I'd first heard of the Rocky Hill Town Theatre by word of mouth. Friends and family were talking. A great production of Parade, a hard-hitting Jekyll and Hyde, there was buzz about this group that couldn't be avoided. Still, I put off attending a show.

My first experience with the Rocky Hill Town Theatre (RHTT) was at a variety show. The uniform level of quality performances was unexpected, impressive and enjoyable. I knew I wouldn't miss a another show performed by this talented group.

RHTT Director; Liz Daigle deserves particular praise. She is a woman of wonderful theatrical vision, and more importantly, a motivator who has a knack for recognizing and promoting latent talent. Liz Daigle is one of those rare people who inspire confidence and create an aura of positive energy in those around her.

The Rocky Hill Town Theatre is nothing if not bold. They undertake difficult large scale productions, field elaborate orchestras, create inspired set designs, and perform demanding stage roles. The City of Angels production, with fast paced musical scores, large detailed sets, fifteen piece orchestra, and complex story line is ample proof of RHTT's performing talent and production skill.

Rocky Hill Town Theatre's 2005 City of Angels is spectacular. Charles Wisnioski's vision; realized thru profoundly inspired sets; immediately cast him as one my favorite set designers. Charles captured the true feel of an art deco - film noir world of the 30's. Enlisting period styled backdrops, art murals by John Vassos, period appliances, and numerous details; sets were carefully considered and planned masterpieces.

Darlene Davis and Peg Lawlor are also to be commended on the perfectly stylized costuming.

Much of the music in this show is difficult fast paced jazz. The "Angel City 4" featuring the singing of Diane L. Amende, Jenna Levitt, Carlos Silva and Jim Metzler proved to be more than up to the challenge. Each song was a show stopper. All of the individuals in this group are profoundly talented singers; combined they deliver high energy vocals with clear, clean tones . If singing can be called precision - this is it. The complex harmonies were delivered flawlessly, timing was precise and crisp. Donna Schaffer's 15 piece orchestra performed magnificently. I've never seen Ms. Schaffer deliver anything short of perfection, and she surpassed even herself here. Following the shows; the large tight orchestra broke blast into some of the finest jazz I've ever heard. They are a wonder to hear.

Performances were all on the mark. John Michael Whitney, as Stone - the flat foot noir detective - held his part convincingly. John is a prolific performer who manages to become whatever role he plays. Seeing him in this role, one can't imagine that he is anything but a troubled, hard living detective. Mr. Whitney's intensity in this role is superb as he becomes detective Stone - hard on a dangerous trail. He presents his character sympathetically; presenting a character alive with personal introspection, dry humor, as well as some surprises. John Nunes as Stine the writer of detective mysteries, is one of the most talented people I've seen. He has a likeable stage presence and is perfectly natural in his role. Mr. Nunes compliments his counterpart "Stone" with depth and intense character development. Both performers are also accomplished singers and their duets are some of the best to be heard. Throughout this show - singing, and sound are well delivered. Rocky Hill has assembled a cast of singers better than some I've seen in equity houses.

The City of Angels women are stunning, talented and also have great voices. Holly Jacobs plays the dual roles of Gabbi / Bobbi. Holly has a wonderfully expressive stage appearance. She emotes feeling very convincingly. She also sings very well. Having seen her, I don't think there is any role that she could not perform well. She clearly has the soul of a great actress and I very much hope she is on stage as often as possible. I look forward to seeing her perform again, hopefully in an emotion-charged role. She's an actress who's wonderful when portraying a women in desperate circumstances.

Allison Grass plays Donna / Oolie. Allison has a great stage persona, sort of a blend of Bernadette Peters combined with Angie Dickinson. Ms. Grass is a stage personality who adds much of her own feel to her role, and does it well.

Christine Gill is vicious as Carla / Alaura. Ms. Gill is perfectly cast and adds a great deal of energy to her characters. She seems to enjoy this role very much and her character showed her enthusiasm.

Kathleen O'Neil plays Avril / Mallory another fem fatale. Kathleen is mesmerizing in her variety of spellbinding outfits or even more spellbinding near lack thereof. In this role, she is the stuff of which men's dreams are made.

All in all, the many elements of this show came together to create a rare quality spectacle on Connecticut's stages. The combination of great music, orchestra, elaborate costuming, and sets; all delivered with near perfection; made this a clear choice for the very best of Connecticut's Musicals.

Bravo - Kudos' - Keep UP the Great work Rocky Hill Town Theatre - and Liz Daigle - continue with the vision.