Review: 'Clever Little Lies' at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

Pictured: The cast of CLEVER LITTLE LIES (back row) Michael Gilbride and Karen Gagliardi with Tracey Brown and Chris Pearson (seated) Photo courtesy of CCT

Berlin, CT - CLEVER LITTLE LIES is a comedy written by Joe DiPietro billed as “A Comedy of Sex, Love and Secrets.” Except for some strategic cursing, the play is probably less racy than the subtitle implies; the focus leans towards love and most definitely the secrets. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre’s cast of four actors, who play an older married couple and their son and daughter in law, weave in and out of scenes under the direction of Kris McMurray. The CCT production runs as written without an intermission, but patrons are always able to snack throughout the performance at this cabaret-style venue.

“Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies…”

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.

There are some very funny parts as the characters mightily attempt to keep the secret from the one it will hurt until eventually things turn serious. The comedy is a bit of a throwback to the sixties when marital infidelity was perhaps a hotter topic, but the opening night audience at CCT did not seem to mind at all.

“You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes…”

The performances of this wonderful cast were first rate and at times comedically brilliant. Karen Gagliardi (THE OLDEST PROFESSION, THE CEMETERY CLUB) returned to this stage to play Alice, the role originated by THAT GIRL Marlo Thomas at Off Broadway’s Westside Theatre. Alice is a former librarian who now owns a bookshop and is a doting grandmother. Ms. Gagliardi, who brings a fine stage presence to every role, was a motherly force of nature who clearly loves the grown son that she just wants to “help.” Michael Gilbride was convincing as her husband Bill. He easily rattled off many a one-liner and had some of the best reactions when secrets were being revealed.

Chris Pearson did very well in the important role of the young father Billy; I look forward to seeing him in other roles. Tracey Brown (DRACULA) made us believe that she was Jane, the exhausted mom to a three month old baby, in what is the show’s smallest role.

The set designed by James J. Moran was a trifold that transformed from a nondescript panel that served as a men’s locker room and the young couples’ car interior into a well-appointed living room of the older couple. It was simply lit by the technical designer and I noticed that the sound design was especially effective. There was some incidental music between scenes with a definite “lies” theme.

Mr. McMurray gave his typical curtain speech with some cheeky touches. He pretended to forget the play’s title because patrons have been calling for tickets and mangling the name of what they want to see. The producer/director ended by welcoming CCT actor Russell Fish (SOCIAL SECURITY) to the stage for a snippet of his side gig as Santa.

CLEVER LITTLE LIES runs every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm through December 15th, 2018. Doors open at 7:15 pm. 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 $34.00. For more information, visit the website: www.ctcabaret.com and check out their new season that includes a wide variety of great choices.

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.

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.