Review: 'Just Desserts: A Musical Bake-Off' at Legacy Theatre

STONY CREEK, CT - The brand new, state of the art Legacy Theatre has begun their inaugural season in the beautifully renovated building on Thimble Island Road in Branford.

The Legacy Theatre has restored the historic Stony Creek Puppet House to produce year-round seasons of performances and training. The very first season opened with the classic “Barefoot in the Park” and now the world premiere of “Just Desserts A Musical Bake-Off” will be running through June 27. A brand new musical is perfect for a brand new theatre.

“Just Desserts” is a new musical with music written by Richard Rodgers Award-winning composer Brad Ross and book and lyrics by Barbara Campbell,whose musical adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd was optioned for Broadway.

One would think that setting a locally televised baking competition to music would not work, but don’t forget that there is a song in the Broadway show “Waitress” about baking pies. Of course, there is a lot more going on in Jenna’s life, and that is the case in this delightfully sweet musical with some savory elements.

It follows the story of five strangers competing at the Jefferson County Bake-Off who are putting their baking skills, as well as their hearts and reputations, on the line to win the prize at a country fair. If the competitors bond improbably quickly before the intermission, the musical numbers allow the five characters to reveal their back story, sometimes with the other actors stepping into the roles of their family members.

Bert Bernardi, a founding member of Pantochino Productions, Inc. in Milford, directs the world premiere with charm and keeps all of the moving parts working. Mr. Bernardi was the Artistic Director for the Downtown Cabaret Children’s Company in Bridgeport and is the author of over two hundred original musicals, so he knows his way around a new work.

The personal journey that each contestant takes is probably what matters most in this musical. The numbers nicely keep the action moving, beginning with the opening title song that is reprised a whopping five times. My favorite backstory number was probably “Famiglia” and it was good to see which competitor got their “just deserts (with one “s”) in the end.

The baking competition is hosted by the local meteorologist Zack, played to perfection by the always wonderful Jimmy Johansmeyer. This actor, costume designer and educator is a graduate of Marist College, and currently teaches costume design at Kinsella Magnet School in Hartford. He is also a founder of Pantochino Productions with his partner Mr. Bernardi. This performance, especially when he pivoted to play Danny, reminded me that he is as good a comedic actor as he is at costume design.

Alyssa Bianca (Sophie in “Mamma Mia,” Bea in “Something Rotten” at the Warner) plays Emma Lee, a determined young woman dreaming of opening her own bakery. Ms. Bianca is a graduate of Marist College and will begin working on her Performing Arts MFA in the fall.

Mary Mannix of Killingworth masters the comedic role of Brandy, a sexy nail technician who wants to fit in with her competition. This comedic actress is a joy to watch on any stage and she is adorable and funny in this fun role. Ms. Mannix holds a degree in musical theatre and is a founding member of Pantochino Productions.

Susan Kulp plays the role of Jean, a shy school nurse who seemingly doesn’t want to be at the competition at all. Ms. Kulp (Diana in “Next to Normal” with Castle Craig Players, Susan in “The Irish and How They Got That Way” at the Warner) is the perfect choice for the character arc of Jean.

Lou Battaglia, a mysterious man from Brooklyn who arouses suspicion about his past, is played by Perry Liu. This actor holds his own among the four ladies in the competition. Mr. Battaglia is the director of the musicals at two middle schools.

The reigning and supremely confident champion is Mildred, brought to life by Mary Ann Frank. She does very well portraying this complicated character. Ms. Frank is an actress, book writer and lyricist who is also a practicing clinical psychologist in New Haven. She has many writing credits and is currently developing a musical ensemble with Andrew Levine entitled “Vienna, 1902.”

The light and set designer Jamie Burnett brought us to the country fair with plenty of wood and a country feel. Costumes designed by Elizabeth Bolster make each character come to life even more, especially the wigs. Sound design by Louis Igoe fits the space nicely and Rich Burkam served as technical director. Music director David Bell made sure everyone sounded great and was presumably on the piano backstage.

Tickets come with a helpful parking map; I suggest that you bring it with you to the theatre if you aren’t familiar with the area. I encourage you to come see a live show at the newly-restored Legacy Theatre on the Shoreline in Branford. Audiences are socially distant, and seating is limited. I was the only one who chose to keep my mask on. You can get your tickets now at www.LegacyTheatreCT.org or call 800.595.4849.

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.