JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE BY TED VIGIL SOARS MUSICALLY AT SEVEN ANGELS THEATRE

When Henry John Deutshendorf Jr. was eleven years old, he received a gift from his grandmother that determined his destiny. His grandmother’s guitar led him to pursue his love of singing by encouraging him to join a boys’ choir and to take guitar lessons. If his grandparent had presented him with a basketball or a set of golf clubs, how different he and his future might have become.

When a career in music presented itself, Henry John Deutshendorf Jr. was advised to change his name because it was too long for a marquee. Heeding that thought, he changed his moniker to the beautiful capitol of his favorite state and became John Denver. If his music and story are important to you, mosey on over to the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury for two performances on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 for the rich and inspiring tribute to John Denver created by Ted Vigil for your listening pleasure.

John Denver has been called “among the most beloved entertainers of his era.” He brought a special signature to folk music, recording almost 300 songs, about 200 of which he wrote himself. Professionally, he was a gifted American songwriter, singer, guitarist, actor, activist and humanitarian, focusing his efforts on world hunger and the environment. Calling Colorado his home for much of his life, in 1974 he was named poet laureate of the state.

An unhappy childhood as part of a military family that relocated frequently, his stern father did not encourage his musical aspirations. Hits like “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Take Me Home Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy, “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and “Calypso,” mark some of his musical genius.

Seven Angels will present this special tribute with singer, songwriter and tribute artist Ted Vigil. Vigil, who looks and sounds like John Denver, has performed with Denver’s lead guitarist Steve Wiesberg who stated “Apparently the audience thinks they all look and sound like John. I don’t see it. I see it with Ted. A very strong physical resemblance…Uncanny!

Ted Vigil was born in Seattle and raised in the Olympia area. Performing since the age of ten, he has competed in talent contests nationally, been recognizing for how amazingingly he looks and sounds like his musical icon, cruised the Caribbean as his hero, played twice for the John Denver fundraiser “Windstar Foundation” in Aspen, Colorado and won a bucket full of country western accolades.

For tickets ($30 and up), call Seven Angels Theatre, Plank Road, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.

John Denver died in a plane crash, in a light plane he had recently purchased and was piloting in 1997 at the age of 53. Let Ted Vigil “convince you that John Denver never died! His look and sounds," according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “ are scary!” Scary good that is! Since 2006 Ted Vigil has paid tribute and faithfully embodied John Denver in a unique and sentimental singalong that audiences cherish. Thank God he’s a Country Boy!

COME LEARN THE LESSONS OF HOPE, HEART AND HUMANITY OF "COME FROM AWAY" AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

The world changed forever on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Today 25 years later the effects of that tragic day are still echoing in our history. it is our duty and responsibility to remember that day and learn the lessons it taught us. The Ivoryton Playhouse is giving us that unique opportunity and I urge you to take advantage of this gift by attending a performance of "Come From Away."

This incredible musical focuses its attention on five days of our past and some of the worst events in our country’s history, the destruction of towering buildings in New York City and government structures in Washington, D. C. on 9/11/2001. Ten years later husband and wife David Hein and Irene Sankoff traveled to Gander, Newfoundland to record the amazing story of a humanitarian miracle. Without warning on that fateful day, 38 planes from all over the world were diverted to Gander, once a major stop for refueling for international flights, but long since abandoned as planes no longer needed to stop for more gas.

The almost 6700 passengers on the planes, the pilots and the people of Gander had no idea what was happening. Without warning or preparation, the good citizens of the small town rushed to open their homes and hearts to those strangers, providing baby formula, dog food, pillows and blankets, casseroles, a place to sleep and comfort before the tragedy was even revealed.

Run to the Ivoryton Playhouse for a marvelous musical that captures the generosity of this small community of Canadians until Sunday, September 6 as “Come From Away” soars on magical wings into Connecticut.

The planes were originally diverted for fear some were also part of the terrorist plot, like the plane that crashed in a Pennsylvania forest. The 11,000 citizens of Gander didn’t stop to ask questions. The striking bus drivers immediately returned to work to ferry the passengers around town. Twelve incredible actors-Mimi Bessette, Patrick Steven Bovo, Dana Costello, Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, Joseph Dellger, Stacia Fernandez, Miles Hanna, Logan Marks, Jason Ivan Rodriguez, Autumn Eliza Sheffy, Billy Clark Taylor and Vicki Wepler- and eight inspired musicians-Angie Benson, Mark Gehret, Israel Corona, Austin Tewksbury, Dakota Singerline, Tara McGurk, Em Squatrito and Sam Moffet- will take you on the journey of generosity, playing the passengers, pilots and people of Gander to musically illustrate the way good folks can respond with hope in the midst of devastating tragedy.

Come visit the dog catcher, the mayor, the chief of police, the first female pilot to command a major airline jumbo jet, a woman who fears her fireman son has been lost in the downing of the World Trade Center, a gay couple searching for acceptance, two strangers who find each other and romance and so much more.

This is a musical happening, brimming with spirit and patriotism, a tribute to faith and resilience, a gift of compassion in the face of tremendous loss. I was fortunate enough to see the birth of “Come From Away” for the first time at the Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals when the initial staged reading took place and also attend the Broadway production the day Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau brought 500 of his people to see the show in New York on Canada’s 150th birthday.

Stirring songs like “WELCOME TO THE ROCK,” “ON THE EDGE,” “ME AND THE SKY,” and “38 PLANES” embrace the action. Todd L. Underwood beautifully directs and choreographs this amazing true tale. For tickets ($65, seniors $60, students $25), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org.

This is not a show to be missed. If nothing else, it will restore your faith in the innate goodness of neighbors to reach out and hug you with friendship and love.

ENTER THE SOUTHERN CHARM OF "OLD OAK RIDGE" WITH SOUND AND STAGE THEATER COMPANY

For a quartet of years, The Sound and Stage Theater Company, a non-profit enterprise, has taken a unique turn in their entertainment offerings: they have written their shows in house in a totally original style. Dawn Taubl takes full credit for the innovative writing and direction not to mention choreography while Carol Taubl is responsible for the inspired music and lyrics and what a team they make. Put on your dancing shoes because tonight Sunday, August 9 at 7 p.m., at Congregation B’Nai Jacob in Woodbridge, their large cast of teens and adults is prepared to razzle dazzle you with a musical comedy “Old Oak Ridge.” that will delight you in a delicious bittersweet way.

Prepare yourself for a visit to Old Oak Ridge, a Southern community about to celebrate two major events for their town: the 350th Birthday of the town and the 500th Anniversary of a sacred and beloved angel oak tree. At the heart this is a play about the importance of family, the roots you plant in your home town and why the environment needs to be protected. Its the 1950’s in a fictional South Carolina locale where everybody knows your name and your business and secrets have a hard time surviving among the gossip grapevine.

Sunny and sweet voiced Jessica Coppola’s Daisy Dawson takes a few days off from the College of Charleston to attend the festival with her mother Ginny (Kim Adzigian) and her grandpa Hank (Mark Hall). While mom is supportive of the big doings and enthusiastically involved in the poodle skirts being sewed for the sock hop and preparing the food fixings, grandpa seems to want to sleep until the party is over.

Recording all the excitement is a news team led by Sam Taubl’s Chuck Sterling and his crew Scout (Nicole Scout) and Jackson (Adam Hall). Scout has her own agenda for being in town: to find her birth mother and establish her own history. Other townsfolk’s involved actively in the tale are the Sheriff (Hannah Bellows). the mayor (Jamin Mucherino). the environmentalist Evie (CC Hayden) the researcher and helper Babs (Tina Marie Manus), the Pastor (Joanna Bair) and Bobby (Jeremiah Taubl).

Others in the energetic cast include Jenna LaBranche, Tommy Francese, Eli Blatchley, Elizabeth Wilkinson, Hannah Lorenzo, Rosemary Wilkinson, Ivy Somma, Grace McAnnally-Linz, Juliana Vaiuso, Kathryn Mucherino, Alexa Charney, Thomas Sicignano, Melissa Lewis and Laura Regan.

Before the queens of the sock hop are crowned, there are sneaky plots, plans to take the town’s history, efforts to be environmentally conscious, a collection of acorns with letters on them, a line of young men who want to date Daisy, the search for Scout’s birth mother, a lot of gossip that may or may not be true, community secrets just aching to be revealed, and a storm the night before the festival that almost cancels everything.

Songs like “Where They Know My Name,” “Oak Ridge Grapevine,” “Sunset Shimmy,” “Roots Deeper than the River,” “Gunnin’ for the Truth,” and “Seedlings Left to Grow” keep the plot moving rhythmically along. Tickets for tonight are $30 at the door. The theater is also supporting “Tree Angels for Haiti” by planting 256,000+ trees on the island of Haiti as well as donating 15,200+ supplies to help the environment.

Travel down South for a sweet, funny and emotional visit with the Dawson family and all their many friends, to help them preserve their roots, their branches, their wings and their legacy.

ENTER DANGEROUS TERRITORY WITH "THE CANNIBALS OF MCGOWER COUNTY"

Scavengers swoop in quickly to abandoned and neglected buildings to find unique objects to either enhance their own homes or discover items they can sell for a profit. They time their hunts to arrive and depart with great haste, in and out in different locations, discovering trays of salt and pepper shakers and pink wall piggy hangers with great delight.

To enter the unusual ghost town world of two long time scavengers, take your courage and your big garbage bags to TheaterWorks Hartford’s world premiere of Drew Larimore’s “The Cannibals of McGower County” until Sunday, August 30. Prepare for a bizarre encounter with Annalee Jefferies’s Lindalyn and Constance Shulman’s Viola that will keep you unsettled and puzzled as the drama twists and turns with explosions and surprises.

Lindalyn and Viola are having a wonderful time exploring and hunting for treasures when they alarmingly realize, to their dismay, that they are no longer alone at the west Texas barbecue restaurant. A young couple Edward Hoke’s Blaze and Gus Birney’s Sarah Nell, clearly in the early stages of love, appear. He has just bought the ghost town, including the long closed restaurant and he is exuberant about his new love for Sarah Nell and the prospect of a promise filled future together. He even has a diamond engagement ring to prove his good intentions.

What could happen when these two diverse sets of competitors collide? Will they respect their differences or mightily clash in disastrous ways? Jen Wineman directs this wild and wooly encounter that not everybody survives. For tickets ($43-78), call TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-527-7838 or online at twhartford.org. Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., with additional shows Saturday, August 22 at noon and 4 p.m. and Thursday, August 27 at 1 p.m.

Take a volatile adventure with unexpected consequences that may just shock your sensibilities. Secrets long buried are sure to be revealed in this macabre tradition of Southern Gothic.

MUSIC THEATRE OF CT OFFERS EXCITING READINGS AND A ONE WOMAN SHOW

Music Theatre of CT is opening its doors to offer exciting readings by local CT playwrights, performed by Broadway and regional actors. So far Stuart Brown has offered an involving mystery, “Conduct Unbecoming.” directed by Jim Schilling about five college faculty members and their new leader on a retreat on a remote island when one participant mysteriously dies. The second reading was by Jack Rushen, “Taming the Lion,” directed by Kevin Connors, a true story about the explosive and controlling relationship between the first openly gay actor, William Haines, in the late 1930’s and M.G M. mogul Louis B. Mayer.

The third installment, coming Tuesday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. is “36.” the debut novel by Kate Katcher, now a play directed by Deb Levy that tells the story of the Weiss family, orchestrated by the matriarch Maxine to the best of her ability. Her daughter Shellie has an unusual relationship with mom that is both challenging and intense. Shellie is back in Brooklyn with news that she is reluctant to tell, afraid to hear her mother’s reaction and rightly so.

It is from her Bubby, the grandmother of the Weiss family that we learn the origin of the play’s title: the 36 people, the Lamed Vav, the Jewish people who in times of crisis can be consulted for aid or simply for conversation. Bubby sincerely believes her husband Sheppie was one of the blessed 36. It was his job not to offer advice but to “justify the existence of mankind in the eyes of God.” These 36 suffer in silence for the rest of the world. Bubby also believes her daughter Maxine is continuing her husband’s responsibilities to be the heart of the world and absorb its misery.

Bubby’s husband as a boy fled his war torn homeland and was eventually smuggled to America and used his artistry as a baker to make a living. He died before Shellie’s younger sister Shira who was named for him was born. Shira is intellectually challenged but has an immense capacity for caring and empathy. This family struggles to handle the joys and troubles that come to their door, all the ups and downs that ultimately bring them closer together, all while questioning their resilience and faith.

Kate Katcher creates a family you will want to embrace and, perhaps, make your own. Jewish customs are woven into the intimate tapestry of the Weiss household as they determine who will be the next Lamed Vav to save the world. Let her welcome you into her intimate realm as if you are one of the many who call Maxine on the telephone to help them cope with a troubling question in their lives. Enjoy the sensitive and sassy, heartfelt and humorous journey with the interesting Weiss family created by the wonderfully colorful and imaginative mind of Kate Katcher. Tickets are $28.

Next up is a personal one woman show by Randye Kaye about her life journey on Saturday, August 15 at 8 p.m., “Cracks and All: A Perfectly Imperfect Life” as part of the Hot Summer Nights series. Ms. Kaye write plays, does radio work, teaches workshops on mental health, voiceover actor, humorist, improv and stage actor, podcast host, writer, motivational speaker, author, drama teacher, and director. Her books include Happier Made Simple: Choose Your Words Change Your Life, and Ben Behind the Voices: One Family’s Journey From the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope. She is also the host of WSHU’s All Things Considered and does a podcast Good at Heart. Because of her family history she is instrumental in leading a free eight week course on mental health and family issues with emphasis on education support and connection. Part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the free course relies on “Search,” support, education, acceptance, respect, communication skills and hope and humor. For more information, email www.nami.org.

Clearly Randye does not want any person to feel alone in their journey. She is also one of 3 Moms in the Trenches, who each have a child with schizophrenia and have each written a book about the experience. Her show will touch on her 43 year old son who has battled mental illness since his teens and how with the right outlook ordinary things can appear as miracles. Her mission is to change pain to purpose and refusing to bow to despair. For tickets ($45 plus fees), call MTC, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at 203- 454-3883 or online at admin@musictheatreofct.com.

Let Kate Katcher and Randye Kaye provide stimulating evenings of revealing family entertainment. You will be a more knowledgable person for entering their remarkable worlds.

CENTER STAGE THEATRE TAKES YOU UNDER THE SEA WITH SPONGEBOB

A unique musical adventure awaits you if you are daring enough to travel under the sea to the fictional town of Bikini Bottom and make the acquaintance of one character known as SpongeBob SquarePants, delightfully created with courage by Harry Rosenay. Do not be dismayed that he resembles a square kitchen sponge as that’s just part of his charm. He lives in a pineapple house, in a coral reef, with nearby best friends Patrick Star,(Jack Schafler), his neighbor Squidward Tentacles (Isaac Motes) and Sandy Cheeks (Taylor Tunstall).

Conceived and directed by Tina Landau, with book by Kyle Jarrow, orchestrations by Tom Kitt, choreography by Christopher Gattelli and songs by a number of composers, “SpongeBob SquarePants The Broadway Musical” will be making its spectacular stop at Shelton’s Center Stage Theatre by theYouth CONNection, with students from ages 14 to 23, until Sunday, August 2 and the whole family is invited.

Originally a highly successful animated series on Nickelodeon, it has now garnered 12 Tony Award nominations. Filled with sponges, squid, starfish, snails and sardines, it quickly plunges the residents of Bikini Bottom into panic mode. A nearby volcano at Mount Humongous will soon erupt and the town will be destroyed.

The evil doers in town, the married couple Sheldon Plankton (Ian Rosenay) and Karen the Computer (Anna Edwards) have a plan to talk the citizens into entering their escape pod, but it’s really a plot to hypnotize the unsuspected to like the chum they serve at their restaurant the Chum Bucket. Their rival restaurant the Krusty Krab would be devastated. A fundraising concert is planned to help the cause.

While being only a sponge, the inventive SpongeBob has a plan of his own to save the town, calling on his friendship with Patrick and Sandy to help. Difficulties ensue and the townspeople are soon conflicted about whom to believe and to follow. Loyalties are tested and disaster seems inevitable. Come discover for yourself if Bikini Bottom is doomed to disappear forever. A giant cast of enthusiastic kids keeps the high energy jumping all the way to the top of the menacing volcano. Kudos to co-director Rob Esposito working with co-director Katie Sedlock who also works overtime as choreographer and costumer.

For tickets ($22-42), call the Center Stage Theatre, 54 Grove Street, Shelton at 203-225-6079- or online at centerstageshelton.org or boxoffice@centerstageshelton.org. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Can a lowly simple sponge find the courage to save his home and his friends and prove his bravery? Grab a crab, an octopus or a snail and help to save the day, turning the tide from “No Control” to “Hero Is My Middle Name” to “Best Day Ever.”

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE SALUTES AGATHA CHRISTIE

Playing the game of Clue with Professor Plum in the dining room with a candlestick will in no way prepare you for a visit to the Westport Country Playhouse for the hundredth anniversary of Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” Until Saturday, August 1, the story called her masterpiece will be filled with likely murder suspects, each hiding secrets and concealing motives. Since 1926, her crime novel has enjoyed being named in fifth place by the Crime Writers Association in Britain in a list of The Top Crime Novels of All Time, and has also been the first sound film in 1931, a radio play in 1939, an even longer radio play in 1987, a television play in 2000, and a graphic novel in Japan in 2018. Now sit back and thoroughly enjoy Artistic Director Mark Shanahan’s new adaptation of the original where you are challenged to find the killer. Evaluating clues and debating the possibilities is half the fun of the game.

The story’s narrator Dr. James Sheppard, a genial and helpful John Rapson, introduces the first victim, a Mrs. Ferrars, who committed suicide over her guilt at killing her abusive husband a year earlier. She is a rich widow in the English country village of King’s Abbot and engaged to marry Roger Ackroyd, Mark Silence, and this is all according to the milkman who shared all the gossip with Dr. Sheppard’s unmarried sister, a caring Erin Noel Grennan’s Caroline. Also quickly revealed is that someone has had knowledge of her crime and has been blackmailing her.

The good doctor is soon summoned to the mansion of his friend Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy widower and owner of a nearby estate. Roger urgently wants to speak to him, but before he can, Roger is found with an antique dagger in his neck. When the local constable arrive, Allen Gilmore’s Inspector Raglan, a number of suspects have gathered to exclaim over the latest crime. They include Major Blunt, Richard R. Henry, Roger's niece Flora, Shereen Ahmed, Flora’s fiancee Ralph Paton, Joe Delafield, Flora’s mother Gertrude, Karen Ziemba, Roger’s secretary Helen, Nicole Shalhoub, Roger’s maid Ursula, Katy Tang, and, of course, the Butler, Parker, Tom Hewitt. Summoned to help solve the crime is also the famed, newly retired Anthony Cochrane’s Hercule Poirot. There are no end of suspects fully capable of being both blackmailer and murderer, all with assorted motives and numerous secrets they each are in no hurry to reveal.

Splashes of humor lighten the interrogations that ensue, as an inquest is promised, other villagers are questioned as to their whereabouts, and some red herrings are scattered. At intermission, it is a lot of fun to speculate on who the responsible party might be or if there could be a pair of murderers at work. The audience is encouraged to use their “little grey cells” in determining who had opportunity and who had a need for money, a desire for lust, or a seeking for revenge. Mark Shanahan directs this involving drama on a stylishly designed set by Charlie Corcoran.

For tickets ($60-90), call the Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport at 203-227-4177 or online at westportplayhouse.org. Performances are Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Come test your detective skills on what Mark Shanahan calls his adaptation, “a labor of love,” one that stays mostly faithful to the original and be sure not to give away the name of the perpetrator when you laud his literary efforts.

MAGICAL MUSICAL "MATILDA" COMES TO NEW CANAAN THANKS TO STONC

The Summer Theatre of New Canaan has a special treat for children of all ages that is filled with music and mystery, magic and meanies, that will keep you on the edge of your seat at the air conditioned New Canaan High School on 11 Farm Road until Sunday, July 26 in New Canaan.

Imagine how Harry Potter must have felt being brought up by family members who were muggles and not understanding or compatible with his magical tendencies. Now think of a clever little girl, known for her creative and brilliant ways, who is being raised by less than intelligent caregivers. Her dad is a car salesman with all the attendant challenges in the honesty department while her mother is an amateur ballroom dancer who wants to be valued for her looks and dancing skills rather than her mind.

Come meet Matilda, a precocious and precious Charlotte Surak and the enterprising star of “Matilda the Musical,” created from a story by Roald Dahl and being brought to prominent life by Tim Minchin, music and lyrics, book by Dennis Kelly, and additional lyrics by Chris Nightingale, three weeks only.

At the age of five, Matilda has her hands full at home dealing with her parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, (Christopher Hudson Myers and Rachel MacIsaac Myers), who are less than encouraging. They feel that their daughter is “batty” and do little to feed her intellect. At school, at Crunchem Hall, Matilda continues to fight the establishment as Agatha Trunchbull (Meghan Louise Taylor) is the headmistress from H-E- Double Hockey Sticks and gives tyrants and bullies a bad name.

Fortunately, Matilda finds allies who appreciate her in her meek but supportive kindergarten teacher, Miss Honey, (Mary McNulty) and Mrs. Phelps, (Keisha T. Fraser) the helpful librarian, who provides reading challenges and loves Matilda’s incredible stories. Here is a little girl who cut her imagination on Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling and is enamored by Will Shakespeare.

To help herself get along, Matilda is not adverse to using a little trickery to get the results she desires, like waking up her parents to their neglect of her needs. She also imagines an elaborate story of two famed acrobatics (Hannah Risner and Miguel-Andres Garcia) who can’t have children and the tragedy they experience. Matilda mischievously puts glue on her father’s hat so it won’t come off, gets blamed for eating a chocolate cake desired by the headmistress even though it was devoured by a fellow student Bruce (Jack Ranieri) and helps all the revolting students like Lavender (Valentina Miller) when a bug appears mysteriously in Miss Trunchbull’s water glass.

Her greatest triumph, however, is her defeat of the headmistress, who dismisses her students as “shriveled losers.” Come see how Matilda puts her properly in her place, because even the nicest child sometimes has to be “a little bit naughty.” Songs like “When I Grow Up,” “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” underscore Matilda’s path to happiness.

For tickets ($29-$94), call Simmer theatre of New Canaan at 203-966-4634 or online at stoncl.org. Performances are Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Allegra Libonati directs this exciting tale with skill and sensitivity.

Take a seat at your school desk with your plaid book bag, make some paper airplanes and spitballs and prepare to learn some important lessons about life, taught by a special child with telekinetic powers and her slightly revolting but enthusiastic friends.

HOLD ON FOR "THE WILD PARTY" AT PLAYHOUSE ON PARK

The Jazz Age is alive and well,if by well you mean atuffed with debauchery and exhaustive energy. It’s out of control, challenging, ablaze with madness and on fire with action. When you hear the words party and orgy, you don’t automatically think the two are synonymous, but tempers can explode and secrets can escape and emotions can be bombshells ready to accidentally ignite the night. West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park is sending out invitations to an event you won’t soon forget. Until Sunday, August 16, you are invited to “The Wild Party” with book, music. and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the poem by Joseph Moncure March and unforgettable is a mild reaction for what you will experience.

The vaudeville performers Queenie, a sleek Mollie Downes, and Burrs,a searching and unsatisfied Trevor Bunce, crave a little excitement in their relationship and decide throwing a party is a wonderful idea to inject excitement into what has become routine and stale. This anything goes event opens the door to more danger then they ever could have anticipated as their Manhattan apartment is filled with provocative people determined to let their inhibitions evaporate and have a wonderful wild time. The glamour of the Jazz Age exudes magical music and offers temptations that are quickly grabbed with naked abandonment. Queenie and Burrs are totally unprepared for what happens but that doesn’t stop them from freely participating in the sexual excitement.

You are invited, with an element of caution, to join in with the free for all party goers, Cory Simmons, Maddi Bowman, Kathleen Cameron, Caleb Barton, Lily Bucko, Elijah Martinez, Gavin Leahy, Julia Solecki, Joseph Rafael Davila, Kenneth Galm, Sophia Cantin and Kate Glennon, as they spiral in sordid and sensual ways, coupling in dozens of decadent pairings. Booze and drugs fuel the encounters as tempers escalate and threaten to raise the roof. All are seeking pleasure and an end to loneliness by whatever means necessary, no matter what the ultimate cost. Sean Harris directs this voyeuristic voyage, with challenging choreography by Darlene Zoller and stark musical direction by Colin Britt.

For tickets ($44-55), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford at 860-523-5900. ext. 10 or online at www.playhouseonpark.org. Performances are Tuesday to Sunday with a talkback after the Sunday, 2 p.m. matinee.

All the guests are seeking change and drama, love and an end to being alone, but will this wild party provide them the answers they crave?

SKIP DOWN THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD WITH DOROTHY AT THE LEGACY THEATRE IN BRANFORD

One of the most beloved classics of musical theater history is lighting up the Legacy Theater in Branford until Sunday, August 9th. The Yellow Brick Road is beckoning you to skip along with Dorothy and Toto as they adventure to the land of Oz to meet the Wizard.

If you’re looking somewhere over the rainbow for blue birds, you know you’re not in Kansas anymore but rather on a unique and special journey to see that wonderful Wizard of Oz. Put Toto in his basket, fasten your ruby slippers, grab the hands of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tinman and prepare to travel to that magical land, in the Emerald City, where the famous and powerful Oz resides.

L. Frank Baum penned the original book in 1900 and in 1939 MGM transformed it into a marvelous motion picture that has been viewed by billions. This mysterious magical show was written by Harlen Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, with background music by Herbert Stothart. Stuffed with Munchkins, good and wicked witches, flying monkeys, a tornado, a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin man with no heart and a Lion with no courage, “The Wizard of Oz” follows the journey of Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they travel to the Emerald City in search of the great and mystical Oz. The magical movie is now celebrating over 80 years as a family classic. Called the “first totally American fantasy for children,” it will be sailing in a hot air balloon into the Legacy Theatre in Branford for a fabulous family experience courtesy of its wonderful cast.

Annika Jonker is precious and precocious as the adventurous Dorothy who puts her darling dog Toto (a debut role for Gus) into a basket and survives a tornado to land in a strange land called Oz. In the midst of the storm, the Wicked Witch is killed by Dorothy’s house and Glinda the Good Witch (Sarah Anne Hughes) awards Dorothy the prized ruby slippers. The Munchkins come to celebrate and before you can sing “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead” three times, Dorothy and Toto are skipping down the Yellow Brick Road to Oz, and meeting Charles Romano's Scarecrow who desperately wants a brain, Garrett Van Allen’s Tinman who is aching for a heart and Jimmy Donohue’s Lion who is petitioning bravely for courage. Also complicating their mission is Olivia Fenton in Kansas as the meanie Miss Gultch and the even meaner spirited Wicked Witch who can do without both Dorothy and her pup.

Their journey is fraught with dangers, obstacles in their path like poppies, snowmen, Witch’s Winkies and Jitterbugs. Helping the little girl who only wants to get home to Kansas are her Uncle Henry (Rick Fountain), Professor Marvel (Rod Brogan), and Glinda the Good Witch who is always on Dorothy’s side.

Other active cast members are Lucas Dylan, Sophia Coppola, Nicholas Futris, Fletcher Hooten, Sophia Nardone, Madeline Olexy, Jenna L, Ptachcinski, and Ron St. John III who sing and dance with joy. Kudos go to Eric Santagata for his choreography as well as Hannah Ryan who bravely served as director, Jimmy Johansmeyer for his colorful costuming, Ryan Howell for his versatile set, and David Marottollo for sparkling music direction.

For tickets ($41.50-66.50), call Legacy Theatre, Stony Creek, Branford at 203-315-1901 or online at LegacyTheatreCT.org . Performances are Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.,. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Treat the children or grandchildren and yourself to one of the most enduring, charming and a little scary musicals of all time adapted by The Royal Shakespeare Company for your total enjoyment.

TIMELY PATRIOTIC MUSICAL "1776" SALUTES AMERICA AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

Were it not for the patriotic fervor of John Adams, would we be a free and independent country today? To determine the answer to that historical question, seek the good counsel and wisdom found in Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards’ stirring musical “1776” being performed splendidly by the Ivoryton Playhouse until Sunday, July 26. Start waving your red, white and blue flags as you enter.

In the hot summer of that year in Philadelphia, representatives of each of the thirteen colonies are meeting at the Second Continental Congress to decide the fate of a fledgling nation. Should it surrender to the dictates of King George of England, the greatest protector on earth, or should it break free and declare its independence, even if that means war?

Heading the opposition, those who want to stay under England’s protective wing, is Pennsylvania’s John Dickinson, played with arrogant opinionated flair by Josh Powell. How to convince this handful of leaders to pit a tiny nation of two million against a mighty power five times its size is accomplished with the penning of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. Women in the guise of Adam's wife Abigail (Kelly McCormick) and Jefferson's spouse Martha (Emelie Latzer) add their good counsel to their husband’s cause.

Kenn McLaughlin directs this stirring and spirited footprint in our nation’s past with passion, on Scarlet Jacobs' sturdy congressional set, with a parade of colorful period costumes by Heidi Hanson and choreography by Robert Mintz. The music directed by Amy Jones adds a rainbow of sparks to the story, making for an evening of dramatic fever and comedic tension, all beautifully balanced and executed. Songs like “For God’s Sake, John, Sit Down,” “The Lees of Old Virginia,” “Cool, Cool Considerate Men,” and “ Molasses to Rum,” keep the spirit moving forward. Kudos to the entire cast that also includes John C. Baker, Michael Barra, Tommy Betz, Cory Candelet, Michael Cartwright, Ben Clouse, Sawyer Coffin, Christopher Conte, Galen Donovan, Joshua Steele Kelly, Kenneth Linsley, Kenneth Robert Marlo, Dino Nicandros, William Pazdziora, Elio Perez, Jason Pintar, Alex Stone, RebeccaTobin, Allan Zeller, Adelina Peretti and Nathan Szymanski.

For tickets ($65, seniors $60, students $25, with discount tickets available Thursday night if unsold) call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at (860) 767-7318 or online at info@ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. , with matinees Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Many performances are already sold out.

Convince the “cream of the colonies” to vote yea to a rebellion to become the first to break free from a parent in the history of the world. March back in history with these patriotic souls who risked everything to write the Declaration of Independence to inform the world that England was our enemy that needed to be defeated. Controversial issues like slavery that the South wanted to preserve almost defeated the resolution. Luckily saner heads prevailed and democracy was preserved.

HAPPILY TAP YOUR WAY TO "CRAZY FOR YOU" AT GOODSPEED

If some of your idols are legendary tap dancing stars like Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and Sammy Davis Jr., have I got a spectacular show for you. Versatile foot steppers like Gene Kelly and Ginger Rogers were sensational on the dance floor during Hollywood’s GoldenAge and the joy they brought to the stage is enjoying a glorious rebirth at Goodspeed Musicals with its current highly energetic and exciting “Crazy For You” already extended until August 16 for ten more dazzling days.

Stuffed with the super duper songs penned by George and Ira Gershwin with a new book adapted by Ken Ludwig, “Crazy for You” moves from Broadway and the Big Apple way out west to Deadrock, Nevada. A dance happy banker Bobby Child is desperately eager to leave his monetary job in New York City and the job his mother (Michele Ragusa) and his fiancee (Hailey Thomas) want him to embrace. Bobby tries to impress the impresario of show business Bela Zangler (Edward Juvier) of his talents to no avail and soon finds himself on a mother-driven mission to the Gaiety Theater in Nevada to close its doors forever.

When the star struck Bobby, a facile footed Will Burton, sets eyes on Polly Baker, the lovely and spunky Brittany Zeinstra, whose father Jeremy Davis is the theater’s owner Everett Baker, he has two new goals: to save the Gaiety and win the girl. The obstinate saloon owner Lank (David Andrew Morton) and Bela Zangler himself have other ideas for the fate of the town and it takes a lot of wild and wonderful foot power and sensational songs like “Shall We Dance?,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Slap That Bass,” “Embraceable You,“ “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Nice Work If You Can Get it,” and “Bidin’ My Time,” plus more.

Helping solve everybody’s problems are a pair of tourists from England Eugene and Patricia Fodor (Colin Bradbury and Michele Ragusa) and a New York showgirl Tess (Taylor Lane) who knows how to manipulate Bela to her way of thinking. A really cute number occurs when Bobby and Bela mirror each other as if two Bela Zanglers are definitely better than one. Michael Fling directs this charming romp in the 1930’s old west with fervor and style, on a clever set designed by Ann Beyersdorfer, colorful costuming by Joseph Shrope, sparkling music by Adam Souza and patriotic fireworks choreographed by Kelli Barclay.

For tickets ($47-123), call the Goodspeed, 6 Main Street, East Haddam at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.,Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.and 6:30 p.m. This 1992 Tony Award winning musical comedy has been extended until Sunday, August 16.

Showgirls in sequins and spangles take on cowpokes and their pistols and down home practicality as a stage starved banker risks everything to save an abandoned theater and win the glamorous girl of his dreams at the same time.

THE AMAZING AMERICAN MURAL PROJECT

A RIDDLE: What is the only collaborative and largest indoor artwork in the whole world? Existng in Winstead, Connecticut? Is the creative brain child of one person? Was built by 15,000 children from 17 states? Measures 5 stories high and 120 feet wide? Was only started in 2003? Is made of blown glass, aluminum panels and ceramic tiles? Is a grand tribute to all the workers who make America great?

If you answered the American Mural Project (AMP) you would be 100% correct! Photographer and painter Ellen Griesedieck was at the Boeing Airplane Factory in 1999 witnessing how engines were installed in 747’s and conceived the idea of painting in large scale working Americans for inspiration, especially for chidren to help them embrace their work. She saw a visual history as a tribute to all kinds of American workers over the past 100 years, to tell their stories and applaud their courage and work ethic. She feels the possibilities are endless: to look at the country and the guys and gals that get it done. Founded in 2001, AMP portraits “the dignity of the American worker with the goal of being an initiative for kids.” To date, 23 more states have also become involved.

With deep personal creativity, Ellen takes individual stories about the people she has met on her journey of discovery, like Eddie the truck driver who for three days shared his community with her as a social master, in a cocky and fun way, or Melissa who didn’t know women could be firefighters until she became one herself, or fishermen like Jeff and Pete who risk their lives on a daily basis fighting a dangerous ocean or Scott who knew at the tender age of three he wanted to be a farmer. Each story is unique and different about a real person Ellen knows, from auto workers making Mustangs to men who endanger their lives every day in a copper mine, truck drivers who keep the economy going to teachers who inspire our children. Together they accomplish something they couldn’t achieve alone and answer the question "How am I important?” They reflect in their giant size the significance of their hard work and why each one matters. To Ellen, the message is “Dream big.”

The emphasis is on what each of us contributes and AMP offers activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday to make opportunities happen, like Family Days, storytellers, scavenger hunts, games, teen vocational camps, outdoor work designing, welding sculptures, lectures on the upcoming 250th Birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, jazz concerts and musical events like a piano concert the fourth Friday of every month. This is a learning experience that Ellen gives as a gift to the community, a celebration of the artists who built our country and as a tribute to the dignity of their hard work, like the creation of the Empire State Building, the George Washington Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as well as homes for Habitat for Humanity.

Another fascinating project started by the Sharon Women’s Club was the donation of 13,000 watches, as symbols of the many hours people give for volunteering without pay to help someone else. Women’s clubs across the country have joined in and now 28 yards of aluminum wire mesh have glued them together. For more information, call AMP at 90 Whiting Street, Winsted at 860-379-3006, the hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15, seniors and veterans $12 and students $5, under 5 free. Every month a group of workers enjoys free admission, for example first responders in July and teachers in August. Self guided tours are available. Groups of 10 can engage a tour guide. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase as are hand painted t-shirts by Ellen, postcards and stickers.

Remember the American Mural Project is a one of a kind, the largest tribute to workers in the world, located in Winsted, Connecticut, the creative brainchild of Ellen Griesedieck, built in 17 original states by 15,000 children, a stunning gigantic artwork that celebrates the people who made our country so great. Come experience its incredible and majestic gifts.

CT Critics Give “All is Calm” and “A Chorus Line” Top Honors at 34th Awards Ceremony

The compelling drama, “All is Calm,” a moving, captivating play about the Christmas Truce of 1914, which was staged at Playhouse on Park, and the 50th Anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize winning musical, “A Chorus Line” at Goodspeed Musicals, took top honors at the 34th annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards (ctcritics.org) held on Monday, June 22, 2026.

The event, which celebrates the work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2025 – 2026 season, was held at Hartford Stage in downtown Hartford. The ceremony was emceed by Stuart Brown, President of the CT Critics Circle.

“A Chorus Line” was also honored for Best Director of a Musical (Rob Ruggiero), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Diego Guevara), and Best Choreography (Parker Esse and Baayork Lee). Ryan Mac from the Goodspeed Musical “All Shook Up” received Best Actor in a Musical.

Hartford Stage received three awards. The chilling, highly theatrical production of “Rope” was recognized for Costume Design (Risa Ando), and Best Direction of a Play (Melia Bensussen). Their gripping staging of “Death of a Salesman” won for Outstanding Lighting Design.

Theaterwork Hartford’s world premiere of “Circus Fire,” staged in the round at the historic First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, won for Best Ensemble.

Two productions from A.C.T. of CT garnered three awards. The musical “Waitress” received Best Featured Actress (Shaylen Harger) and Best Actress in a Musical (Abigail Sparrow). Camilla Tassi was honored for Outstanding Projections for “Dear Evan Hansen.”

The Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of the 1959 absurdist classic, “Rhinoceros” by Eugène Ionesco, won for Best Actor in a Play (Reg Rogers) and Best Sound Design for Xi (Zoey) Lin.

Other winners were Christina Acosta Robinson for Best Actress in a Play for the Ivoryton Playhouse’s production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill;” Missy Drowse in the Ken Ludwig comedy, “Fox on the Fairway” at Music Theatre of Connecticut, for Best Featured Actress in a Play; Terrence Riggins received the Best Featured Actor in a Play for his powerful performance in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” at Long Wharf Theatre; and Christopher & Justin Swader received Outstanding Set Design for the Sharon Playhouse production of “The Mousetrap.”

James Bundy, who is retiring as the Elizabeth Parker Ware Dean of the David Geffen School of Drama and Artistic Director of Yale Repertory Theatre received a special award. Rebecka Jones and Noble Shropshire were also recognized for their 25 years of continuous performance in the Hartford Stage production of “A Christmas Carol.” Donna Lynn Hilton of Goodspeed Musicals was honored with the Tom Killen Award for lifetime service to the theater.

The Annual Awards Ceremony was live streamed. The recording will be posted to the CT Critics Circle website (ctcritics.org) the week of June 29.

Helping to present the awards were Connecticut Critic Circle members Karen Isaacs, Nancy Sasso Janis, and Tim Leininger.

The Connecticut Critics Circle was founded in 1990. The statewide organization is comprised of reviewers, writers, and broadcasters that cover the professional theaters throughout the entire state. The annual awards honor the actors, directors, designers and others who help make our professional theater so highly regarded in and outside the state.

HARTFORD STAGE SETS "SWEENEY TODD" ON A VICIOUS PATH OF REVENGE

Are you squeamish at the sight of blood? Do you believe in the old adage “an eye for an eye”? Do you subscribe to turning the other cheek and forgiving when victimized or do you prefer exacting retribution?

Are you a fan of turkey or beef pot pies, with their flaky crusts and yummy insides, the ones that warm your tummy on cold winter nights? Might you fancy one in the immediate future? Well, the Hartford Stage in collaboration with TheaterWorks Hartford has a savory saga, a cautionary note for your perusal that you might want to heed. Until Sunday, July 5, a man bent on vengeance is wielding a razor in London for his personal amusement in “Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” with book by Hugh Wheeler and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim from an adaptation by Christo[her Bond with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick and it is sharp, memorable, and on target wonderful.

You might ask where do the meat pot pies fit into the story? The answer is that Sweeney Todd has returned from years in an Australian prison where he was sent, unjustly, by an unscrupulous Judge Turpin and his untrusty aide the Beadle Bamford. The Judge fancied Sweeney’s wife and “stole” her and her infant daughter for his own disreputable desires and sent Sweeney away for life.

When Sweeney escapes, he is rescued at sea by a good Samaritan, Anthony Hope. Now Sweeney needs to set his plan of vengeance in motion and he finds a willing Mrs Lovett who aids him in his momentous task.

Mrs. Lovett’s pie business was once a flaky failure until she teams up with a certain mad barber in London’s Fleet Street to create a sensational savory of unusual and peculiar flavor. You’ll figure out the pies' distinctive secret ingredient if you are paying attention.

This is a musical adventure as the barber becomes a barbarian in this passionate tale of revenge. Matt Faucher is driven and superb as Sweeney Todd, the alias he assumes who blames Judge Turpin (Edward Watts) and his liege The Beadle (Brian Ray Norris) for the treachery which led his wife to kill herself and the Judge to claim their infant daughter Johanna (Lauren Maria Medina) as his ward.

Now Todd, played with a steely determination and macabre manner, has returned to the scene of the crime to right the wrongs his family has suffered. With the aid of the lusty Mrs. Lovett, played delightfully by Jackie Burns, and a naval man Anthony (Willem Butler) who saved Sweeney’s life,Todd soon sets his diabolical scheme in place. Complications in the form of an old beggar woman (Carey Brown), a blackmailer Pirelli (Tristan Caldwell) and a wide eyed lad Tobias (Cole Thompson) threaten his plans. Rob Ruggiero directs this involving dark tale plagued with the “chill of ghostly shadows.” The orchestra is conducted by Wiley DeWeese, Ralph Perkins choreographer, Luke Cantarella an elaborate set design, magical lighting by John Lasiter, sound by Beth Lake and period costumes designed by Fabian Fidel Aguilar.

For tickets ($30 and up) call the Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street,Hartford at 860-527-5151 or online at HartfordStage.org. Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. with talk backs June 23 and June 24. Music in the lobby by Mad Agnes will be held June 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. This is the first partnership by Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford and it is a tribute to thrilling theatrical entertainment. Don’t miss it!

Return to nineteenth century London, if you dare, but be careful to have witnesses if you go to a local barbershop for a trim or a neighborhood pub for a succulent beef pot pie.

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE INVITES YOU TO "GET HAPPY" WITH JUDY GARLAND

Francis Ethel Gumm, better known as Judy Garland, is ready to take you on a musical journey over the rainbow, Well, not exactly Francis or Judy but a lovely talented singer and performer Jenna Pastuszek as who has her own fascination with this incredible American actress, singer and vauf=devillian who began her career at the age of two, performing with her two older sisters as The Gumm Sisters.

Called “Baby” by her family, her first stage performance was at Christmas time singing “Jingle Bells” at her father’s movie theater. George Jessel is said to heve selected the name Judy Garland for her, stating “I think she’s a combination of Helen Hayes and Al Jolson and maybe Jenny Lind and Sarah Bernhardt.”

The Westport Country Playhouse is flying flocks of blue birds over beautiful rainbows for a charming visit with Jenna Pastuszekas who shares her love of Judy Garland in the amazingly persona] “Get Happy!,” on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.. With a focus on her musical talents exhibited in such movie hits as “The Wizard of Os,” “Easter Parade,” “Judy Live at Carnegie Hall,” “Judy at the Palace,” and “The Judy Garland Show,” Jenna will share “witty, endearingly personal stories and a musical gems stuffed playlist.”

At only 4 feet 11 inches, Garland suffered from poor self esteem. Her school mates on the MGM studio lot were Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Lana Turner. She was called “ugly duckling” and MGM’s head Louis B. Mayer called her "his little hunchback.” Her whole career she doubted she was either attractive or talented. At sixteen she was cast as Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” became her favorite signature song.

Judy Garland became Jenna Pastuszek’s first musical tribute quite by accident. In June 2019 a theater company in Cape May, New Jesdey called her out of the blue about a gala they were planning and told her she was “just the gal to do it.”Despite the pandemic intruding on its debut, she found the challenge of writing a tribute show to Judy “really wonderful and fun” with the audience getting to know Jenna through Judy. As a history major at the University of Virginia, Jenna knew how to do research in library source material. Now she tells her story in-between fun facts, revealing how their two lives intertwine. In a big band way she takes Judy’s version of “Singin’ in the Rain” and gives it a unique new spin.

To date she has taken her show to 50 venues in 13 states, from Nantucket to Florida, Wisconsin to San Diego. This universal piece has clearly changed her life and she is so grateful as it provides joy. When she was at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey she as asked if she had another show and the name Barbra Streisand jumped out of her mouth, even though it was only a thought and definitely not a reality. Now it is. Jenna does a wonderful show about Barbara’s birthday, one she showcased last year at Westport Country Playhouse. Who might be next? Think Bette, Cher, Liza or even a joint show of Judy and Barbra, as the two divas share a ton of songs, like believe it or not, “Purple People Eater.”

Jenna will perform with a full jazz trio, led by Joshua Zecher-Ross. For tickets ($40-50), call Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport at 203-227-4177 or online at boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org.

Come learn about Judy and Jenna, how their lives meet and cross, stories and songs that will make you laugh and be quite amazed, and how they both entertain with such joy and enthusiasm. Come over the rainbow with their wings of charm.

"THE MUSIC MAN" SMARTLY STRUTS INTO PALACE THEATER FOR THREE SHOWS

CLASSIC FARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY COMES TO TOWN!

Seven decades ago Meredith Willson took a story he created with Franklin Lacey and added book, music and lyrics to develop a delightfully devious con man Harold Hill who dupped his victims into believing their town’s fate could only be saved if he, “Professor” Hill, could organize a boys’ band. Thus the sparkling spectacle Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” was born and now the Palace Theater in Waterbury is bringing its triumphant seventy-six trombones to your doorstep Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 2, 3, and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The musical is set in River City, Iowa and is based on Wilson’s hometown of Mason City, Iowa and he modeled many of the characters on people he knew there. Wilson wrote more than thirty drafts and forty songs for the show, originally naming it "The Silver Triangle.” “The Music Man” opened on Broadway in 1957 and for seventy years has been a family-friendly favorite musical comedy. Much of the show’s musical score was considered groundbreaking at that time, equally rich and witty and heartfelt.

The most covered song is “Till There Was You.” In 1963 the Beatles sang it for Queen Elizabeth II and the next year performed it on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Traveling salesmen who went from town to town by train pedaling their wares were not admiring of a man who conned money from innocent folk who believed his lies and schemes, giving him payment for musical instruments, instruction books and uniforms Hill had no intention of delivering. Smooth and fast talking Harold Hill arrives in River City, Iowa ready to once again fleece his “prey,” but some highly unusual events occur.

An old friend and schemer Marcellus Washburn claims to now be reformed and warns his pal to beware of the town librarian Marian Paroo, who is the only one who knows enough about music to stop him. Marian also has a young brother Winthrop who has a lisp and rarely talks, and a caring mother who only wants her children to be happy.

“The Music Man” is stuffed with great songs like “Ya Got Trouble” when Hill warns Mayor Shinn about the destructive influence of pool halls and billiard parlors, “Seventy-Six Trombones” that promises redemption for all the wayward youth, a barbershop quartet that sings at every drop of a straw hat, the grand arrival of “The Wells Fargo Wagon” (an early version of Amazon), the delightful dance “Shipoopi,” and the lyrical love song “Till There Was You” and many more.

Comic complications arise as the Mayor demands Hill’s credentials, his wife Eulalie Shinn gets seduced into leading a ladies dance troupe, the local hoodlum Tommy is persuaded to woo the Mayor’s daughter Zaneeta, and Marian’s piano student Amaryllis confesses her affection for the seldom speaking Winthrop.

What a joy! What a delight! What a great family classic! A wonderful cast of dozens and dozens bring this fun musical to spectacular life. For tickets ($49-89), call Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at tickets@palacetheaterct.org.

Will Harold Hill be unmasked for the shyster he is? Come discover if anyone deserves to be tarred and feathered. Learn that today definitely is a day worth remembering. Come see for yourself how and why it won six Tony Awards!

"WATER FOR ELEPHANTS" PARADES INTO THE BUSHNELL JUNE 2-7

Have you ever dreamed of running away to the circus to join the daring performers who bring this unique art form to kaleidoscopic and colorful life. Just ask Jacob Jankowski, a young man who seems to have lost everything that matters to him and takes a giant leap of faith by jumping aboard a moving train to capture a new and unknown life. What he discovers is a totally different life when he joins a traveling circus and grabs love and adventure in giant proportions. This wild ride offers him more than he could ever have imagined. Now older and wiser, he reflects on his choices and what he has gained and lost on his journey.

Based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel that has been transformed into an astonishing Tony-nominated musical with book by Rick Elice and with a soaring folk-pop score by the Indie folk band PigPen Theatre Company that combines 1930’s jazz, bluegrass and folk, puppets the size of elephants and outstanding circus acrobatic skills. The Great Depression is the setting for Jacob’s grand adventure. After a severe family tragedy, he uses his veterinary talents to get a job caring for a menagerie of animals like a lion named Rex and a stallion named Star. He gives his heart to the star equestrian Marlena who is enduring a frightening marriage to the abusive ringmaster August. When a new elephant named Rosie joins the troupe of this struggling enterprise all their lives are changed forever. Zachary Keller as Jacob, Helen Krushinski as Marlena and Connor Sullivan as August take you on an unforgettable adventure in their amazing world in this their North American tour.

“Water for Elephants” is a glorious musical parading into the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts this week from Tuesday, June 2 to Sunday, June 7 that promises thrills, razzle dazzle and excitement. It’s the grandeur and adventure of the circus come to glorious vision right before your eyes in three gigantic rings.

For tickets ($43.50-150.50), call the Bushnell. 166 Capitol Avenue. Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Big Top awaits your attendance. Bring your own peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks.

LESSONS IN FAMILY LIFE ABOUND IN KATE KATCHER'S ABSORBING DEBUT NOVEL "36"

In the first chapter of her new absorbing debut novel “36,” Kate Katcher introduces the reader to Shellie, her family, her neighborhood, and the problem that has reluctantly brought her home to Brooklyn. Her unusual relationship with her controlling mother Maxine, complicated and intense, pulsates with emotion and challenges. Shellie is afraid to hear her mother’s reaction to her news and rightly so.

It is from her Bubby, the grandmother of the Weiss family that we learn the origin of the book’s title: the 36 people, the Lamed Vav, the Jewish people who in times of crisis can be consulted for aid or simply for conversation. Bubby sincerely believes her husband Sheppie was one of the blessed 36. It was his job not to offer advice but to “justify the existence of mankind in the eyes of God.” These 36 suffer in silence for the rest of the world. Bubby also believes her daughter Maxine is continuing her husband’s responsibilities to be the heart of the world and absorb its misery.

Bubby’s husband as a boy fled his war torn homeland and was eventually smuggled to America and used his artistry as a baker to make a living. He died before Shellie’s younger sister Shira who was named for him was born. Shira is intellectually challenged but has an immense capacity for caring and empathy. This family struggles to handle the joys and troubles that come to their door, all the ups and downs that ultimately bring them closer together, all while questioning their resilience and faith.

Kate Katcher creates a family you will want to embrace and, perhaps, make your own. Jewish customs are woven into the intimate tapestry of the Weiss household as they determine who will be the next Lamed Vav to save the world. Let her welcome you into her intimate realm as if you are one of the many who call Maxine on the telephone to help them cope with a troubling question in their lives. Enjoy the sensitive and sassy, heartfelt and humorous journey with the interesting Weiss family created by the wonderfully colorful and imaginative mind of Kate Katcher.

PLAYHOUSE ON PARK TAKES YOU ON A YEAR OF ADVENTURES WITH FROG AND TOAD

Generations of children and their parents and grandparents have been delighted over the years with the charming tales of a kind and friendly Frog and his grumpy and easily scared friend Toad who revel in wonderful adventures. Now these books have been faithfully translated to the stage for a new experience with live actors and exciting experiences in the forest, on a pond, down a slope, by a fire, or over cookies. You’re invited to take a child’s hand and hop on over to Playhouse on Park in West Hartford until Saturday, June 6 for a surprising encounter with “A Year with Frog and Toad.” What a lovely and fun way to introduce little ones and remind their elders of all the joy these stories that have been written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel serve as fond reminders of favorite fables.

These beloved books have now been transformed into a charming musical for Broadway and beyond with book and lyrics by Willie Reale, music by Robert Reale and direction by Kevin Cronin. Musical direction is by Robert James Tomasulo, choreography by Travis Kendrick-Castanho, set design by Dhruv Patel, costumes by KT Farmer, lighting by Alice Jackins, sound by Joshua Hamre, props by Kyla Madore and production staging by Rebecca Donaghy.

This Theatre for Young Audiences is ready to take you through the seasons of the year starting with waking from winter hibernation to welcome Spring by planting a garden. A trio of birds chirp in their adorable men’s tie costumes, Mia Sirinsky, Yumeko Stern and Jimmy Donohue, to wake up their reluctant amphibians that winter is over. The three will change a gazillion outfits to play assorted turtles, squirrels, moles, mice, snail, lizards and frogs to our delight. Meanwhile Ryan Henzi’s Frog and Garrison Hunt’s Toad find themselves in interesting situations as one leaps up to clean his house and the other makes up excuses to sleep another month.

When he does reluctantly arise, Toad complains that he never gets any mail. Remember that, as it is an important storyline and the postman is a very dedicated but oh so slow Snail. A dancing turtle sings happily about how funny Toad looks in his bathing suit. Toad ruminates on how hard it is to tell if his cookies are ready to eat since his clock is broken. Both friends try to surprise the other when Fall comes. Can you guess? It involves a rake.

Suddenly it’s a dark and stormy night and Toad is afraid Frog is lost in the woods. Never fear. Frog is fine and it is winter again and the two best friends are together for Christmas Eve. They have learned that neither can be happy unless the other one is too.

For tickets ($25 with $3.50 service fee, seniors and students $2.50 discount), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford at 860-523-5900 ex. 10 or online at www.playhouseonpark.org. Performances are Saturdays May 30 and June 6 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Also show Wednesday, June 3 at 3 p.m. The play is perfect for Pre-K to Grade 5. The production is supported by The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office and Miracle League of Connecticut. Check out the series of Summer Sessions for Children at the Playhouse starting soon for little budding thespians.

Come enjoy the vaudeville flavored humor as Frog and Toad highlight the joy of going through life with friends by their side.