In keeping with the various Top Ten lists that have been popping up at this time of year, I decided to put together a list of the top shows that I reviewed for Naugatuck Patch this year. I did not limit myself to Equity productions but simply considered how much I enjoyed the show irregardless of the age and experience of the cast members. Since I had the extraordinary opportunity of going to a Broadway show this year and then seeing a national touring company, that left precious few spots to fill with the many local productions that I loved.

10. The Last Five Years at the Phoenix Stage Company earns the tenth position because both casts did a great job in this fine musical production.

9. Drinking Habits at the Phoenix Stage Company is number nine because it was hysterical.

8. A Servant of Two Masters and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (tie) by Naugatuck Teen Theatre shared the eighth spot because the teens had such fun and so did the audience.

7. It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Phoenix Stage Company is number seven because of the wonderful job the cast did with this heartwarming piece.

6. Annie at Seven Angels gets position number six because of the excellent character actors and the dog.

5. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Blessed Sacrament is number five because of the amazing costumes and the large number of cute kids.

4. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Warner Theatre earns spot number four because of Brian Pia and of course, the flying car. This was a blockbuster enjoyed equally by kids and adults.

3. Hairspray at the Warner Theatre is my number three because of the singing, the dancing and the amazing talent of the huge cast.

2. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway is number two because Daniel Radcliff and James Larroquette were amazing and it's Broadway.

And the top spot goes to (drumroll, please....)

1. Wicked at the Bushnell because it is simply the BEST!

Runner ups would idefinitely have included some wonderful shows that I attended before I began blogging for Patch. I loved Jesus Christ Superstar at the Warner even though I have probably seen it five other times. My youngest son and I really enjoyed Stomp at The Shubert in New Haven. Little Shop of Horrors at Post University was also excellent and I can't wait to see this year's production of Avenue Q at Post.