Review: 13 The Musical at Square Foot Theatre

Dedicated to the memory of Jamie Hulley

Wallingford, CT - The Square Foot Theatre & Tavern has opened their 13th season with a most appropriate choice for the occasion: 13 THE MUSICAL. This musical presented by a large group of talented teens marks the 83rd production for the Square Foot Theatre that recently added the tavern section to the venue.

Before the show began, Director/Choreographer Jared Andrew Brown, in his special opening night ensemble, gave the curtain speech. He shared how proud he was to work with this relatively large group of young performers that had brought this musical to the stage after less than three weeks of rehearsals.The curtain speech ended with a special surprise for one of the members of the cast. Joey Rebeschi (Brett in 13) was presented with balloons that celebrated the fact that he was marking the 40th show in which he has appeared. His mother Lisa, who was seated at my table on opening night, was presented with a lovely bouquet as well.

Mr. Brown has once again worked his magic with these up and coming performers, who all appeared to have achieved an impressive level of comfort on the stage. The Square Foot Theatre is made up of performers and viewers of all ages, backgrounds and experiences, and prides itself on welcoming all performers and enthusiasts. The group strives to develop the talent of both children and adults in a nurturing environment while bringing quality theatre to the Wallingford community.

In that vein, I will not comment on the performances of particular members of the cast, except to say that I was very impressed with what I saw on the stage on opening night. Every single member of the cast should be very proud of what they pulled off in three weeks and I strongly encourage each one of them to keep on doing what they are doing. I see bright futures on the stage in community theatre productions and beyond, if that is what they wish to pursue. I personally did not feel that these students still have “a little more homework to do.”

I will, however, give credit to all of the fine performers by the characters they play in 13. Damien Galvez led the cast in the role of Evan and Gabriella Riccio played Patrice. Mr. Rebeschi appeared as Brett, Devon Diaz was Malcolm with Andrew Thibeault as Eddie.

Kendyl Davis played the lovely and adored Kendra, Jack Dunham played the role of Archie on crutches and Eve Bilodeau was Kendra’s best friend Lucy.

Zachary Aresco was Richie, Ethan Bazinet played Simon, Roxanne Torrioni was Cassie and Sam Centurelli played Charlotte. Emily Mitelman played Evan’s rabbi. The talented dancers of many sizes in the ensemble, who kept up with Mr. Brown’s excellent choreography. included Lilly Bazinet, Beth Convertito, Sofia Della Porta, Cordelia Doviak, Lindsay Fraser, Isabella Jarmie, Morgan O’Brien, Lillian Palluzzi and Kyla Perrotte.

The four-piece band on the elevated platform in a corner of the house made the score sound amazing under the direction of resident music director Alan Dougherty who sat at the keyboard. The remaining musicians were students and included Scott Bernier on bass, Michael Luciuk on drum and Ashlee Richardson on guitar. Kudos to one and all on a wonderful performance.

I was impressed with the projections designed by Deanell Fraser that set the various scenes without getting repetitive. Patrick Laffin served as his husband Jared’s assistant and was taking care of their now three young children at home on opening night. Mr. Laffin was also in charge of the art direction for the show. Jeffery Thibeault served as sound engineer and Caroline Fraser was the spotlight operator. Kim Dougherty was credited with the lobby design.

There were very young members of the audience decked out in light blue and white show shirts with the number 13 on the back and Dan Quayle High on the front. Be aware that the actors enter and exit through the tables and chairs in the audience, so stay tucked in to facilitate this.

I was pleased to be seated at a table with the talented Kyle Riedinger, who is now appearing with the always stellar Priscilla Squires in MAMMA MIA! at the Downtown Cabaret in Bridgeport. If you have never seen the stage version of MAMMA MIA!, I can assure you that this is always a fun production with literal dancing in the aisles. Patrons of The Square Foot Theatre are invited to bring along snacks to enjoy at their tables. While you are there, be sure to check out the new modern tavern next door. Be forewarned that the main entrance has been changed so returning guests may get turned around as I did.

13 runs through Sept. 29. The address of Square Foot Theatre is located in the plaza at 950 Yale Avenue in Wallingford. The Square Foot Theatre’s presenting sponsor (for life) is the amazing Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation.

Coming up next at Square Foot Theatre will be ROCKY HORROR SHOW in October, NEWSIES in December, IN THE HEIGHTS in January of next year, PIPPIN in February, AMERICAN IDIOT opening in April, SHREK in June and FOOTLOOSE in August. I hope to catch as many of these as I can.

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.

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