatre of CT’s “White Christmas,” and Camilla Tassi for Best Projections for A Contemporary Theatre of CT’s “Fiddler on the Roof.”

 

Semina De Laurentis, who is stepping down as Artistic Direct of Seven Angels Theatre, received a Special Award honoring her 35 years at the helm of the Waterbury theater.  Lauren Yarger was honored with the Tom Killen Award for lifetime service to the theater. 

 

For the first time, the Annual Awards Ceremony was live streamed.  The recording is available at:  https://www.youtube.com/live/yBrXUMIzgts?si=v2CmLX6d1m-1zwTu

 

Helping to present the awards were Connecticut Critic Circle members Karen Isaacs, Nancy Sasso Janis, and Tim Leininger.

 

The Connecticut Critics Circle was founded in 1990. The statewide organization is comprised of reviewers, writers, and broadcasters that cover the professional theaters throughout the entire state. The annual awards honor the actors, directors, designers and others who help make our professional theater so highly regarded in and outside the state.

About Time - Goodspeed Musicals

The title of the new, engaging musical revue, About Time, playing through Sunday, June 15 at the Norma Terris Theater in Chester, CT, has a double meaning.  First, theater aficionados are saying “About Time” that the composing team of David Shire and Richard Maltby, Jr., whose songs comprise the show, have finished the final piece of their long-awaited, life-cycle trilogy. 

The cast of Goodspeed's About Time. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

Their first production, Starting Here, Starting Now, from 1977, explored relationships and romance.  The next revue, Closer Than Ever, from 1989, moved to songs about mid-life crisis, second marriages, and unrequited love.  Finally, we have About Time, which looks at the latter part of life, with songs about “people navigating the joys and challenges of growing older while staying young in spirit.”

 

About Time, is performed by a seasoned six-person cast.  Most of the songs are amusing, some laugh-out-loud funny.  But there are also wistful numbers that knowingly connect with the audience.  All the performers have their moment in the spotlight in addition to being paired with fellow thespians.  Richard Maltby, Jr.’s lyrics are both sophisticated and playful.  David Shire’s compositions are tuneful with music that covers a number of different genres.

 

The disarming and entertaining revue gets off to an enthusiastic start with the song, “Show Tune ,” led by the energetic Eddie Korbich with accompaniment by the rest of the cast.  The actor talks about the revue and the inclusion of a thread to connect the evening’s works.  However, besides the tunes wrapping themselves around the show’s theme, much isn’t verbalized until the last number, a reprise of the title number.  Since About Time is still in development, having more dialogue inserted may be something for Maltby and Shire to think about.

 

Issy van Randwyck, Shinnerrie Jackson and Lynne Wintersteller in Goodspeed's About Time. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

In addition to Korbich, there is Daniel Jenkins (the original Huck Finn in Broadway’s Big River and star of the Maltby and Shire musical, Big), who’s laid-back persona is perfect for the humorous numbers “Smart People” and “Lunch with Linda,” where he is paired with the comedic Issy van Randwyck.  Ms. Van Randwyck, a multi-Olivier-nominated actress, also provides deft comic performances with “All I Wanna Do Is Go Dancing” and, with her female compadres, “Overripe Fruit.”

 

Darius de Haas, a frequent Off-Broadway and Broadway actor, gets into the act with the ode to misplaced items, “Keys.”  Lynne Wintersteller, an original cast member of Closer Than Ever, who can belt with the best of them, is more contemplative in her solos, such as the wistful “No One Will Know” and the empowering “Done.”  Rounding out the cast is Shinnerrie Jackson, whose individual songs lack presence.  However, she shines in the collective numbers.

 

There are some issues the developers should look at: 

• The interludes, while generating laughs, seem awkwardly squeezed in.  “Interlude #2, Password” could be updated and the end of “Interlude #3, Urology” is cheap. 
• Some songs come across as incomplete, like “Just a Home. 
• Act I is more buoyant than Act II, which causes the second half of the show to drag somewhat.

 

Maltby, who also directs the revue, is a Tony Award practitioner of the art (he created and directed Ain’t Misbehavin’).  He guides the show with an easy and knowledgeable pacing and, with the assistance of Choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge, adds a dash of light-footed dance sequences.  Mitchell Fenton provides a subtle Lighting Design, and Jay Hilton’s Sound Design ensures all the songs are clear and crisp.

 

Piano/Conductor Deniz Cordell is a virtuoso on the piano (who might want to tone done his sometimes distracting histrionics) and is assisted by Annie Pasqua on Piano II and Scott Chaurette on Bass.

 

About Time, playing at the Norma Terris Theater through June 15.  Click here for ticket information.

“Fever Dreams,” “Primary Trust,” and “Ragtime” Top 2025 Connecticut Critics Circle Nominations

Goodspeed Musicals’ rousing production of “Ragtime” and two plays from TheaterWorks Hartford – “Fever Dreams” and “Primary Trust” -  lead the shows nominated for the 33rd annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards.

The awards event, which celebrates the best in professional theater in the state, will be held Monday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Event Center at Housatonic Community College in downtown Bridgeport.  The event is free and open to the public.  Click here to reserve a ticket to the ceremony.

“Ragtime” received 11 nods, including outstanding musical production, director, leading actor and actress, and four best featured actor nominations.  “Fever Dreams” and “Primary Trust” each earned six nominations, including outstanding play production and director.

Other outstanding play nominees are “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” Hartford Stage; “El Coquí Espectacular,” Long Wharf Theatre; and “Master Class,” Music Theatre of CT.

Also earning outstanding musical nods are “Fiddler on the Roof,” A Contemporary Theater (A.C.T.); “La Cage Aux Folles,” Music Theater of CT; “The Prom” and “Rock of Ages,” Sharon Playhouse.

Receiving the annual Tom Killen Award for lifetime achievement in Connecticut theater is Lauren Yarger.  She is a producer, playwright, theater reviewer, and co-founder of the CT Chapter of the League of Theatre Professional Women.  For four seasons, she has produced the Table Reading Series at the Palace Theater, Waterbury, CT.

Receiving a special award is Semina De Laurentis who, after 35 years, will be retiring as the co-founder and Managing Artistic Director of the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, CT.

The complete nominees are:

Play:
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde -  Hartford Stage
El Coquí Espectacular - Long Wharf Theatre
Fever Dreams – TheaterWorks Hartford
Master Class - Music Theatre of CT.
Primary Trust - TheaterWorks Hartford

Musical:
Fiddler on the Roof - A Contemporary Theater (A.C.T.)
La Cage Aux Folles - Music Theater of CT
The Prom – Sharon Playhouse
Ragtime – Goodspeed Musicals
Rock of Ages - Sharon Playhouse.

Actor in a play:
Niall Cunningham, “Romeo & Juliet” - Hartford Stage
Nathan Darrow, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – Hartford Stage
Jon-Michael Reese, “jimmy & Lorraine” – Heartbeat Ensemble
Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr., “Two Trains Running” - Hartford Stage
Justin Weaks, “Primary Trust” - TheaterWorks Hartford

Actress in a play:
Carmen Berkeley, “Romeo & Juliet” - Hartford Stage
Vanessa R. Butler, “jimmy & Lorraine” – Heartbeat Ensemble
Irene Glezos, “Master Class” – Music Theatre of CT
Jacqueline Hubbard, “Alabama Story” – Ivoryton Playhouse
Stephanie Machado, “Laughs in Spanish” - Hartford Stage
Samora la Perdida, “Notes on a Killing Seven Oversight…” - Yale Repertory Theatre

Actor in a musical:
Scott Mikita, “La Cage Aux Folles” - Music Theatre of CT
Gian Raffaele DiCostanzo, “Jersey Boys” – A.C.T.
Danny Rothman, “Fiddler on the Roof” – A.C.T.
John Scherer, “The Prom” – Sharon Playhouse
Michael Wordly, “Ragtime” – Goodspeed Musicals

Actress in a musical:
Kate Baldwin, “The Prom” – Sharon Playhouse
Christine Dwyer, “Maggie” – Goodspeed Musicals
Mamie Parris, “Ragtime” – Goodspeed Musicals
Emily Grace Tucker, “Mary Popppins” – S.T.O.N.C.
Danielle Wade, “South Pacific” – Goodspeed Musicals

Director of a play:
Melia Bensussen, “Romeo & Juliet” - Hartford Stage
Gilbert McCauley, “Two Trains Running” - Hartford Stage
Jennifer Chang, “Primary Trust” – TheaterWorks Hartford
Brandon J. Dirden, “Eden” - Yale Repertory Theatre
Rob Ruggiero, “Fever Dreams” – TheaterWorks Hartford

Director of a musical:
Carl Andress, “The Prom” – Sharon Playhouse
Christopher D. Betts, “Ragtime” – Goodspeed Musicals
Kevin Connors, “La Cage Aux Folles” - Music Theatre of CT
Hunter Foster, “Rock of Ages” – Sharon Playhouse
Daniel C. Levine, “Fiddler on the Roof” – A.C.T.

Choreography:
Josh Assor, “Fiddler on the Roof” – A.C.T.
Mallory Davis, “White Christmas” - Music Theatre of CT
Sara Edwards, “Ragtime” - Goodspeed Musicals
Mara Newbery Greer, “A Christmas Story” – Goodspeed Musicals
Krystyna Resavy, “The Prom” – Sharon Playhouse

Featured actor in a play:
Ricardo Chavira, “Primary Trust” – TheaterWorks Hartford
Jimmy Johansmeyer, “Dracula” – Legacy Theatre
Russell G. Jones, “Eden” – Yale Repertory Theatre
Constantine Pappas, “Master Class” – Music Theatre of CT
Samuel Stricklen, “Primary Trust” – TheaterWorks Hartford

Featured actress in a play:
Maggie Bofill, “Laughs in Spanish” - Hartford Stage
Erin Noel Grennan, “Theatre People” - Westport Country Playhouse
Mia Pinero, “Theatre People” -  Westport Country Playhouse
Christina Acosta Robinson, “Eden” - Yale Repertory Theatre
Hilary Ward, “Primary Trust” - TheaterWorks Hartford


Featured actor in a musical:
Jordan Friend, “Rock of Ages” – Sharon Playhouse
David R. Gordon, “Ragtime” - Goodspeed Musicals
Behr Marshall, “Ragtime” – Goodspeed Musicals
Felix Torrez-Ponce, “She Loves Me” – Long Wharf Theatre
Wes Williams, “Maggie” – Goodspeed Musicals

Featured actress in a musical:
Joan Almedilla, “South Pacific” – Goodspeed Musicals
Kirsti Carnahan, “White Christmas” – Music Theatre of CT
Blair Goldberg, “Ragtime” - Goodspeed Musicals
Brennyn Lark, “Ragtime” - Goodspeed Musicals
Rashidra Scott, “A Christmas Story” – Goodspeed Musicals

Ensemble – Casts of:
The 39 Steps – Westport Country Playhouse
Fever Dreams – TheaterWorks Hartford
Native Gardens – Westport Country Playhouse
The Shark is Broken – Playhouse on Park
Steel Magnolias – Sharon Playhouse

Solo performance:
Felicia Curry, “Sandra” – TheaterWorks Hartford
Lena Kaminsky, “2.5 Minute Ride” – Hartford Stage
Carlyn Connolly, “Tea at Five” – Ivoryton Playhouse
Terrence Riggins, “Unbecoming Tragedy” - Long Wharf Theatre

Set design:
Luke Cantarella, “Fever Dreams” - TheaterWorks Hartford
Luke Cantarella, “King James” - TheaterWorks Hartford
Johann Fitzpatrick, “The Shark is Broken” – Playhouse on Park
Starlet Jacobs, “Tea at Five” - Ivoryton Playhouse
Anna Louizos, “Native Gardens” - Westport Country Playhouse

Costume design:
Fabian Fidel Aguilar, “Romeo & Juliet” - Hartford Stage
Stephanie Bahniuk, “Ragtime” - Goodspeed Musicals
Rea J. Brown, “El Coquí Espectacular” – Long Wharf Theatre
An-lin Dauber, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – Hartford Stage
Arthur Wilson, “Notes on a Killing Seven Oversight…” - Yale Repertory Theatre

Lighting design:
Evan C. Anderson, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – Hartford Stage
Jamie Burnett, “Dracula” - Legacy Theatre
Dan Kotlowitz, “Romeo & Juliet” - Hartford Stage
Sherrice Mojgani, “Fever Dreams” – TheaterWorks Hartford
Charlie Morrison, “Fiddler on the Roof” – A.C.T.

Sound design:
Jay Hilton, “Ragtime” - Goodspeed Musicals
Lindsay Jones, “Fever Dreams” – TheaterWorks Hartford
Ryan Rumery, “The 39 Steps” – Westport Country Playhouse
Jane Shaw, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – Hartford Stage
Jane Shaw, “2.5 Minute Ride” – Hartford Stage

Projections:
John Horzen, “El Coquí Espectacular” – Long Wharf Theatre
Doaa Ouf, “Notes on a Killing Seven Oversight…” - Yale Repertory Theatre
Camilla Tassi, “Sandra” – TheaterWorks Hartford
Camilla Tassi, “Fiddler on the Roof” – A.C.T.
Hannah Tran, “Unbecoming Tragedy” – Long Wharf Theatre

PLAYS (Number of Nominations)
The 39 Steps – 2
Fever Dreams – TheaterWorks Hartford - 6
Primary Trust – TheaterWorks Hartford - 6
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – Hartford Stage - 5
Romeo & Juliet – 5
Eden – 3
El Coquí Espectacular - Long Wharf Theatre – 3
Master Class – Music Theatre of CT - 3
Notes on a Killing Seven Oversight… - 3
2.5 Minute Ride – Hartford Stage - 2
Dracula – 2
Laughs in Spanish – 2
Native Gardens – 2
Sandra – TheaterWorks Hartford - 2
The Shark is Broken – 2
Tea at Five – Ivoryton Playhouse - 2
Theatre People - 2
Two Trains Running – 2
Unbecoming Tragedy - Long Wharf Theatre - 2
Alabama Story – 1
Jimmy & Lorraine – 1
King James - 1
Steel Magnolias – 1


MUSICALS (Number of Nominations)
Ragtime – 11
Fiddler on the Roof – 6
The Prom (Sharon) – 5
La Cage Aux Folles – 3
Rock of Ages – 3
A Christmas Story - 2
Maggie – 2
South Pacific – 2
White Christmas – 2
Jersey Boys – 1
Mary Poppins – 1
She Loves Me - 1

Tea at Five - Ivoryton Playhouse

A one-woman show about Katherine Hepburn for the Ivoryton Playhouse schedule is a natural fit.  The legendary Hollywood and Broadway performer starred in some of the theater’s early shows.  Her family estate was just a stone’s throw away in Old Saybrook.

 

Carlyn Connolly as Katherine Hepburn in Tea at Five.

 

Playwright Matthew Lombardo, a Hartford native, has taken material from Hepburn’s book about her life, Me:  Stories of My Life, and worked it into Tea at Five, a breezy, two-act play.  The first part of the show occurs in September 1938.  Even though the Hepburn has won her first Oscar and appeared on Broadway, her recent string of movie flops has labeled her “box office poison.”  During this time, the actress playing Hepburn, winningly portrayed by Carlyn Connolly, looks at her life, her upbringing, and the individuals and events that helped shape her.  There is a continuous thread about the role that escaped her – that of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind.

Carlyn Connolly as Katherine Hepburn in Tea at Five.

Act II takes place years later, in February 1983. The actress, hobbled by an injury from a car accident and the onset of a neurological disorder called essential tremor (not Parkinson’s), reflects on, among other matters, her now-legendary career and her tempestuous relationship with her father.  The emphasis, though, is on her heartbreaking and tumultuous romance with Spencer Tracy.

Carlyn Connolly as Katherine Hepburn in Tea at Five.

Ms.  Connolly breaks the fourth wall in a continuous monologue to the audience.  Entertaining and sometimes informative, Tea at Five is an intimate portrayal of a true star.  Lombardo provides just enough tantalizing details to keep the work interesting.  However, the play sinks or swims on the strength of the actress playing Hepburn.  Carlyn Connolly more than meets the challenge.  She effortlessly embodies the famed thespian, showing her passions and shortcomings, especially when she appears in the second act as the older Hepburn, suitably costumed by designer Sean Spina.  Connolly’s mannerisms and vocal inflections are spot on. 

Carlyn Connolly as Katherine Hepburn in Tea at Five.

Director Jacqueline Hubbard keeps the pacing snappy and employs enough movement and theatricality to keep the show appealing.  Scenic Designer Starlet Jacobs has crafted an inviting sitting room of the Fenwick estate.  Lighting Designer Marcus Abbott baths the set with warmth, and Sound Designer Jonathan White provides the ominous thundering of an impending storm.

 

Tea at Five, playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through June 8.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.

Ragtime - Goodspeed Opera House

Powerful.  Emotionally stirring.  Ragtime, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House, running through June 15, is one of their finest productions in recent memory.  The large cast is superb, with dynamic performances, voices that soar, and directed with great skill and passion by Christopher D. Betts.

 

The cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The musical, based on the E.L. Doctorow novel, and centered at the beginning of the 20^th century, presents what could be referred to as the American dream from three primary viewpoints.  The dream, however, is not always fulfilled or without pain.  It has an intricate plot with an absorbing libretto by Terrence McNally that chronicles the accounts of three groups.  There is the White upper-class family living in New Rochelle, New York.  They comprise Father (Edward Watts), Mother (Mamie Parris), Little Boy (Sawyer Delaney) and Mother’s Younger Brother (Behr Marshall).  There is the Black populace struggling with acceptance as well as racism.  The key figures are Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (Michael Wordly) and his love, Sarah (Brennyn Lark).  Lastly, the poor immigrants arriving in America.  The key character is Tateh (David R. Gordon) and his daughter, Little Girl (Sofie Nesanelis).  As Ragtime progresses, the plot merges together their separate storylines into a larger, more inclusive whole.  In addition, the show incorporates well-known historical figures, such as Henry Ford, Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, and Emma Goldman, that are woven into the narration and action of the musical.

Michael Wordly (center) and the cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

The music and lyrics by Lynne Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is their finest score in their decades long, illustrious partnership.  The songs drive the story forward while also defining a degree of complexity to the multitude of characters in the show.  The performer’s voices are strong and resonate deeply throughout the Goodspeed theater.  Within the musical, there are lofty ballads (“Your Daddy’s Son,” “Wheels of a Dream), tone-setting numbers (“New Music,” “The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square”), and comedic compositions (“Crime of the Century,” What a Game”).

Behr Marshall, Edward Watts, Mamie Parris, Sawyer Delaney and Stephen Tewksbury in Goodspeed's Ragtime. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

Director Christopher D. Betts helms Ragtime with an assured confidence, whether they are intimate moments with the production or large-scale scenes with numerous cast members.  He shows his mettle right from the start as the three groups are introduced and then intertwine and crisscross with each other in a hesitant, but forward-moving procession.  The Director guides the show with a steady pace, building to both a heart-wrenching finale for one story and optimism for another.  Ragtime, is not a dance-oriented musical, but Choreographer Sara Edwards, nonetheless, gives the production some swagger throughout the show.

Sofie Nesanelis, David R. Gordon and the cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

There is not a weak performance in the production, however there are five that are worth noting.  Mamie Parris, as Mother, brings well-bred poise to the role as the repressed New Rochelle matriarch.  She adeptly transforms from a meek, obedient wife to a confident, more free-thinking woman.   Michael Wordly imbues Coalhouse Walker, Jr. with charm, thoughtfulness, and fight.  He, along with Brennyn Lark’s Sarah, are characters we come to care for and mourn.  While all the actors and actresses have beautiful voices, Ms. Lark’s singing almost raises the rafters in its power.   David R. Gordon delivers an impassioned performance as Tateh, full of angst and despair, but also exhilaration and contentment.  The young Sawyer Delaney, in the small role of Little Son, injects a modicum of humor and delight throughout the show.

 

Mia Gerachis and the cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

The creative team’s impact greatly contributes to the success of the musical.  Emmie Finckel’s Set Design beautifully mirrors the ironwork motifs coming into vogue during this time-period.  Charlie Morrison’s Lighting Design is effective in pinpointing activity on stage.  Jay Hilton’s Sound Design is perfectly modulated so you can actually hear the song lyrics.  Stephanie Bahniuk’s Costume Designs and Tenel Dorsey’s Wig, Hair & Makeup aptly showcase the couture of the early 20^th century.

 

Michael Wordly and Brennyn Lark in Goodspeed's Ragtime. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

Ragtime, a show to savor, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through June 15.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.