Theater Review: "Head Over Heels" at Square Foot Theatre

Review by Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis

The Square Foot Theatre & Tavern’s College Intensive program has produced a joyous production of “Head Over Heels The Musical.” This colorful jukebox musical features songs by The Go-Go’s” and is based on “The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia,” written by Sir Philip Sidney.

In this story of a king trying to outrun four prophecies, the plotline of the musical follows the royal family of Arcadia on their journey to keep their famous "Beat.”

The two acts mix the iambic pentameter of Sidney’s story with the pop music of the girl group in a combination that somehow works. The adaptation was conceived by Jeff Whitty, who also wrote the original book that was adapted by James Magruder. The show made its world premiere at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The university-aged students began to rehearse the challenging dialogue in December of last year and will finish performances before they return to their respective campuses.

Nathan Clift, a talented performer himself, directed the students and also worked as their choreographer.

Ethan Valencia led the travelers in the role of King Basilious and Rebekah Bennett slayed the role of Queen Gynecia in what was my favorite costume. Ava Dell’Orfawno showed off her strong singing voice in the role of beautiful daughter Pamela.

Sarah Mitelman was adorable in the role of the younger sister Philoclea and Ethan Bazinet charmed the audience as the humble shepherd Musidorus.

JaiLynne Woods was a bundle of talent in the role of Mopsa, with Shane Wooton taking on the role of her father, Dametas.

River Thibeault made the most of the role of the nonbinary Pythio in a fabulous blue wig and amazing stage presence. Rachel Bibsi and Erin Leslie appeared as the Players, along with the Fight Captain Lillian Palluzzi, Dance Captain Jenna Patton and Dance Captain Rebecca Salerno.

Costumes were a mix of the old and contemporary, with appliques of the show’s motifs on most of the characters. Some props gave cheeky nods to the double meaning of “Amazon.”

Patrick Laffin, creative director and co-founder of Square Foot, was in charge of art direction for this production that was performed on the opposite side of Square Foot space from where I have attended previous shows. Laffin did a great job of transforming the tavern space into an intimate area for the students to perform. The actors moved around the round tables as they exited and entered and sometimes danced and sang in the aisles.

Jeffrey Thibeault worked as the tech director, with the lead actors wearing body mics, and Melissa Thibeault as production manager. There was a monitor stage right that displayed some scene-setting graphics. A large snake was an impressive prop brought in by ensemble members. I loved how the voice of Pythio was doubled for their proclamations.

Alan Dougherty served as the music director and earned a subtle shout out during a scene when the shepherd tried to sing "Mad About You” for the first time. Dougherty conducted the backstage orchestra as he played piano, with Meric Martin on guitar 1, Jaden Grasmer on guitar 2 and Sean Haight on drums. The trio singing "Good Girl" was one of my favorite numbers.

The performers closed the performance with a well-rehearsed curtain call, introducing the next performer to step forward, and acknowledging every (unseen) musician by name.

Thank you to the leadership of this venue for allowing me to attend the opening night performance for my review.

Square Foot Theatre prides itself on developing the talent of children and adults in a nurturing environment, bringing quality theater to its community. The college intensive is sponsored by Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation. Performances continue through Jan. 12.

Next up at Square Foot will be “Polka Dots The Cool Kids Musical” scheduled for Feb. 21 - 23.

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 is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the 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.