From the Desk of Jim R, Take 2, Column 445, "The Best Musicals of 2023 - Non-Equity"

By James V. Ruocco 

Passionate.
Whimsical.
Engaging.
Lively.
Hypnotic.
Well-played.
Uplifting.

The beauty of LIVE theatre - Non-Equity - had its defining moments throughout 2023 with musicals that stood out full of lush scores, brilliant directorial choices, thrilling emotionality, casting coups, standout performances and award-winning Broadway composers like no other.

Duncan Sheik. Mark Hollmann. Jonathan Larson. Stephen Sondheim. Cy Coleman. Frank Loesser. Meredith Willson. Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Opening night was a hit.
Standing ovations were plentiful.
The reviews came out.
Critics were quoted in big, colorful adverts.
Ticket sales skyrocketed.
Several performances were sold out.
Audiences went wild.
There were lots and lots of productions to choose from.

Looking back, 2023 was a great year for Non-Equity musical fare all across Connecticut.

What worked?
What stood out?
What was the big blockbuster?
What musical reduced its audience to tears?
What was the "after party" buzz and chatter?
What musical did audiences choose to see a second or third time?

This year, things fell quickly into place.
Picking the very "best" musicals was pretty much - "one, two, three."

Fun?
Yes.
An open mind?
Always.
Personal favorites?
It comes with the territory.
Rereading the reviews?
Naturally.
Playing fair?
Of course.

But first, a few simple rules.

Only "press invited shows" (i.e., invites from Non-Equity theaters or marketing departments within the actual venue) are eligible for "Best Musical " consideration. 

To place on the annual "best" list, all productions must be completely consistent in terms of excellence, execution, performance, direction, design, casting and showmanship.
No exceptions. 

Please note: Normally, there's a tie for first place between two productions.
This year: There are four.

"Urinetown: The Musical, "Spring Awakening," "Rent" and a second production of "Spring Awakening" have each received first honors in this year's round up of eligible "Best Musical" productions.

My choices are as follows:

The Best Musicals of 2023 - Non-Equity 

"Urinetown: The Musical"

(Brookfield Theatre for the Arts)

director: David Anctil

"Spring Awakening"

(Brookfield Theatre for the Arts)

director: Beth Bonnabeau

"Rent"

(White Rabbit Theatre)

directors: Adam Tortorello and Lena Felix

"Spring Awakening"

(Connecticut Theatre Company)

directors: Erin Campbell and Becky McLean

"Into the Woods"

(Castle Craig Players)

director: Ian Galligan

"Guys and Dolls"

(Fairfield Center Stage)

director: Brian Crook

"Elf"

(Fairfield Center Stage)

director: Marcelle Morrisey

"Zanna Don't!"

(Connecticut Theatre Company)

director: Duane Campbell

"Head Over Heels"

(Connecticut Theatre Company)

directors: Duane Campbell and Emma Gulick

"The Sound of Music"

(Black Rock Theatre)

director: Connor Deane

"The Music Man"

(Seven Angels Theater)

director: Jimmy Donahue

"Sweet Charity"

(Kingswood Oxford)

director: Kyle Reynolds

"Panto of the Opera"

(Pantochino Productions)

director: Bert Bernardi

"{title of show}"

(The Arts at Angeloria's)

director: Lori Katherine Holm

"The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On"

(Castle Craig Players)

director: Ian Galligan

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change"

(Sacred Heart University)

director: Justin Zenchuk

"Jack and the Beanstalk"

(Downtown Cabaret Theatre)

director: Ashley Depascale