Review: 'Calendar Girls' at CT Cabaret Theatre

Dedicated to my mother and my late aunt

BERLIN, CT - On Friday, the CT Cabaret Theatre proudly opened their stellar production of CALENDAR GIRLS, a lovely comedy by Tim Firth. The production, which is produced and directed with love by CCT owner/artistic director Kris McMurray, runs through August 3rd, 2019.

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. When Annie (beautifully played by CRT vet Barbara Horan) loses her husband John to cancer, she and her best friend Chris (brought to vibrant life by the magnificent Karen Gagliardi) resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room.

The two manage to persuade four fellow members of a British social club to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar, which they hope will outsell the previous calendar that featured photos of local churches and the planned version with photos of bridges. With a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence (brilliantly played by James J. Moran,) the news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and the press descends on the small town. The calendar is a whopping success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.

Mr. McMurray always excels at gathering the perfect cast for his productions, but for this one he has outdone himself, and not just because I happen to be the mother of the youngest cast member. This group of mature and exceedingly brave women make this heartwarming comedy soar under the careful direction of Mr. McMurrary, that borders on choreographing the moves and changes of this largish-sized CRT cast.

Technically, this comedy with a heart is quite challenging, but under the technical direction and stage management of Mr. Moran (when he is not appearing on the stage, of course) everything goes swimmingly. CJ Janis was in charge of the light and sound cues so that “JJ” could supervise backstage. There were tons of strategically-placed props, frequent costume changes, and beautiful double glass doors for almost all of the entrances, yet all of these moving parts worked well. The lighting design was especially appealing for this show; there were some mostly acapella songs, but not enough to qualify the work as a play with music. Playing Neil Sedaka’s “Calendar Girl” was a nice touch at the end of the performance.

What makes this piece extra special is that almost no one in the audience has not been affected by cancer. Everyone can relate to the lengths that families will go to in order to do something to help those who battle it and the people that support them. Audiences can relate to the topic and will enjoy the wonderful performances, even the very tasteful and brief nudity.

Now for more about this amazing cast: Barbara Horan was a delight as Annie. Karen Gagliardi (CLEVER LITTLE LIES, THE OLDEST PROFESSION) was the perfect choice for the role of Chris.

Jennifer Nadeau was splendid as the sassy Cora. It was a joy to see Bonnie Sprague (THE OLDEST PROFESSION, NANA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERS) return to this stage as Jessie. Tracey Brown (DRACULA, CLEVER LITTLE LIES) did well with the character arc of Ruth, and Carleigh Cappetta-Schultz (SOCIAL SECURITY) was Celia.

The cast is supported by the talented Russell Fish (SOCIAL SECURITY, DRACULA) in the all-to-brief role of Annie’s husband John. Nancy Ferenc did very well as the fearsome Marie, Abby Brooks was the upper-crust Lady Cravenshire, and Dave Wall (THE UNDERPANTS, NANA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERS) appeared as Chris’ husband Rod.

James J. Moran (THE ADDAMS FAMILY) was in danger of stealing every one of his scenes as the hysterical photographer Lawrence, who simply doesn’t know where to look. CJ Janis (piano for I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT) made the most of his seven lines in the role of the television producer Liam, but I don’t want to give him a swelled head. Linda Kelly, who is often behind the scenes as stage manager or crew member, was wonderfully dolled up for her role as make-up artist Elaine.

I had another chance to chat with Mr. McMurray’s dear mother as I stood in the back of the theatre during the intermission. This lovely theatre supporter was clearly enjoying the comedy and we discussed the pride we share for our respective sons. It was obvious that her family adores her, as do the actors that have appeared on the CRT stage since the opening of the theatre.

CALENDAR GIRLS runs every Friday and Saturday, only, at 8:00 pm June 28th, 2019 thru August 3rd, 2019. (No Performance July 5th and 6th, 2019). Doors open at 7:15pm. Tickets are now on sale. ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS are accepted. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 860-829-1248. Reservations are recommended. Ticket price $35.00. For more information, visit the website: www.ctcabaret.com. 2019-2020 season tickets are now on sale (and were selling well on this opening night;) call the box office for more information.

The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is located at 31 Webster Square Road, visit the website for detailed directions. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is Central Connecticut premiere cabaret-style theatre; patrons are welcome to bring whatever they like to eat or drink with them, and they do. Dave Ceneviva is in charge of concessions, Stu Clark is the house photographer and Barbara Norman is box office manager.

Photo: (Left to Right) Tracey Brown (from Meriden), Barbara Horan (from Simsbury), Karen Gagliardi (from Haddam), Jennifer Nadeau, (from East Haddam), Bonnie Sprague (from Cromwell), Carleigh Cappetta-Schultz (from East Hartford)

Photo Credit: Connecticut Cabaret Theatre