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.

A.C.T. OF CONNECTICUT SENDING "DEAR EVAN HANSEN" LETTERS UNTIL JUNE 21

Lies may be deliberate or accidental or only little white ones, but they inevitably catch the teller to his regret. In the long run they cause trouble. What could you do if you inadvertently cast yourself in a high school tragedy? When you don’t confess it is all a lie, what can you do to correct your immense error and make the situation right? Just ask Evan Hansen whose doctor advised him to write himself letters, “Dear Evan Hansen,” to help him encourage himself and build his self-esteem and allow him to open up to his classmates.

Evan Hansen is a troubled, unhappy teenager who feels invisible and he desperately wants to be accepted, one of the gang. When another student at his high school commits suicide, Evan is swept into a web of lies not of his own making. These untruths have the power to change his life and give him all the acceptance he so desires. Will he use this unexpected and unanticipated chance or will he admit the truth of his fabrications?

Songs like “So Big/So Small.” “Requiem” and “Sincerely Me” propel the action. One misplaced letter assumes a powerful catalyst in Evan’s life, one he quickly loses control over. Deeply emotional, “Dear Evan Hansen” by Steven Levenson for book and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for music, the musical follows Evan and his need to be part of the community and the mistakes he makes trying to fit in and find friendship.

A Contemporary Theatre (A.C.T.) of CONNECTICUT, from now until Sunday, June 21, will carry you along in Evan’s journey of self-discovery. He works to achieve the life he so dearly wants to live. Will he repair the bridges he needs to cross to become the young man he wants to be? Will he accept the undeserved gift that has fallen mysteriously upon him? Kenny Lee stars as our reluctant hero who is thrust, unprepared, into the center of a drama. The cast also includes Erik Houck as Connor the boy who takes his life, Heather Ayers and Gil Brady as his devastated parents, Olivia Foght as Connor’a sister Zoe, Josh Hoyt and Amaya White as Evan’s friends, and Maya Days as Evan’s mother. Scott Schwartz directs this sensitive tale of searching to end feeling invisible. The windows in Christopher Swader and Justin Swader’s scenic set are beautifully effective.

For tickets ($88 and up), call A.C.T. at 475-215-5497 or online at actofct.org. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Evan Hansen is an outsider, always looking in, until a surprise event offers him everything he could ever desire. The Washington Post calls it “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” Don’t miss this grand opportunity.

PALACE THEATER ROYALLY ENTERTAINS "ALMOST QUEEN"

Called the most authentic Queen tribute rock band since the days of Queen themselves, get ready to be rocked by the champions when Almost Queen offers the real experience at Waterbury’s Palace Theater for one day only on Saturday May 16 at 8 p.m. In perfect costumes, Almost Queen will deliver a performance with four part harmonies, live energy, presenting one ultimate Queen musical precision experience for your enjoyment.

Howard Stern has stated “These guys are even better than the Queen that’s out there touring.” Almost Queen guitarist Steve Leonard will open the show and perform with his band. He has been writing songs since his first rock concert, letting the music flow. He has a unique talent for blending rock with his reflective songwriting, often including contributions from Eric Slick on drums, Dave Dreiwitz on bass, John Skehan on mandolin and more.

Called breathtaking and authentically “guaranteed to blow your mind,” this four piece band is expert on recreating the Queen experience as unforgettable concert magic. For more than two decades, this group has faithfully recreated the sounds created by Freddie Mercury way back in 1970 in his British rock band. Formed in London, the band originally included Brian May on guitar and vocals, Roger Taylor on drums and vocals, John Deacon on bass with Freddie Mercury on piano and lead vocals. By 1975 they had achieved international success with “A Night at the Opera,” with “Bohemian Rhapsody” and later, in 1977, their album "News of the World” containing “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.”

By the early 1980’s, Queen had achieved status as one of the biggest stadium rock bands in the world. In addition, they were one of the world’s best selling music artists, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

For tickets ($35-75), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at palacetheaterct.org. Plan on attending the preshow in the Poli Club on the second floor for Almost Queen, with pizza, wings and salad and drinks for purchase for $30. Call 203-346-2000 to purchase.

Come hear Queen’s greatest hits like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” ”We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions.” Glory in these best-loved songs, thanks to the magic of Almost Queen.

IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE INTRODUCES BILLIE HOLIDAY'S PAIN AND PASSION

All Eleanora Fagan wanted in life was a house of her own, some children to fill it, and a night club where she could sing for her friends. Her childhood, however, set her on a path of sadness where her mother was frequently absent, she left school at eleven as a teen, a neighbor tried to rape her, and her mother sent her to be “a maid” at a house of prostitution. From this tragic beginning, Eleanora transformed herself into a gifted vocalist known for her style, tempo and phasing as well as her influence on jazz music and improvisational skills.

Until Sunday, May 31, you are cordially invited to make the acquaintance of Eleanora as Billie Holiday at Ivoryton Playhouse in the moving musical “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” by Lanie Robertson. In 1958, Frank Sinatra stated, “It is Billie Holiday who was, and still remains, the greatest single musical influence on me.”

Lady Day is unquestionably the most important influence on American popular singing in the last twenty years. Billie sang and recorded with such stellar bands as Count Basie, Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, among others, often finding the color of her skin an impediment to where she was allowed to perform. Her history with abusive men and her addictions to drugs and alcohol pursued her at every step. Serving time in prison cost her dearly, but friends organized a comeback concert at Carnegie Hall to a sold out crowd.

The damage to her career and to her addictions dictated that she only earned $11 in royalties the year before her death in 1959. Christiana Acosta Robinson is sadly luminous as Billie, as she tries to recapture the bloom on her trademark gardenias, a flower she wore in her hair nightly performing. Musical director Manny Houston portrays her pianist and protector, her main man Jimmy Powers, as she sings such classics as “God Bless the Child,” “Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do,” “When a Woman Loves a Man,” “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” and “Strange Fruit.”

For tickets ($60 adults, $55 seniors, $25 students and discount tickets for $30 Thursday at 6 p.m. when available), call Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318, or online at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and ‘Wednesday,Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Todd L. Underwood directs this heartfelt tale of a star, one whose difficult life tried to dim her sparkle.

Despite lacking formal musical training, Holiday, who died at 44, won four Grammy Awards, all after her death, for Best Historical Album, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that announced “Billie Holiday changed jazz forever.” She is also listed as one of the 50 Great Voices by NPR and fourth on Rolling Stones list of “200 Greatest Singers of All Time.”

According to Billie Holiday, “Singing in a club is heaven,..,.and the best part of living to me.” She endured racial prejudice and great odds to overcome and reach her goals. Let her velvet voice caress you and her silky sounds and glorious vocals astound you, so you can learn the price she paid for her passion. Jazz historian Loren Schoenberg stated “no one should dispute that Billie Holiday is the definitive Jazz Singer” which nobody surely can deny.

BUSHNELL OFFERS A FUNNY NEW LOOK AT LOVE WITH "& JULIET"

Everyone knows the hauntingly sad love story of Romeo and Juliet, from two feuding families, who only want to be free to love and marry. With Juliet’s faithful nurse Angelica and Romeo’s dedicated priest, Friar Laurence, they plot a lifetime of happiness. Tragically it is not to be and they both die too soon, as if cursed.

What might happen if Juliet survives and lives to forge a new ending? Can she find happiness even if Romeo is no longer her love? Can Verona become a paradise and not a seat of despair?

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was written about 1591 and involves a long standing feud between Juliet’s family, the Capulets, and Romeo’s family, the Montagues. This greatest love story ever told is getting a do-over and a new look in “& Juliet” coming to the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts this week until Sunday, May 10. Written by the Emmy-winning creator of Schitt’s Creek, this delightful and funny brand new musical imagines a new scenario for Juliet: she doesn’t die for love of Romeo. Instead she gets a glorious new chance for happiness.

With Max Martin’s invigorating pop anthems like “Roar,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” “Larger Than Life,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Baby One More Time,” and “That’s The Way It Is,” you will be flying high on Cloud 9 of romance. Can Juliet find a new sweetheart after losing Romeo? You bet she can. Come cheer her on as she begins a glorious second chance.

For tickets (48.50 and up), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Watch how Juliet magically flips the script and makes Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy into a comedy with delightful complications and romantic resolutions. Get a garter and a bouquet of orange blossoms ready.

"WATER" THEME OF 30TH ANNUAL LEONARDO CHALLENGE: SPLASH IN THE FUN!

Water is essential to life. While it may be without taste or smell or color, it is vital for all forms of life. It is not a source of nutrition or energy but humans must consume it if they hope to survive. About 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water and it is essential for agriculture, food production, fishing, transportation, sports, and cooling and heating homes and industries. What would we do without it?

The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop wants you to look at water in an entirely different way. Think of the Greek god Narcissis who fell in love with his own reflection when he stared into a pool of water. The 30th Annual Leonardo Challenge, since 1995, has been a special fundraiser for the Museum, encouraging artists and craftspeople to focus on a specific item relating to the creative ideas of that master inventor Leonardo da Vinci.

This year on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m that focus will be splashed and saturated on WATER, concentrating on all the ways Leonardo incorporated this substance into his artistic creations.

Come to the Museum, 915 Whitney Avenue, in Hamden for Food and Drink, an Art Auction and Live Music, both indoors and outdoors. Tickets are $85 each, with sponsorship tiers from $250-$5000. For credit card transactions, call 203-777-1833 or visit www.eliwhitney.org/events/leonardo-water. Tickets are available online or at the door.

In past years, the themes of the challenge have ranged from ice cream spoons to pencils to mirrors to buttons to playing cards and clothespins and many more. This year Leonardo’s relationship with water, his paintings and observations, will be explored by artists from all over the country. Perhaps one will create a piece of furniture, an item of jewelry, a children’s game, a mobile, a lamp, a piece of clothing, a work of art, the possibilities are endless. As an Italian born in 1452, he set the bar high, with his accomplishments in sculpture, painting, mathematics, architecture, engineering, anatomy, botany, geology, cartography, music and writing.

To date, artists have contributed such items as Angelic Seraph, Covered Bridge, As I See It, The Spirit of the Tide, Watercolor Postcards, Go With the Flow, and Ocean Bliss, and many more.

What better way to support and encourage the budding child inventors of tomorrow than by endowing the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop projects today. Come to the Challenge and applaud the unique works artists and artisans have recently contributed. Please support the worthy cause of educating our youth in thought provoking experiences and experiments of invention and design. Just as Leonardo might have said, “In every drop of water, there is a story waiting to be told.” Come hear this distinctive story for yourself.