Review: “Cry Baby-The Musical,” is a Hit at NFCT

The North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck is presently presenting a very funny and entertaining show, “Cry-Baby the Musical.” Directed by Bob Kaplan, this production has lots of diamond moments that make it so endearing. Most enjoyable is the musical number “All In My Head,” performed by Peter Peterson and Camryn Trant. It is easily an award-winning scene and alone worth the price of the ticket. The show runs until November 6th, 2022.

“Cry-Baby the Musical” is based on a film by John Waters. The music is by David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger, and the book is by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. This production is keenly directed by Bob Kaplan and produced by Betsy Kaplan. Musical director Dee Laveglia and choreographer Jenna Spates are to be applauded for the magic they put into this show via their skills.

An endearment of every North Fork Community Theatre production is the energy and enthusiasm of its actors and production team. They always come together and lift their shows into pleasing nights of community theater. “Cry-Baby” is yet another successful collaboration of local non-equity actors getting it done at a high level. The social messages of the show are forever important, and the production honors the integrity of those issues.

The role of Cry-Baby is portrayed by Ghana House. He owns the stage and prowls around it in character precisely and has a phenomenal presence. His strong and passionate singing earns applause. Raven Janoski, who plays Allison, has a delicate but deliberate sweet singing voice and wins the day with her grace on stage. Baldwin, played by Peter Peterson, is a complex role yet Mr. Peterson is a powerhouse and is perfect in the role. I believe his scene singing with Camryn Trant will be a tune you will be humming long after the show’s final curtain falls. Ms. Trant as Lenora is a bundle of elastic power bursting out her lines with total definition. Kudos to her on a great performance.

The actor who totally shines is Eileen Trilli while playing the role of Mrs. Vernon-Williams. Her performance gains momentum throughout the show,then reaches an apogee when she fantastically delivers the musical number, “I Did Something Wrong Once.” Ms. Trilli has a touching reach and skill set that goes beyond the discipline of acting. She has that unique talent and everyone sees it.

When Kevin Magee made his entrance as Judge Stone it was convincing, as was his role as Father Officer O’Brien. As a favorite, Glenn Abromowitz brings his pizzazz and charm to his three roles.

Leah Kerensky (Pepper Walker), Britteny Gillian (Wanda Woodward,) and Veronica Spaeth (Mona Malnorowski) are hilarious fun with their bombastic energy in their roles. Also, the audience heartily appreciated the efforts of Reagan Shea Blydenburgh, James Pritchard, Jenna Spates, Kevin Shea, and Alder McGough.

The Costume Designer Deanna Andes deserves a shoutout for a job well done. For ticket information go to https://nfct.com.