Review: Respect, A Musical Journey of Women at CCT

Dedicated to my role model, the late Prof. Ruth M. Sasso

Berlin, CT - RESPECT, A Musical Journey of Women, is more than new jukebox musical created and written by Dorothy Marcic; it is a musical that is deserving of much respect making its Connecticut premiere at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre.

The 60 top-40 hits punctuate the journey of American women from codependency, as in “I Will Follow Him,” to independence, as in the iconic “I am Woman.” The songs made popular by female performers take us on an emotional journey with stories of dreams, love, relationships, and gaining independence, some that are told by actual historical figures. There is plenty of good natured humor to balance the tear-jerking bits, making for an impactful and well-written two acts. And of course, there is all of that marvelous music performed perfectly by the four women and the three talented pit musicians.

"For more than the first half of the last century, the voice of women in Top-40 popular music has been one of neediness and dependency….By the end of the century, things were quite different. Popular music had come far enough so that women looked for a hero within themselves, were urged to get on their feet and make it happen, ready to stand on her own with or without a man." - author Dr. Dorothy Marcic

Vanderbilt professor Dr. Dorothy Marcic created the show based on her book, RESPECT: Women and Popular Music. The first act opens with a prologue of “the soundtrack to your life medley” and moves through the decades beginning in 1900-1929 with the torch song “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man of Mine” to the songs of the Great Depression, through the patriotism of the 1940s, the structure of the 1950s, to the turbulent sixties.

“When you take the cheese off the streets, the rats will go home.” - an explanation for a curfew for female college students only back in the day

Act II begins rebelliously in 1965, moves through the strength and cynicism of the 1970’s and early 1980s, emerges into the strength and sense of self of the nineties and ends triumphantly with the 2000s. I am not embarrassed to admit that I recognized every single song, even the oldest ones and many patrons at the packed Friday audience were not embarrassed to sing along. My companion remarked that as much as she enjoyed the show, it was sad that so much about the lives of our foremothers was achingly true.

Producer/director Kris McMurray has once again hit the casting lottery with the four young women that make up the cast of RESPECT. The team made up the cast of THE BIKINIS at CCT. Mr. McMurray smartly chose singing actors of various shapes and sizes, for it played well into the script. The director also succeeded mightily in making all four of them look their absolute best as they took us on this musical journey, and music director TJ Thompson ensured that the ladies mastered the stellar harmonies of the fine arrangements.

I will not be able to say enough good things about the four triple threats who make up the cast of RESPECT, but I will do my best.

Maria Soaft technically leads the group in the role of Dorothy, the author of the book and the musical, but the three ensemble members were integral parts of the vignettes. It was a pleasure to see Ms. Soaft (QUEEN BEES) return to this stage and she had the stage presence necessary for the role of the professor who shares many stories of the women in her life, as well as her own.

Emily Gray is a recent Western CT State University graduate with a BA in Musical Theatre; I had the pleasure of seeing her portray the role of Jenny in COMPANY in the WCSU blackbox theatre during her time there. Ms. Gray has such a fine sense of comic timing and a wonderful singing voice. There is something about the stage presence of this young woman that I can never get enough of and I predict that she will go far.

Erica Whitfield, a graduate of Central CT State University, went on to study at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Ms. Whitfield is truly of bundle of talent that she showed off in every moment of her performance in RESPECT. Her portrayal of African-American historical figures warranted the applause that followed each one. She is another young woman who will go far and I look forward to seeing her in many other productions.

Last, but certainly not least, was the lovely soprano voice of Erin Liddell, a talented singing actress who has been performing for eight years. She made the most of every one of her solos and charmed us throughout.

The small band included the supremely talented Mr. Thompson behind the keyboard, Jamie Sherwood on guitars and Tim Urso on percussion. Never overpowering the vocals, the sound was just enough for the intimate space. Insider information: CJ Janis will cover for Mr. Thompson on the keyboard at select performances and has been practicing with dedication for his appearances.

I loved the choreography designed by the technical director James J. Moran. His set featured a large red “Respect” sign and went so well with the plain black and very flattering dresses worn by the four performers. The members of the pit looked quite good as well.

CRT has another hit that will not just appeal to women. My companion remarked that as much as she enjoyed the show, it was sad that so much about the lives of our foremothers was achingly true. This wonderful musical journey of a story worth telling runs at the cabaret-style theatre in Berlin through November 9 and is well worth the trip to catch a performance. Don’t forget to bring along some tasty treats to enjoy when the doors open early and during intermission at your comfortable table.

RESPECT- A Musical Journey runs every Friday and Saturday, only, at 8:00pm October 11th thru November 9th, 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 (plus handling fee).

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. 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.Click here to read about Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis.