Lucky Stiff  is a Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty  [“Once On This Island,” “My Favorite Year,” “Ragtime”] musical murder mystery farce.  It tells the story of mild mannered Harry Witherspoon (delivered flawlessly by Randy Ronco). Harry is an unambitious, unassertive yet likeable Englishmen who, incidentally, has a problem with viscous dogs.

The show starts with Harry inheriting $6,000,000 from his recently departed shady American Uncle Tony (Chrissy Lewin); an Atlantic City casino manager.  Alas, the inheritance is not without complications - Harry's must escort his Uncle Tony's carefully preserved (lifelike) corpse on a tour-de-grand of Monte Carlo. Tony has left tape-recorded instructions on his tour venue requirements.  Yet the assignment has even more twists as we discover that Uncle Tony had a girlfriend, Rita (yet another outstanding performance by Kristen Chabot Gauld, Kristen is incapable of delivering anything but the finest performances and ranks among Connecticut's Very best  talent). It seems that Uncle Tony was having an affair with Rita - who was the wife of his employer - the casino owner. Rita had stolen $6,000,000 in diamonds from her husbands casino, put them in a heart shaped box, and brought them to Tony. Upon arriving at Tony's house, she discovered a couple in bed. Enraged, Rita attempted to shoot the girl - but without her much needed glasses, she didn't hit the girlfriend, but killed Tony! When her husband confronted her with the theft, she claimed her brother, Vinnie (Michael Cartwright delivering a tremendous performance that nearly steals the show), stole the diamonds.  Vinnie is a somewhat nervous optometrist. In a twist, another group may have claim to the inheritance, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn stands to gain the money should Harry deviate from the will's requirements. To ensure compliance, they have sent an observer, Annabel Glick (delivering a heartstring-tugging ingénue is Christa Douyard). Rita and her brother, Vinnie set out to recoup the diamonds, Harry takes his uncle to Monte Carlo and  Annabel goes to observe.

 All of this simply sets the stage for a series of misadventures in this madcap, hilarious show. The show includes some fine romance scenes with Harry (R.Ronco) and  Annabel (C. Douyard)  In Monte Carlo the group encounters yet more enjoyable characters.

Stage veteran Randy Boyd appears as several characters - each uniquely enjoyable. Boyd is a multi-talented experienced performer who brings an immediate sense of familiarity and likeability to the stage. He has immense "L" factor (likeability factor). On stage, his characters never cease to please. Audience response was particularly noticeable as he portrayed a somewhat seedy French Nightclub Emcee.

We also see the french vixen, delivered by a red dressed Donna Schilke. Donna delivers the French vamp quite well, one almost expects her to break out into an Edith Piaf tune. Ms. Schilke has all the requisite longing stares to properly captivate any male spectators. 

Kate Garrahy fills a variety of roles, from English landlady, to French maid, Kate has the stage presence to liven up any scene.

This show includes the finest performance to date for Randy Ronco, who has delivered many great performances. His Harry is at once believable, sympathetic, and likeable. Ronco has a flair for creating clearly defined characters with a great touch of sensitivity. While Harry has an outward giddiness, he is encased with self doubt and a subsurface longing for wholeness. Creating so complex a character from Harry Witherspoon is a testament to Mr. Ronco's performing and directing genius. Interactions with love interest Annabel have clear chemistry. One does not doubt for a moment that the attractive crystal blue eyed couple will eventually connect. Their duets, Dog versus You, and Nice, are beautifully interwoven with a great depth of feeling. The casting is magnificent.

Kristen Chabot Gauld is convincing and likeable as Rita. Her timing is perfect, as are her use of vocal and physical expression. Her singing voice has few equals. Kristen always brings dynamic energy to the stage. It is impossible to not focus during her every appearance. She commands attention and gives vitality to the show. In the role of Rita, she in unleashed - a dynamo of action, clearly focused on her goal. Kristen can deliver a punch line like few others.

Christa Douyard leaves no prisoners with her innocent, longing, Annabel. In this role, complete with use of sidelong glances, and delicately subtle gestures, Annabel is sure to devour the hearts of all who see and hear her. Christa has a clear voice with good tone and even better proper use of her range. Her every expression and mannerism is perfectly delivered in her role.

Michael Cartwright's delivery of Vinnie is entirely on the mark. His chemistry with Kristen is perfect. Cartwright is an accomplished actor and is perfectly cast. Even among such talent and skill, Cartwright nearly runs off with the show. At once funny, believable, and likeable - Cartwright is a great addition to the cast.

In the finest performance I've seen him in, Sam Greene comes across as a likeable, powerful Luigi. He is also the mysterious voice of Uncle Tony. Greene has all the mannerisms and voice to create an interesting character. Luigi is always compelling, and in the end, is enlightening.

A performance which is, surprisingly, easy to overlook is that of Chrissy Lewin. While playing a corpse may seem to be an easy task, it is, in fact, highly demanding. Physically one must be capable of remaining perfectly still and expressionless. Knowing Ms. Lewin, remaing without expression must be excruciatingly difficult to do, especially when surrounded by a superlative cast of comedic geniuses. Bravo to Chrissy Lewin in her understated role. Your Tony was truly the spirit of the show.

The Direction is precise creating a fast-paced, yet understandable and always hilarious show. Casting is without equal. The entire cast is experienced, talented, and have great voices. There is no single element of live performances that equals experience, and this cast has the confidence that only experience can deliver.

Musically, the show is a masterpiece. Ensembles are powerful, clear, and strong. A new gem on Connecticut's musical stages, Rebecca Francis, does a terrific job - expect to see (and hear) more of her. Music is tight, timely and flawless.

A special bravo the the lighting crew. Bravo to Evan Galatz and Stacy Constantine, they personify all that is best in Connecticut Theatre.

The production would not be such a perfect success without the dedicated work of Heidi and Bill Bengraff, Jason Cummings, Doug Fay, Katie Cummings, Helen Ronco. 

Bravo to All! Wonderfully Done!