Review of 'The Pink Panther Strikes Again' at Phoenix Stage Co.

Oakville, CT - The Phoenix Stage Company is presenting a wonderfully fun production of THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN. The Blake Edwards and Frank Waldman comedy was adapted by William Gleason. Ed Bassett, a founding member of the PSC with a slew of performance, directing and costuming credits, directed the large cast, ensuring that each and every one of the cast members bring out the hilarity of the proceedings.

This is a large cast for the Phoenix Stage Company, but they worked together seamlessly. Rick Haylon led the cast in the role of Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau and gave an outstanding performance in his debut at the PSC. He was on the stage in his trench coat for a good part of the two acts and he maintained the character’s unique accent throughout. The actor also made the most of the comedy of this bumbling inspector that constantly made the audience laugh. I hope to see this actor again on this stage.

"Professor Fassbender. What an honor to have you and your lovely daughter as my guests."

Killian Meehan (SHERWOOD, Mercutio in ROMEO & JULIET with Naugatuck Teen Theatre) also impressed me with his consistent performance as the villain Paul Dreyfus. Mitch Freidman (TONY & TINA’S WEDDING at Seven Angels) was very strong in the role of Dr. Fassbender in his Phoenix Stage debut. Jennifer Beverage (THE CAST OF TECHNOLOGY Off-Broadway in NY) stepped out of the ensemble to portray the doctor’s daughter Margo, a kind of damsel in distress, in her Phoenix Stage debut.

It was such a treat to watch Dr. J. Michael Elser (FOUR WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS, THE LAST SUPPER with yours truly) step out of his comfort zone to portray the butler Jarvis, who moonlights as a busty female impersonator. His entrance as the latter brought a smile to the faces of everyone in the audience. Kudos to Dr. Mike on a comedic masterpiece.

Brian Elser, a young PSC veteran with a slew of credits backstage and onstage and the son of Dr. Mike, was very funny as Cato, the houseboy of Inspector Clouseau. While the role is politically incorrect, it remains very funny. Laura Sturges-Cortez (SHERWOOD, JEKYLL & HYDE, FEMALE TRANSPORT) made the most of the role of the Russian killer Olga Berriosiva and knocked us dead with her intentions and her slinky moves.

The members of the busy ensemble included Tony Benedetti (FOOLS, FEMALE TRANSPORT) who took on the role of Hindu Harry, and Roni Gelormino who appeared as Tournier in her debut with the PSC. John Kennedy (FOUR WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS) stepped out of the ensemble to play Francois and Ian Kulesza (AFRAID OF THE DARK at Naugatuck High School,) made his PSC debut. Brianna Mattingly (LITTLE SHOP, A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHTS DREAM at NVCC) also made her PSC debut in the ensemble.

Maria Prussin made her PSC debut in her first performance in English. KC Ross (OCTETTE BRIDGE CLUB, ALMOST, MAINE) stepped up to play Drummond. Leland M. Schick (SPELLING BEE, REBEL YELLS and many more at PSC) was a riot as Cairo Fred and Heidi Wallace (MAMA WON’T FLY, THREE MURDERS AND IT’S ONLY MONDAY) rounded out the ensemble.

The very Pink Panthers that switched the scenes when necessary with lithe moves were played by Ms. Mattingly, Ms. Beverage, Ms. Prusson and Ms. Wallace.

The plot in this tribute to the character of the inept French inspector is all very silly but so much fun to watch. It is a spoof of the spy genre and it would probably offend some in a modern audience with its stereotypes. I don’t believe that I have ever watched a Pink Panther film all the way through, but it really didn’t matter. For me, it was such a treat to see Mr. Benedetti and Mr. Schick work together in this very talented cast.

Laurie Philips kept everyone on their toes as the stage manager for this production, with Tim Phillips serving as deck captain. Rob Richnavsky (SHERWOOD) offered his expertise as the fight instructor and there was a surprising amount of physical elements; Laura Sturges-Cortez was the fight captain. The director and Lori Poulin were in charge of the charming costumes and Lori Richnavsky took on the challenge of collecting all of the props. Set design by the director was basic black, but it worked very well. Al Hathway worked his magic with the lighting design and Mr. Basset was in charge of the signature Pink Panther melody and the rest of the sound design. The Pink Panthers will be changing the scenery through Sept. 21, 2019.

Go find out if the world’s most unusual criminologist, Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau, can save the day and stop the dreaded Doomsday Machine. And, while you're here, enjoy the free popcorn.

The Pink Panther Strikes Again

September 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 8pm
September 8 & 15 at 3pm

PHOENIX STAGE COMPANY is celebrating their NINE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY with the 2020 season announcement!

Come join us and hear what excitement we have in store for our 2020!
Saturday, September 28th from 1:00 to 6:00pm
VETERANS’ MEMORIAL PARK, 570 Nova Scotia Road, Watertown

Since this is a Pic-Nic, we will provide Burgers, Dogs and Chicken on the grill and our COOK-OFF category will be PIC-NIC SIDES!
We will also be providing Water, Soft Drinks and Iced Tea. There is no alcohol permitted in the pavilion or park. Good food, good friends and a good time awaits! Feel free to bring your favorite yard game – there’s plenty of room! Please RSVP to ed@phoenixstagecompany.org so we can be sure to have enough food!

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.

Click here to read about Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis.