'Leap of Faith' at Watertown High School - My Review [Updated]

Watertown High School Musical Theatre is among the first group of schools to perform the new musical Leap of Faith. The show is based on the 1992 movie of the same name starring Steve Martin and had a run on Broadway in 2012. The exciting musical is full of wonderful gospel, country and American roots music composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The book was written by Janus Cercone and Warren Leight. Director/Choreographer Foster Evans Reese notes that he "asked this cast to take a leap of faith and believe this largely unknown musical would be a fun, rewarding and memorable experience." I found the opening night performance to be all three.

Leap of Faith follows 'Reverend' Jonas Nightingale (played to perfection by senior Chris Varanko). An electrifying performer and con man posing as a faith healer, he travels with his ministry of Angels of Mercy. When his bus breaks down in the middle of a small Kansas town, Jonas plans a revival to bilk the citizens of their money. However, the sheriff, a woman named Marla McGowan (Christine Manalo) is determined to stop him.

Every one of the students involved made up snowed out rehearsals in order to bring this joyous show to their stage and the hard work definitely paid off. The Angels of Mercy choir sounded authentic and the citizens of the small town of Sweetwater sported some of the best character costumes designed by Renee Purdy that I have ever seen. The orchestra conducted by Kyle Culbertson, the largest group that the music teacher has ever directed, played beautifully. Bradley Scoville served as vocal music director for the fourth time and covered synthesizer in the pit with the talented student musicians.

The lead roles were played by very strong performers. WHS senior Josh Diorio displayed his fine tenor voice in his first time in a lead role as Isaiah Sturdevant. His sister Ornella was played by senior Hailey Chamberlin (who also designed the cover of the hefty playbill.) Ms. Chamberlin played Yente in last year's Fiddler on the Roof and writes in her bio that she leaves the high school with "immense gratitude."

Ms. Manalo is multi-talented and it was a pleasure to watch her play the tough sheriff and mother of a wheelchair bound son (played earnestly by Matt LeBlanc.) Upon graduation, she will begin studying for her PharmD at UCONN or MCPHS and I wish her every success.

As the sister of Rev. Jonas, sophomore Kristen VanDerlyn gave a very impressive performance. This young lady can sing and was a convincing semi-evil Sam; she truly is a natural onstage. In the role of Ida Mae Sturdevant, junior Danielle Fusco used her amazing singing voice to perfection and appeared much older than she is. This is a young lady to watch.

Mr. Varanko (Perchik in last year's Fiddler) is a triple threat who was perfectly cast in the role of the con man who needs a revival of his own life. This musician can do it all and it was an pleasure to watch him take on this challenging role.