THE KATE WELCOMES 2016 WITH LAUGHTER AND SONG

 RITA WILSON APPEARING AT THE KATE ON JANUARY 6

Old Saybrook’s Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is rolling out the red carpet to welcome the New Year with an abundance of good resolutions.  Get your funny bones ready as the Boston Comedy Festival sails in on Saturday, January 2 at 8 p.m. with a sleigh full of jokes to make your winter merry and bright for $25 a pop.

Just minutes later, on Wednesday, January 6,at 7:30 p.m. the  amazing song stylings of Rita Wilson will grace The Kate’s stage in a warm and wonderful cabaret evening that is guaranteed to chase the winter blues away. Already an actress and film producer of considerable note, Wilson has recently added song writer and singer to her impressive resume.  Tickets are $49-59.

The combined genius of Jeffrey Gaines and Freedy Johnston will bring their pop star wattage to The Kate on Friday, January 8 at 8 p.m.with a show that multiplies their timeless talents in a seamless presentation of song craft that will leave you breathless and begging for more.Tickets are $22-25. Hold on to your hats for NYCE!, a home grown jazz and rock band led by Nic Lefebvre and his Louisiana partner Danielle Ryce at the microphone.  New Orleans is invading Old Saybrook on Saturday, January 9 at 8 p.m. and you need to be there to experience the musical joy.Tickets are $22-25.

For some mystery with a spot of fun, look no further than the Saybrook Stage Company’s exciting production of that classic thriller “Deathtrap.” When a successful playwright has a bout of writer’s block, he decides to permanently borrow the brilliant work of a young protege and the result just may be murder .From Thursday, January 14 to Saturday, January 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 17 at 3 p.m., the dastardly deed is daring to be done.  Tickets are $15-20.

For two afternoons at 12:55 p.m., on Saturday, January 16 and Tuesday, January 19, The Kate will wave a banner of operatic delights when Bizet’s offering of lust, love and longing springs to full blown triumph direct from the Metropolitan.  The Far East will explode in splendor as soprano Diana Damrau portrays a beautiful Hindu priestess who creates an underwater world of rival pearl divers, suitors, all vying for her hand in marriage.Tickets are $28 and 25.

The pace changes dramatically on Thursday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. when a tribute to the Rolling Stones, “Satisfaction,” moves in with its power and perfection.The band promises to shine with authenticity in its homage to one of Rock and Roll’s greatest.  Tickets are $37.  Move over, men, for a special ladies night to benefit the Old Saybrook Safe Grad Night on Friday, January 22 at 7 P.M. Have a massage, buy a piece of jewelry, try on a lovely new outfit, all while sipping a glass of wine and nibbling on a savory treat.  Tickets are $40.

Classic country rock moves center stage on Saturday, January 23 at 8 p.m. when the pioneering sounds of Pure Prairie League ignite the tumbling tumble weed with their skillful and soothing sounds. Tickets are $55 and 58.  Tie on your toe shoes to enjoy the comedy of the Bard as the Bolshoi Ballet treats audiences to that classic tale of the bad tempered Katharina who is standing in the way of her younger sister Bianca marrying.  Katharina needs to learn a lesson in “Taming of the Shrew” before anyone gets to throw orange blossoms.  Come Sunday, January 24 at 12:55 p.m. for this viewing.  Tickets are $15.

London’s National Theatre Live will enter The Kate triumphantly on Thursday, January 28 at 7 p.m. with a startling new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses in a live broadcast.  Aristocrats will battle for love as well as seductive revenge as reputations are crushed along with hearts in pre-revolutionary France.  Tickets are $20.

An evening dedicated to blues, soul and roots music will be celebrated with Chris Bergson, a recent inductee into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, who brings his unique song sensations on Friday, January 29 at 8 p.m. to The Kate. Tickets are $25 and 35.  Completing this month of extraordinary offerings is another production from the Met, this time “Turandot.” On Saturday, January 30 at 12:55 p.m., Christine Goerke, Lise Lindstrom and Nina Stemme, alternating the title role, will shine as the proud princess of ancient China who uses riddles to defeat the many suitors who are vying for her hand.  Tickets are $28.  

Call The Kate, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook at 877-503-1286 or online at www.thekate.org. for tickets and more information.

Let January be toasty and terrific as The Kate offers a cornucopia of special treats for your enjoyment.