Charles Romano, Elizabeth Fox, and Kenneth Galm Photo by Constantine Pappas

The direction by Constantine Pappas is sublime and the pacing is just about perfect. This A Grand Night for Singing works so well because there are so many novel pairings of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs that one would never think would go together. The show is presented in a concert setting, with the excellent orchestra centerstage and the costumes being mostly elegant evening wear. From solo numbers, duets, and intricate harmonizing, A Grand Night for Singing at Seven Angels Theatre is a real joy and may even make musical theatre fanatics (like myself) want to dance in the aisles.

The "Carousel Waltz" is the opener, and it sets the tone of the evening very well. If early ideas like having the actors play a card game while singing "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" don't really gel, the show is quick to get back on track. Highlights from the first act include a powerful rendition of "We Kiss in a Shadow," by the fantastic performer Charles Romano, followed soon after by a boisterous "A Wonderful Guy," which includes the actors doing intricate harmonies flawlessly. Perhaps the biggest surprise is "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" being transforms into a raucous love song, which the charming Kenneth Galm turns into an antic display of frustration.

There is also a strong number for the women, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," which the three fabulous actresses in the show, Abigail Hammon, Morgan Cowling, and Elizabeth Fox, turn into a showstopper. Cowling is an individual standout as she delivers a solo "If I Loved You," which is almost aching in its beauty.

In Act II, Romano displays leading man charisma and vocals to both "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" and the formidable "This Nearly Was Mine." My favorite song from the lesser-known musical Me & Juliet, called "It's Me," is put over with gusto by Fox before she dons tap shoes and a snazzy dress to transform the song into a zesty tap number. Hammon is just lovely singing "It Might as Well Be Spring," and the most breathtaking moment in the show is the pairing of "I Know It Can Happen Again" with the "My Little Girl" section of "Soliloquy."

Perhaps the most outstanding asset of this production is that all five singers perform superbly as a group, in addition to the bright solo numbers and duets. Pappas' direction is aces, and he works well with the fine lighting designer Charles O'Connor, while the expert music director Richard Carsey leads the super orchestra with appropriate vigor.

The final two songs are "Impossible" and "I Have Dreamed" and, as the five member company performs these numbers, there is a moment of transcendence onstage that almost elevates the production even higher than it has been all evening. The stage practically glows as the faultless group of singers perform harmonies that wash over the audience, ending the show on a very pleasurable note. A Grand Night for Singing at Seven Angels Theatre is just what the title says it is: it is truly grand to see this show and to hear all of these classic songs performed in endlessly exquisite ways.

A Grand Night for Singing runs through May 10, 2026, at Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Rd, Waterbury CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-757-4676 or visit www.sevenangelstheatre.org.