Good, old-fashioned holiday fun at Goodspeed’s Christmas in Connecticut!
By Kiersten Bjork (December 14, 2022)
Christmas in Connecticut at the Goodspeed Opera House, directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, is a charming holiday tale with all the perfect predictability of any classic Hallmark Christmas movie. The new musical based on the 1945 Warner Brothers film of the same name features musical direction by Adam Souza and choreography by Marjorie Failoni, with a book by Patrick Pacheco and Erik Forrest Jackson, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Amanda Yesnowitz. Set in 1943-44, Christmas in Connecticut tells the story of Liz Sandor, a writer who is new to NYC and trying to find a publisher to pick up her piece about “tomorrow’s woman.” Facing a world of “no,” she is presented with an opportunity to write about what may be the opposite of her original passion – a recurring column revolving around homemaking and the “perfect” life on a quaint Connecticut farm – and thus Liz Lane is born. Everything goes swimmingly until Jefferson Jones, a wounded soldier from the front, is sent to spend Christmas with the mythical Liz Lane… Hilarity ensues, and a delightful cast of characters meet in the snow-covered Connecticut countryside as Christmas comes to town.
Goodspeed’s production showcases a talented cast, with a dash of Christmas (and theatrical) magic, to create a fun and heartwarming evening of theatre. Liz Sandor is played by Audrey Cardwell – fresh off a Broadway debut in The Music Man earlier this year – who shines from start to finish. Cardwell creates a spunky leading lady, full of pizzazz, and demonstrates comedy chops reminiscent of Julie Benko’s Fanny Brice in the current revival of Funny Girl on Broadway (in fact, I would love to see Cardwell take a stab at Brice after seeing this performance!). Raymond J. Lee plays the hilarious Dudley Beecham, editor of Liz’s column, and has the audience in stitches with his one-liners and barely controlled panic as things go awry. Lee and Cardwell pair effortlessly, and it’s a joy to watch the two play off of each other.
Christmas in Connecticut at the Goodspeed Opera House, directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, is a charming holiday tale with all the perfect predictability of any classic Hallmark Christmas movie. The new musical based on the 1945 Warner Brothers film of the same name features musical direction by Adam Souza and choreography by Marjorie Failoni, with a book by Patrick Pacheco and Erik Forrest Jackson, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Amanda Yesnowitz. Set in 1943-44, Christmas in Connecticut tells the story of Liz Sandor, a writer who is new to NYC and trying to find a publisher to pick up her piece about “tomorrow’s woman.” Facing a world of “no,” she is presented with an opportunity to write about what may be the opposite of her original passion – a recurring column revolving around homemaking and the “perfect” life on a quaint Connecticut farm – and thus Liz Lane is born. Everything goes swimmingly until Jefferson Jones, a wounded soldier from the front, is sent to spend Christmas with the mythical Liz Lane… Hilarity ensues, and a delightful cast of characters meet in the snow-covered Connecticut countryside as Christmas comes to town.
Goodspeed’s production showcases a talented cast, with a dash of Christmas (and theatrical) magic, to create a fun and heartwarming evening of theatre. Liz Sandor is played by Audrey Cardwell – fresh off a Broadway debut in The Music Man earlier this year – who shines from start to finish. Cardwell creates a spunky leading lady, full of pizzazz, and demonstrates comedy chops reminiscent of Julie Benko’s Fanny Brice in the current revival of Funny Girl on Broadway (in fact, I would love to see Cardwell take a stab at Brice after seeing this performance!). Raymond J. Lee plays the hilarious Dudley Beecham, editor of Liz’s column, and has the audience in stitches with his one-liners and barely controlled panic as things go awry. Lee and Cardwell pair effortlessly, and it’s a joy to watch the two play off of each other.
Raymond J. Lee & Audrey Cardwell in Goodspeed’s "Christmas in Connecticut" (Diane Sobolewski)
|
Audrey Cardwell & Matt Bogart in Goodspeed’s "Christmas in Connecticut" (Diane Sobolewski)
|
As Jefferson Jones, Josh Breckenridge is brilliant, especially in the song “American Dream.” The nuance of that song, and the other moments in which the war creeps back into the character’s mind, are handled beautifully by Breckenridge. His moments of glee are infectious, and the sincere, innocent joy brought to the character had me smiling. Matt Bogart brings country charm to Victor Beecham (Dudley’s brother, and the pretend husband of Liz). Bogart’s transformation from the gruff man we meet to the kind, compassionate soul revealed as the story continues is wonderful to watch.
Playing publisher Alexander Yardley is Melvin Tunstall III, whose smooth voice and imposing figure are just right for the role. Rashidra Scott’s Gladys Higgenbottom is witty and charismatic in her determination to uncover the truth of Liz Lane. Her performance of “Something’s Fishy” is a comical opener to Act II. James Judy and Tina Stafford are uproariously entertaining as Felix Bassenak and Norah O’Connor, Liz and Dudley’s friend and chef, and Victor’s housekeeper, respectively. Their sweet interactions and comedic additions to the show at large were some of my favorite moments – Felix’s segway into the song “Catch the Ornament” provoked a hearty laugh from all in attendance.
The production features strong support from a gifted ensemble, including Matthew Curiano, featured as the endearing taxi driver, Rachel Fobbs, Julie Kavanagh, Emily Larger, Brendan McGrady, Dennis O’Bannion, and swings Ty-Gabriel Jones and Jamie Zeidman.
The Cast of Goodspeed’s "Christmas in Connecticut" (Diane Sobolewski)
|
The Cast of Goodspeed’s "Christmas in Connecticut" (Diane Sobolewski)
|
Scenic designer Lawrence E. Moten III has created a gorgeous farmhouse with soaring beams and festive holiday décor that wows from the moment the New York City backdrop is lifted. Lighting designer Rui Rita does an excellent job lighting this production, with favorite touches being the glowing firelight upstage left, and the candlelit moments during the blackout. Costumes (Herin Kaputkin), wigs, hair, and makeup (Jason P. Hayes) are all beautiful, featuring an array of colors, patterns and 1940s charm mixed in with festive holiday touches. Sound design by Jay Hilton highlights the great score and range of effects. Additional memorable production moments come from props – of which there are many! – particular favorites being the various unintentional hazards that Gladys faces in the home of Liz Lane, a flaming soufflé among them.
Christmas in Connecticut at Goodspeed is the holiday-themed musical comedy perfect to warm your heart on a cold winter’s day. With laughs from start to finish, and plenty of Christmas cheer, it’s a can’t miss this holiday season! Catch Christmas in Connecticut before it closes on December 30.
Christmas in Connecticut will run from Nov. 18–Dec. 30 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, CT. Curtain times are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (with select performances at 2:00p.m.), Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.). Special holiday week schedules can be found at goodspeed.org. Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), open weekdays at 10:00 a.m. and weekends at 11:00 a.m., or online at goodspeed.org.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer from Branford, CT, currently in the mentorship program with the Connecticut Critics Circle.