'Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?' at Seven Angels - My Review

Every year Seven Angels produces a musical that gives the opportunity to community performers to work alongside Actor's Equity and up and coming professionals in musical theatre. Past such productions include Teddy and Alice, Mad Bomber and Miracle on 34th Street. This year their final Mainstage show is Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? by John R. Powers with music and lyrics by James Quinn and Alaric Jans and based upon a novel by Mr. Powers. The charming musical that broke box office records brings back memories of growing up and is truly not only for those of us that went to Catholic schools. I had a complimentary ticket for a Saturday Fascia's Chocolate Night performance relatively late in the run due to other commitments.

The show follows a group of eight Catholic school students through second grade in 1955 to post high school in 1975, with a grade eight graduation (at break neck) speed right before intermission. So the actors must play young kids, tweens, teens and adults. There is a charming storyline, lots of fun songs and plenty of references that Catholic school grads can appreciate but anyone can follow. The international dateline question about fish on Friday that I once heard in a George Carlin monologue even made it into the script. There is a fun pop quiz in the program that tests "How Catholic are you?"

The mixed cast began the rehearsal process on April 23, making for a short preparation time before they opened on May 8. Director Semina De Laurentis clearly got them ready during that time with the help of Music Director John Sebastian DeNicola and Choreographer Jessica McCuiston.

One would be hard pressed to pick out the community performers in this wonderful cast. In fact, the program indicates that the two Equity actors are joined by eleven members of the Equity Membership Candidate Program. I recognized the fine Theresa Amico as the school secretary and one of the nuns and the Seven Angels House Manager James Donohue in the featured role of Father O'Reilly.

The grown ups were played by Andrea Gallo as the "four foot" and terrifying Sister Lee, Kadie Lee Tolderlund as young Sister Monica Marie, Patricia Bartlett as Sister Helen and Ms. Amico.

The students were all played by theatrical pros. The girls: blonde Nancy Ralansky was played by Kelsey Beckert, teacher's pet Mary Kenny was played by Lauren Devine, chubby Becky Bakowski was played by Alexandria Howley and the naughty Virginia Lear was covered by Pamela McKenna.

The boys: Brett Bainer made his Seven Angels debut as Felix Lindor, John Lampe returned to the theater to play Mike Depki, and Boe Wank debuted as Louie Schlang and dance captain. Will Holly (in another Seven Angels debut) appeared in the lead(ish) role of Eddie Ryan. All of these actors made us smile.

Which brings me to Mr. Donohue as the pastor of St. Bastion. A true triple threat, this talented community theater guy brought a fine comic touch and plenty of charm to the role. He even got to wear spats yet again!  Last seen as Marvin Shellhammer in Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street at Seven Angels, Jimmy is making his directorial debut at the Thomaston Opera House this summer with Disney's Mary Poppins. I enjoyed every minute of his performance.

The fun set was designed by Daniel Husvar, who also took care of the props. The beautiful lighting was designed by David Upton and the spot on costumes were done by Darren Logane and Jordan Robinson (and the shoes were not patent leather.) Mr. DeNicola conducted the five piece orchestra in the corner of the theater pit.

Kudos to Ms. De Laurentis on pulling off another great production. During her welcome, she reminded us that the 24th season at Seven Angels was announced in the program. Early bird subscriptions are available now and start as low as $99 for the five main stage shows.

Brighton Beach Memoirs         

Always Patsy Cline

The Wildest!!! The Musical Sounds of Louis Prima and Keely Smith

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

Footloose

Patent Leather continues next weekend on Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00pm and closes on Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased here.