Review: 'Becoming Dr. Ruth' by Music Theatre of Connecticut

NORWALK, CT - Music Theatre of Connecticut is presenting a heartwarming production of BECOMING DR. RUTH, both in person in the Norwalk theatre and through a live stream, so that anyone can enjoy it from the comfort of their home. The play was written by Mark St. Germain (FREUD’S LAST SESSION, THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI with Randy Courts.)

Amy Griffin (who appeared on Broadway in the original cast of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS) stars as Dr. Ruth Westheimer in this one-woman play, the true but lesser-known story of the life of the America’s famous sex-therapist and pop-culture icon. There is some charming humor mixed into this often difficult life story; ultimately, this biographical monologue succeeds in leaving the audience feeling inspired in these difficult times.

“[Dr. Ruth] is the very heartbeat of the word “survivor,” a symbol in overcoming adversity - most of it wholly on her own. She is not only a self-made success story, but through it all, one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet....[a]t this challenging time in all our lives, Dr. Ruth reminds us that we can not only survive enormous challenges, but with positivity, determination and strength, overcome the odds and enjoy an even better life on the other side.” - Kevin Connors, director of BECOMING DR. RUTH and MTC Executive Artistic Director & Co-Founder in the online program

Mr. Connors has directed this piece with a fine eye to the details of this iconic personality, but doesn’t go over the top. Ms. Griffin’s performance is not a caricature, but rather a loving portrayal. As the actress recounts Dr. Ruth’s television appearances, her own television show on Lifetime and her WYNY radio call in show, she respects and never underestimates the power of this tiny woman.

Amy Griffin played the Older Alison in MTC’s FUN HOME (which I so wish I had been able to see,) and has appeared Off Broadway in three productions of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, as well as in the first national tour of SEUSSICAL, starring Cathy Rigby. Over the years, this actress has survived playing the title role of PETER PAN a whopping seven times, and shares in her bio that she has received the Independent Theatre Award for her performance, “as well as many frequent flyer miles.” Ms. Griffin also thanks Barrie Kreinik for her help as dialect coach.

Lighting design by RJ Romeo added depth both in the theatre and for the online stream, as did the sound design by Will Atkin. The scenic design of Ruth and Fred Westheimer apartment in Washington Heights, NYC by Lindsay Fuori was truly a work of art and contains many of the treasures that Dr. Ruth refers to in her monologue; props were designed by Claudia Stefany-Ruck. Ms. Griffin’s costume was designed by Diane Vanderkroef and her wig was designed by Peggi de la Cruz. The following actors’ voices are heard briefly as characters in the life of Dr. Ruth: Carolyn Savoia, Kirsti Carnahan, Peter McClung, Jeff Gurner, Alex Imbrosci-Viera, Elissa DeMaria and Cynthia Hannah, with special thanks to Ryan Romeo as Walter.

MTC looks forward to the day when they can be open again at full capacity, but until then, patrons can watch MTC's one-women performance of BECOMING DR. RUTH either through a very good live stream or in person (at a limited capacity with safety protocols in place.) The play is presented without an intermission. Performances run through Feb. 21, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. TICKETS & INFO: https://www.musictheatreofct.com/becomingdrruth

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 in a normal theatrical 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 CCC Facebook page.