CHRIS FULLER SHOOTS FOR THE STARS

What might it be like to learn how to curse from a pro, a famous movie star no less, one who has invited herself to move into your family’s home without actually stepping on a welcome mat. If your name is Chris Fuller, you know exactly how it felt because you lived it, four letter words and all. And to think you were only four years old at the time.

The actress Bette Davis not only gave Chris Fuller his first indoctrination in the colorful world of curse words, she inadvertently set him on a life long course loving the game of golf. The fact that she beat him did nothing to dissuade him from his obsession for the game. His dad fueled that sports passion and encouraged it to grow, until he died when Chris was only eight. By age 12, Chris was competing competitively and he went on to participate in tours such as The New England Golf Tour and the Pepsi Tour. His goal, however, was always the prestigious PGA Tour.

For Chris, overcoming timing and swings, sand traps and putting, were all complicated by a diagnosis of Bipolar Mental Disorder that set challenging obstacles directly in his path. With honesty and openness, Chris has fashioned a revealing look inside himself, willingly revealing what is in the golf bag he carries so heavily around the course with him. In an original one man play, directed by Mark S. Graham, now renamed “Cheese Fries and Chili Dips,” he tells his personal story that is one of the highs and lows, twists and turns of a roller coaster ride.

Chili dips are short shots that hit the ground before your club hits the ball, much like the way Chris often feels his game fails him. Tonight he will perform at the Lucille Lortel Barn at the Westport Country Playhouse at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-show party at 6:30 p.m.

With the support of the International Mental Health Foundation and of The Golf Performance Center, Chris will become seventeen different people who influenced him along his often difficult journey, from his golf coach Mike, his mother and step father, people who believe in Buddhism and ballet, and even Martha Stewart, with projections to illustrate the high and low points.

With self deprecating humor, Chris deals with jittery zombie nerves, depression, medication, frustration, and trying to stay centered as his problems follow him through a series of jobs like being an Uber driver, working at Five Guys, selling insurance, being a bug inspector, all while trying to find himself and a career. He even wore a Cheese Fry costume as a restaurant mascot, but no matter what he did he always felt like a Humpty Dumpty getting ready to fall.

Now that Chris has mastered writing his storytelling in such a revealing and seriously sensitive humorous fashion, a movie of his life is in the works. Watch closely for details about this exciting future event. His message is “You can do anything so never give up!” Go to www.intlmentalhealth.org for more information. Let Chris inspire you to tackle life’s problems and develop your talents as opportunity offers you a hole-in-one shot. Don’t be afraid to Swing!

COME HEAR SUSAN GRANGER AND HER MOVIE MAGIC AT WATERBURY'S PALACE THEATER

What might it be like to be the product of a glamorous Hollywood life style and invest decades as a renown movie and drama critic, one recognized around the world? You have the unique opportunity to learn the inside scoop on Susan Granger’s extraordinary career at Waterbury’s Palace Theater in the intimate Poli Lounge, on Saturday, September 7 from 1-3 p.m.

Susan Granger will be appearing as part of the Palace’s Spotlight Series “I Wrote That!” as she expands on her childhood and career, talking about her two books “Don’t Take It Personally” and “150 Timeless Movies.” Imagine as a youngster from ages 3 to 12 working in the movies, thanks to her director father, with the likes of Abbott and Costello, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Margaret O’Brien and, believe it or not, Lassie. She wasn’t the star, but an extra on set but still the stories she will tell.

Now at the enlightened age of 85 and living in Westport, she is sure to regale the audience with tales such as how her beloved horse King Charles was slated to star in a movie with Liz Taylor, how she began her journalism career as a teenager writing a neighborhood newspaper in Beverly Hills about who got a new refrigerator or color television, how her stepfather’s life was saved by a dentist appointment when two men had planned to kidnap and kill him as a perfect murder plot, how she began as an early contributor to the film measuring monitor called Rotten Tomatoes, how her son became strategically involved in the movie hit Top Gun Maverick, and so many more.

This radio and television anchorwoman entered the movie world when she realized she could review films better than the current critics and she never looked back. Recent reviews show her giving “Mother of the Bride” a sad 3 and “Deadpool and Wolverine” a sassy 7.

For tickets ($22), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at www.palacetheaterct.org.

Come hear Susan Granger, an insightful and syndicated critic recognized worldwide for her passionate critiques in the theater and movie industries. Just don’t forget the buckets of popcorn, with or without the hot butter.

THE WAGNER IOVANNA STUDIO JUST HELD AUDITIONS FOR A NEW OPERETTA

Karen Wagner Iovanna,company producer, and Martin Marchitto, production director, created a clever and new theatrical conceit as the basis of Karen's recent weekend production for her company WISP held at the Old Stone Church in East Haven: “A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Auditions.” The director Michael Cocchi and the producer Alan Wagner are excitedly planning a new operetta, and although funds are limited, they are hopeful, with the help of their assistant Heidi Manley, to hold auditions and assemble a talented cast.

One by one, the eager thespians are ready to strut their stuff and win a coveted role. The audience is privy to all the angst and anxiety, the nerves and the nausea that can occur at any time. The what-if-I-forget the words is a constant worry as is what if I don’t get a callback or make it to the cast? Each hopeful took center stage and gave it their all, starting with Ariana Simo singing “Much More” where she pleaded with God not to be normal. At the other end of the spectrum, Lexi Kinniburgh feared she would be bashful until she belted out I’ve always been “Shy.”

Brittany Kammerer did a dramatic number,”Audition Sequence,” while climbing uphill and an accidental appearance of the church’s trusty custodian brings Victoria Reid to center stage for a stand out performance. Poor Brayden Esler, the recent victim of a girlfriend catastrophe, belts out “Falling in Love with Love,” and then providently bumps into Allison Bradshaw who while offering “Alto’s Lament” provides Brayden with a glimmer of hope. The sweet duet of Ruby Iovanna and Kate Simpson provide a little tune from “The King and I” as they “Whistle a Happy Tune,” while Kate takes back her courage in a brave song “I Have Confidence.” On to the stage wandered a guitar playing cowboy Art Longley who was hoping for a night of karaoke and settled for Viking horns and a cute rendition of the ad for J. G. Wentworth.

Amanda Maguire lamented about “What Do You Do With Your Arms” while you sing. Do you just let them hang there, useless? The director Michael Cocchi then gave a short lesson in how to “Gesticulate” while Amanda Maguire advocated about adopting “My New Philosophy.” The sad fate of a singer who never quite gets cast for the part was relayed with vigor by Marissa Salazar Nassar in “Whatever Happened To My Part (Diva’s Lament)” while a man delivering pizza, Erich Simo, spontaneously took center stage to deliver a rousing “Santa Lucia” and“Funiculi Funicula.” Michele Clay took a page from “Chicago” to give a big shoutout to the matron of the jail in “When You’re Good to Mama,” and the whole cast united in “Broadway Here I Come” to finish the first round of auditions.

The callbacks began with a hopeful “Impossible Dream” from the director, a ballad to love in “One Kiss” by Victoria Reid, a litany against the male gender by Brittany Kammerer in “I Hate Men,” a dismissal of her boyfriend George by Marissa Salazar Nassar when he has the nerve to gift her with “Vanilla Ice Cream,” a plea from the producer Alan Wagner about all the gifts he could provide “If I Were a Rich Man,”and a competitive number between Ariana Simo and Lexi Kinniburgh on how to be “Glitter and Be Gay.” The pizza man returned with Gina Consiglio to offer “O Solo Mio” and Gina offered “Chi’ Bel Sogno,", the new couple Allison Bradshaw and Brayden Esler united to sing “And This Is My Beloved.” while Marissa Salazar Nassar and Victoria Reid formed a duet to the operatic there “Sull' Aria,” Michele Clay passionates crooned “Make Them Hear You,” while the whole cast toasted the performance with “Champagne.”

Keep your eyes and ears open for the seasonal plans for WISP to reappear at Christmas with a whole host of innovative ideas, including a visit from Santa. Stay tuned.

GO TO THE WILD BEACH PARTY "MARGARITAVILLE" AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

What better time for a beach party than the middle of August with the need for cool breezes and iced alcoholic drinks are so tempting. It’s time for some Caribbean casual, coconuts, cheeseburgers, chilling out, charm, comedy, clever catchy tunes and cheer that are all characterized in the sand and shores at Ivoryton Playhouse until Sunday, September 15.

Grab your flip-flops, an island flowered shirt and a frothy frozen drink to get in the leisure mood as Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” lures you to forsake work and play, play, play. Punctuating Buffett’s chatty tunes, the musical comedy is by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley and is semi-auto-biographical in nature. Buffett started out playing for drinks at a bar in Key West, Florida. Now the story is island-bound and revolves around Tully, a swinging Sam Sherwood, successfully singing and playing the guitar part-time while he pursues women full-time, whether they want to be caught or not.

His latest target is Rachel, a studious scientific Margaret Dudasik, who is focused on her potato and volcano project and her career and is resistant to his charms. A lack of romantic chemistry and Rachel’s uptight manner do nothing to dissuade Tully from his goal. Meanwhile Rachel’s best friend Tammy, Maggie Bera, is about to be married back home in Ohio and is using her island time to have a last fling and escape her culinary restrictions. She discovers Brick, Beau Bradshaw the bartender, may be the salty rim to her drinking glass. Get your frozen drink, a beach ball, a comfy lounge chair and a Parrothead hat, if you dare, and you’ll be ready for some island time relaxation. Best to keep an eye on LaDonna Burns’ Marley as she works hard to avoid the advances of Don Noble’s J.D. who may or may not be penning his memoirs and searching for some long buried treasure. Also keep an eye on the island's dormant volcano that may be ready to blow.

Tunes like “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “License to Chill,” "It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s My Job,” “Fins” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor” are sure to have your juices flowing. Jimmy Buffett’s music has appeared on many different charts. He’s been on the Hot 200, the Top Country Albums chart, the Easy Listening chart, and more. Talk about being a bit of a musical chameleon! So how does Jimmy describe his music? Well, in the late 70s he called it “Drunken Caribbean Rock ‘n’ Roll!” These days, however, “Gulf and Western” is the preferred descriptor for fans—and even Buffett himself! So what is Gulf and Western music? Well, it combines elements of rock, pop, folk, and country with Caribbean music and adds in a dash of tropics-inspired lyrical themes. Sounds like perfection to me!

Clint Hromsco designed the fun choreography and also directs the romantic action. For tickets ($60, seniors $55, students $25), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.,Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Your ticket to fun in the sun in the tropics awaits you.

COME FOR A STUNNING "LOVE AFFAIR" AT BRANFORD'S LEGACY THEATRE

Romance is clearly in the air in Branford, thanks to a world premiere at the Legacy Theatre, when two strangers meet on a cruise ship and, although they are both engaged to marry someone else, fall in love. For over eight decades in film, in black and white and in Technicolor, in film and in plays, we are now ready to welcome them in a new musical as “Love Affair” heats up the stage until Sunday, August 25. What could be more wonderful than the promise of love and a long future together, even if obstacles challenge that union?

Credits for book, music and lyrics to Joseph J. Simeone, who also co-directed, choreographed and did the production design with Matthew Couvillon, with additional lyrics by Ethan Kanfer and additional book by Annaliese Jakimides, “Love Affair” is definitely a Valentine to the emotion that rules our hearts, one we all strive to capture and embrace.

When Michelle Aravena’s Terry McKay meets the notorious playboy Michael Starr’s Michel Marnet, we already have witnessed her kindness. Terry graciously rescued a fellow cruise passenger, Emily Steinhardt’s Phyllis Knoeflier from an embarrassing situation and a new and special friendship has developed. Both admire the world of music and dance and entertaining, and even though Terry is a secretary she has aspirations to be on the stage. Terry’s recent engagement to her boss Mr. Crowley is one of convenience and her desire for stability in her life while the suave Michel sees his bride-to-be Lois Clark as a ticket to wealth and luxury.

Can these two overcome the challenges of romance and succeed in life? How will the influences of Phyllis and of Michel’s favorite aunt Madeleine, a concerned and helpful Janet Dickinson help the pair resolve their differences? Can Terry and Michel trust they can build a future on their own merits? Will fate throw an unforeseen obstacle in their plans for happiness? Tunes like “Could You Wait for Love” and “How to Make a Dream Come True” swirl through the ocean air. Additional cast members include Amber Emerson, Dominic Pagliaro and Steve Taylor. Bill Speed on piano keeps the music rolling merrily along.

For tickets ($26.50-51.50), call the Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Road, Stony Creek, Branford at 203- 315-1901 or online at legacytheatrect.org/love-affair. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m. (8/15 at 2 p.m.), Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. (8/24 at 8 p.m.) and Sunday at 2 p.m.

On opening night, the audience was treated to a wonderful example of love when the play’s creator Joseph J. Simeone at curtain call asked Matthew Couvillon, his partner for a decade, to marry him. What better symbol of devotion could there be. Toast them with a glass of bubbly pink champagne.

CLIMB AROARD AND "RIDE THE CYCLONE THE MUSICAL" WITH THE MAGNOLIA THEATRE COMPANY

Timing is everything. Whether you’re planning a surprise party for your sister, setting a day for back surgery, meeting an online date for the first time or getting set to launch a new non profit and volunteer-based community theatre, your timing can be critical to the success of the event. What happens when an unforeseen occurrence like the COVID pandemic shakes the world and all your great plans are forced to be put on hold. But have no fear, the Magnolia Theatre Company of Hamden is up and running and ready to take on a whole amusement park for “Ride the Cyclone The Musical” until Sunday, August 11 and you are invited to hold on tight for this adventuresome roller coaster ride.

When Bradley P. Ellis from Oklahoma met Shawn Kelly from Louisiana, they recognized their mutual love of theater and determined to create a community “family” for thespians of all ages, from high schoolers to almost senior citizens, with the hopes of growing organically and building layers of complexity along the way. They started with "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged" and, just when they were ready to open, the pandemic had other ideas.They were put on hold for two and a half years. Thankfully along the way the Joan Lynn Dance Company in Hamden has offered them space for meetings, rehearsals and productions like “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and their newest, most ambitious endeavor “Ride the Cyclone,” a project Ellis’s daughters Alayna and Everly discovered on Tik Tok of all places. Alayna and Erin Gannon Guerrera are responsible for the energetic choreography while Everly is in the show making sure her vision is realized. Both Bradley and Shawn hope to add summer and Christmas shows to their roster of productions in the near future.

With book, lyrics and music by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, get ready to meet six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir who are weirdly injured in a roller coaster mishap. They awake in the land of limbo, only to discover that they must win the right to return to earth by convincing a mechanical fortune teller through a compelling personal story. This is not an adventure for children as it contains topics such as underage drinking, sexy cat ladies, lost heads and a few four letter words.

This cult musical takes place in Uranium City in Saskatchewan when the Cyclone roller coaster malfunctions and all six teens tragically perish. Each of the sextet sings their own story hoping to become human again. It has been called outstanding, delightful, weird, engaging and supremely witty.

As the Amazing Karnak serves as the show’s narrator and fortune teller, both Vinnie Santiago and Maya Johnson, are the one who will select the contest’s solo winner of life. The contestants include Chloe Zito as Ocean, Joshua Cruz as Noel, Jaison Haynes as Mischa, Jacob Gannon as Ricky, July Roche as Constance and Gwen Kirkland as the only unknown victim, Jane Doe. Each in turn sings their heart out trying to win, while projections from their lives dominate the stage. Meanwhile Shadow dancers weave in and out of the action: Everley Ellis, Katelyn Higgins, McKenna Doebrick and Salem Jones. The Haze dancers include Viviana Rodriguez, Laura Jeannine Sarrazin and Alexis Dascher, with Jake Murdock as Virgil the rat who has the power to cause unspeakable things to happen.

For tickets ($20 at the door or $23.18 online), go online to magnoliatheatre.org. The performances, tonight at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. , will take place at Whitneyville Cultural Commons Sanctuary, 1253 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.

Whether you love roller coaster rides or fear them like crazy, you will soon be caught up in the drama and frenzy of fun in this highly unusual musical with all the twists and turns of a real roller coaster ride. Hang on tightly.

"ASK FOR THE MOON" DELIVERS COMEDY WITH STARS AT THE TERRIS

Can I interest you in a luxury cruise aboard the Jewel of the Sea where maniacal murder is clearly on the menu? Are you ready for a wonderful, wacky and wild trip where comedy reigns and much more than your funny bone will be tickled? Might you enjoy kibitzing with a widow who is celebrating the first anniversary of her Nazi-like husband’s death, a nurse who is ready to confess her unique and unorthodox medical practices, a piranha who burps and belches in sweet harmony, a scheming lawyer who is clutching a briefcase of damaging revelations, a set of identical twins who have a history of hatred for each other, and an accommodating fashion designer who boasts of having the perfect outfit for whatever crime you are committing. Hold on to your sunglasses and party hat, the Terris Theatre in Chester, known informally as the Little Goodspeed, has the perfect summer fun fest in “Ask for the Moon” billed as A Mischievous New Musical, is playing until Sunday, August 11 so don’t waste a minute grabbing a passport or packing.

With book and lyrics by Darko Tresnjak, who also cleverly directs, and music by Oran Eldor, “Ask for the Moon” is the perfect antidote and prescription to ward off the current state of the world and its politics, floods and fires, a lovely escape from reality that is genuinely funny, farcical and fabulous.

Kudos to Luba Mason’s Helene Huber who is over the moon delighted that her mean spirited hubby is no longer the eleventh plague who tormented her with his evil ways. When she discovers his nurse Charlotte, an ambitious and self-serving Ali Ewoldt, did the dastardly deed with a pillow, she thanks her very much and the pair unite in cahoots when danger threatens them both. Much of the humor lies with Jamison Stern who takes on the awesome task of playing both singing twins, the disreputable attorney and the fashion plate designer. Rounding up this talented troupe is Alex Dreschke as various body doubles as the action mounts to fever pitch.

Throw in some stolen artwork, a distaste for Chekov, a winning Bingo card clutched in the hand of a wheelchair bound beauty (?), a pair of demonstrative puppets, a polka and a meringue, an ice skater and an opera singer, a piece of red velvet cake and a storm worthy of Titanic proportions and you have the masterful makings of a grand entertainment. Alexander Dodge’s set married to Jen Caprio’s costumes, with choreography by Karla Puno Garcia and musical direction by Ian Axness send this comedy into orbit.

For tickets ($59-64), call the Goodspeed at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.org. Performances are at The Terris, 33 North Main Street, Chester on Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Cast your cares to the wind and set sail on the Jewel of the Sea. Just be sure not to venture into the Poseidon Suite but stay peeking outside through the portholes for your own safety. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

THE NEW AGE GURU DEEPAK CHOPRA SPEAKS ON AWAKENED LIFE AT PALACE THEATER IN WATERBURY

When Deepak Chopra speaks, the world listens. His philosophy and wisdom are grounded in self-awareness and transformative meditation and healing. He has devoted his life to his beliefs and sharing them around the globe, authoring over 90 books that have been translated into more than 43 languages.

Deepak Chopra will share his wealth of knowledge at Waterbury’s Palace Theater on Thursday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. when he speaks on an Awakened Life, guiding the audience with a practical toolbox, to gain a clear vision of new levels of awareness, with the goal of healing your mind and your body.

Born in India, Deepak Chopra began his studies of medicine there before emigrating to the United States in 1970. Two decades later he began proposing a holistic approach to health and well being combining yoga, meditation and nutrition. He believes a person can achieve “perfect health” and be free from illness, never feel pain and not age. He contends that a person’s state of mind can influence human aging to speed it up, slow it down or even reverse it. He is not without his critics.

His medical teachings have undergone scrutiny, as raising false hopes and turning sick people away from accepted medical treatments. He believes 80% of drugs prescribed by doctors are of marginal value and he has become a leading proponent of transendental meditation. In his mind, health care means that “your mind, your body, and your consciousness - which is your spirit - and your social interactions, your personal relationships, your environment, how you deal with the environment and your biology are all relationships inextricably woven into a single process…By influencing one, you influence everything." These are his practical tools to ensure your life has joy, compassion and love.

For tickets ($49.50-89.50), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at palacetheaterct.org.

Deepak Chopra’s 95th book will be published less than a week after his talk on September 17, 2024, “Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well Being.” Come hear for yourself what this new age guru and alternative medicine advocate has to say about life and health and your part in making them improved.

"SCHOOL OF ROCK" IS IN ENERGETIC SESSION AT THE WARNER IN TORRINGTON

Get your dancing shoes on and check your ears for any pesky ear wax as a swell rock and roll band is bouncing into your neighborhood and they won’t be ignored. Listen up!

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has done it again, created a super-duper musical that magically rocks the rafters. The Warner Theatre in Torrington will be nailing down everything that could jump, bump or vibrate as this stimulating and sensational "School of Rock" is let out of its protective wrapper until Sunday, August 4th.

With music by Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes, based on the Jack Black film hit of the same name in 2003, "School of Rock" follows an unemployed rock musician who sings and plays guitar as he tries to make an honest dollar as a substitute teacher. Forget the fact that he was thrown out of his band and the school gig belongs not to him but to his best friend.

Dewey Finn created with angst and energy by Noel Roberge takes on his new slightly uncomfortable role at a prestigious prep school and instinctively, like a blood hound, discovers that his new charges have remarkable talents with musical instruments. Dewey's desire to smash his way to the top of the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest leads him to bring his machinations to transforming his class of fifth graders into rock stars.

Will these studious and straight haired students, who measure success in A's on report cards, let their hair down and follow this rather disreputable leader? Can Dewey perform his magical and maniacal mission without the kids' parents or the school authorities discovering his subversive and diabolical plot? How can he get the students to blow their staid exteriors to let loose mind-expanding musical personas?

Before you can say "rock and roll" three times, Dewey has encouraged his class to abandon gold stars and academic achievement and pledge total and complete allegiance to the band. Soon school uniforms are gone and his students are blasting out on electric guitars, bass, keyboard and drums and Dewey, the failure and band reject and wannabe rock star, is off and ready to climb "To the Top of Mount Rock.” Tunes like “You’re in the Band,” “Stick It to the Man,” and “Teacher’s Pet” will set you flying.

For tickets, call the Warner Theatre, 66 Main Street, Torrington at 860-489-7180 or online at warnertheatre.org. Final performances are Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Plan ahead for other entertaining offerings like The Righteous Brothers with a That Lovin’ Feeling’ Farewell Tour on August 18, the music of Sweden’s ABBA on September 22, an early Halloween treat with Hocus Pocus on September 27 and 28, the Nutmeg’s Conservatory traditional favorite The Nutcracker December 7 and 8 and 14 and 15. Check the website for many more treats.

Come see if Dewey can perform musical miracles and, at the same time, win the damsel of his dreams.

COME EXPERIENCE LISA LAMPANELLI AT MTC THE FORMER QUEEN OF MEAN

Being a stand up comedian is not fun and games. It demands timing and talent and a lot of preparation. Just ask comedian and actress Lisa Lampanelli, who also writes books, albums, tv and films and generously does fundraisers like raising $130,000 for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. You can experience Lisa’s unique brand of entertainment style at Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk on Saturday, August 3 and 9 at 8 pm. A second opportunity is at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford on Saturday, August 24 at 8 p.m. Both events are fundraisers for the theaters.

Hailing from Trumbull, Connecticut with ancestors from Italy and Poland, Lisa started out as a journalism fact checker before she launched her comic career in 1991 with a first show at Joker’s Wild in New Haven. She never looked back until a few life lessons impacted her equilibrium and inspired her second act. Before that, Lisa was proudly the Queen of Mean, with the ability to make even Don Rickles blush. Her insults were fast, furious and often filthy. She reached star status when she appeared at Roasts for the likes of Chevy Chase, William Shatner, Pamela Anderson, Donald Trump, Larry the Cable Guy and Gene Simmons of “Kiss” fame. She excelled at skewering each of them like shish-kabobs in a hot flame.

Somewhere along the way she realized she didn’t want to cause pain with her comedy and rather wanted to connect with people through storytelling and being a life coach. Attending a workshop on food and body image prompted her to elect a weight loss surgery where she shed one hundred pounds. She announced her retirement on the Howard Stern radio show in late 2018 and is now in her new career. No hobbies like knitting needles or collage glue for this vivacious gal. She will use a script-in-hand format, followed by an audience talk-back and question and answer and reception to present "Lisa Lampanelli: Irrelevant” citing incidents from her personal life to encourage audience members to discover new directions in relevance in their own lives.

For tickets ($65), call Music Theatre of CT, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at 203-454-3883 or online at https://www.musictheatreofct.com/irrelevant. For Playhouse on Park, call 860-523-5900, ext.10 or visit www.playhouseonpark.org.

Lisa Lampanelli’s initial goal was to become the world’s best insult comic and that she surely accomplished. Come learn her fascinating story in her new solo show where she will set you on a path of your own personal self-discovery to find your place in this complicated world so you can find your own shine.