Theater Review: 'Art of Murder' at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Patch contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury continues its 2025-2026 season with a tight production of “Art of Murder.” The very twisty and funny play was written by Joe DiPietro. The Equity professional theatre is now helmed by Constantine Pappas, artistic director, and Craig David Rosen, managing director, both of whom have replaced Semina De Laurentis. Rosen worked as the production manager and Travis Kendrick-Castanho, who works as External Relations Director at Hartford Stage, directed this cohesive cast.

The director describes “Art of Murder” (2000) in his program note as “a wickedly clever dark comedy that tiptoes between suspense and satire.” On the surface, the script is a murder mystery set in the art work, hence the title. Deeper in the fast-paced story, “it’s a biting exploration of artistic ambition, betrayal, and the performance nature of human relationships.” Kendrick-Castanho delights in the “delicious blend of do-or-die drama and hysterical hijinks,” an apt description of this spot filled with seldom-expected turns. The action is actually set in present day Litchfield, CT in what is a fun connection.

This is not your typical murder mystery, Pappas says during his curtain speech. This is more “who will do it?”

The stage is inhabited by (only) four people that are not just characters. The director calls them “performers in their own twisted show, each playing roles to manipulate, seduce and survive.” It is a lot of fun for the audience to try to figure out what comes next in this uniquely crafted mystery by DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect…Now Change”) that is filled with humor.

Reid Sinclair takes on the role of the massively egotistical Jack Brooks, effectively playing this unlikable, “volatile and self-absorbed artist.” Sinclair, who most recently played well the role of Giles in Sharon Playhouse’s “The Mouse Trap,” is a CT native who was mentored by R. Bruce Connelly.

Charlene Hong White is a force in the role of his wife, Annie Brooks, that the director notes is “a simmering force of ambition and resentment.” I won’t spoil anything else. White is a talented actor-musician whose heritage is Taiwanese.

Gemma Berg, a Brown University graduate and local performer, plays the role of Kate, a young woman underemployed as a maid in the Brooks’ home.

Equity performer Tom Simonetti gives a perfectly comedic performance in the role of the flamboyant art dealer Vincent. It was such a treat for me to see Simonetti on this stage in his Seven Angels debut. I know him as the founder and artistic director of Valley Shakespeare Festival, established in 2013. He also is a teaching artist and adjunct professor for CT State University that will next perform a solo adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.”

Shout outs to Production Stage Manager Jordan E. Moore in her 7A debut, assisted by Thomas Bergamo for keeping track of all of the moving pieces in this slick murder mystery that was put up after only two and half weeks of rehearsal. Three important rehearsal roles included Fight Choreographer Michael Serpe, Intimacy Director Rena Gavigan and the stage manager as fight captain.

Costume designer Thomas D. Gordon fit the characters in this present day art world. Nina Paganucci brought forward all of the properties that flesh out the high end home/studio of the couple that features a large isolation tank in the living room. Lighting designed by Charles O’Connor somehow makes it look finer, until flickering lights are required for spookiness. The director put together the sound design at the last possible minute that worked very well with Rosen as the sound engineer.

Pappas credited Waterbury’s Mattatuck Museum for the loan of some of the artwork, as well as local artist Lucy C. Pierpont.

In a wonderful tie-in, abstract paintings of Pierpont are on display in the beautiful Seven Angels’ lobby. They will be available for viewing through Nov. 30. The artist is a resident of Woodbury and has worked in marketing and graphic design since graduation from Hartwick College. She has created art her entire life and has had her photographs and paintings displayed in exhibits across the state.

“Art of Murder” was originally produced by American Stage Company in Teaneck, NJ. It is presented at Seven Angels with one 15-minute intermission, with acts that run a comfortable 45 minutes each.

Upcoming Specialty Nights for this show include Fascia’s Chocolates on Nov. 21, The Cave and Angelina’s Apizza on Nov. 29 and a combo of Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlor and Sweet Maria’s Bakery on Nov. 30.

Among the holiday offerings at Seven Angels is “Winter Wonderland.” This will be “a joyous hour filled with your favorite Christmas songs,” a “fun-filled show” that will “thrill kids from 1 to 92.” Before and after the performances, kids will be able to spend time and take photos with Santa, make holiday crafts, and more.

“Art of Murder” runs Nov. 14-30. Tickets here: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sal...

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She was a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.