TAKE AN ADVENTUROUS SAIL ON AUGUST WILSON'S "GEM OF THE OCEAN"

The playwright August Wilson has been called “theater’s poet of Black America” for his stories of his home in Pittsburgh and most especially his cycle of ten plays that chronicle decade by decade his Century Cycle of the twentieth century. Thanks to Long Wharf Theatre, you have the privilege of witnessing the first play of this Pittsburgh Cycle with “Gem of the Ocean” at the Canal Dock Boathouse, 475 Long Wharf Drive in New Haven until March 15.

Come make the acquaintance of Aunt Ester, a majestic Denise Burse, who lives at 1839 Wylie Avenue in Pittsburgh's Hill District and has been a matriarch in the community for all her 285 years, a former slave and known for her ability to cleanse souls, a keeper of traditions and guardian of her people’s history. As ruler of the household, she is revered and respected. Aunt Ester has not left her home in two decades but people in need continually knock on her door seeking help. The latest one to ask for her assistance is Citizen Barlow (Matthew Elam) who has a troubled soul that is crying for release so he is no longer haunted by guilt. Aunt Ester will eventually lead him to travel on the legendary slave ship Gem of the Ocean so he can visit the City of Bones but only after he has proven himself worthy of her aid.

Living with Aunt Ester is her housekeeper and likely successor Black Mary (Grace Porter) who tries to do everything right but never seems to please her mistress and Eli (Thomas Silcott) Aunt Ester’s protector and caregiver who served in the Union Army and the Underground Railroad. Frequent visitors are Black Mary’s brother Caesar Wilkes (Bjorn Dupaty) who fancies himself the official upholder of the law, a strict policeman who has no problem killing a man even if he only committed a petty crime. Rutherford Selig (Mike Boland) is a peddler and friend of Ester’s who sells rocks and cobblestones, pots and pans and crockery, and powerful SollyTwo Kings (Terrence Riggins) who is no longer an Alabama slave, has been a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a scout in the Union Army, and now collects “pure,” dog debris he uses to tan leather. Solly carries a large walking stick as well as a love of Aunt Ester, bearing a name that refers to both King David and King Solomon.

This intriguing tale concerns a man accused of stealing a bucket of nails who didn’t do it, the man who actually stole the nails, a mill that holds the city together and is burned down and the hunt for the person who committed that crime, the role played by the slave ship the Gem of the Ocean, a visit to the City of Bones, the deadly search for the arsonist, a wall that is built, how Citizen Barlow’s soul is cleansed, and Aunt Ester’s verdict that love goes a long way to make you a good person, with the profound hope that God keeps you in the palm of his hand. Cheyenne Barboza directs this amazingly involving tale where trouble is manmade and follows you to the grave, where truth, confession and forgiveness live side by side and you die by how you live.

For tickets ($45 and up), call Long Wharf at 203-693-1486go to long wharf.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.,Thursday at 10:30 a.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. and 7 p.m. Allow extra time for parking.

Discover who is really free and how citizens survive the injustice in the community, how to travel with Aunt Ester on a mystical journey to the City of Bones, with the poetic dance of Citizen Barlow as he finally finds love and forgiveness. It is a tribute to August Wilson’s incredible storytelling. Thank you, Long Wharf Theatre, we’re ready now for the next nine in the Century Cycle.

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"DEATH OF A SALESMAN" A LITERARY CLASSIC AT HARTFORD STAGE

Expectations and unrealized dreams are disappointments that can shadow a world with gloom. Just ask Willy Loman, a sixty year old stockings salesman who considers himself hopelessly inadequate and a failure in life. In Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning maserpiece “Death a Salesman” now gracing Hartford Stage until Sunday, March 29th we meet Willy and the Loman family as Willy struggles with his life in Brooklyn in 1949 and why he is so desperately unhappy. Despite the comfort and support of his loyal wife Linda, Willy can’t seem to overlook his troubles and find pleasure in his work or in his family.

Once upon a time Willy’s son Biff seemed to be on top of the world, poised for success as a high school football star but his big chance was lost and his opportunity to grab the gold ring on the merry-go-round was gone forever. Now Willy is struggling to travel for his sales job but his ambitions are going unrealized and he wants and needs to settle at a desk and quit the road work. He is sure his boss will grant his request, but he is devastated when he gets fired instead of being granted his wish. His worries for himself spill over to his ambitions for his sons Biff and Happy and color his dreams for their success. With unrealistic hopes for them. Willy compares them to the triumphs of his friend’s sons and finds himself wanting by comparison.

Biff has been out west, working outdoors, in an occupation Willy disapproves of, but Biff doesn’t see himself in business. Willy feels both boys have turned their backs on him and all Willy wants is for them to be “just a little boat looking for a little harbor,” finding a modicum of success to make Willy proud. Willy envies the achievements of his friends and longs to share in his own success. Desperately he wants good news, to have his life add up to something, because he feels more dead than alive. Linda fears he will do something terrible like kill himself. In flashbacks, we see how Willy sabotages himself with the wrong dreams, feeling if he is only well liked his problems will be over.

Peter Jacobson is strong in the role of Willy, a man who agonizes over what he cannot have, despite the love of Adrienne Krstansky as his wife Linda and the best efforts of his sons Biff, Samuel H. Levine, and Happy, Max Katz. He looks with envy at the choices of his brother Ben, Michael Cullen, who takes risks and adventures in his life choices. Director Melia Benussen helps Willy grab your soul and squeeze it with compassion. The excellent cast includes Stephen Cefalu, Jr., Nora Eschenhelmer, Paul Michael Valley, Rebecca Strimaitis and Patrick Zeller.

For tickets ($20 and up), call 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.

Witness this American tragedy as Willy Loman struggles to overcome the disappointments that mark his failures and inability to realize his dreams when others so clearly achieve theirs.

COME TO "THE MOUNTAINTOP" WITH DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left his mark on the world: a civil rights leader who devoted his life to advancing the plight of his people. He marched for the right to vote, using nonviolent resistance to advance his dreams of racial justice.

He stood tall as a champion of his people and of the Civil Rights Movement for change. The world became his pulpit as he gave speeches and led marches in his quest to improve the fate of African-Americans in a white dominated country. Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee is now a museum and has been one almost since April 4, 1968 when it became immortal. It was the motel balcony that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on when he was fatally shot.

Playhouse on Park in West Hartford is recreating the momentum and majesty of the man as he climbed to "The Mountaintop" to proclaim his dream of freedom and equality for his people. Until Sunday, March 22, come and be inspired and educated about the Civil Rights leader who preached a peaceful resolution for the advancement of African-Americans. Like Moses who never lived to see the Promised Land, Martin Luther King, Jr. tragically never lived to see his dream become a reality. "The Mountaintop" by Katori Hall, taken from his impressive and impassioned speech "I've Been to the Mountaintop," imagines the night before he was killed.

From the moment a charismatic and gifted Torrey Linder's King picks up his motel room phone, at midnight, to order a cup of coffee through room service, a fantasy unrolls as to what might have occurred that fateful night. Outside a storm of biblical proportions is raging, while in the room a conflicted Dr. King is trying to calm his jitters, find a cigarette, write his next speech and reach his wife Coretta to ask about his missing toothbrush.

As thunder strikes a fever pitch, a young African-American motel maid delivers his order. Her first day on the job, she is, nonetheless, eager to please him as well as being quire open and honest, outspoken and feisty in her treatment of this revered motel guest. She knows who he is and she is not awed but empowered to speak her own mind. Jasmine Shanise's Camae is a woman on a mission, but that mission will remain a mystery for the moment. Shanise is brilliant as she baits and comforts King, massaging his ego and his neck, as she provides coffee, his favorite cigarettes and a little "Irish" to his brew. With the skill of an interrogator, Camae allows an exhausted public leader to expose his fears and weaknesses while pointing out his triumphs and successes.

She cloaks his doubts with the promise of hope, that even if he does not live to see his dream come to fruition others will carry on in his name. Jamil A. C, Mangan directs this highly emotional journey that carries the audience to the summit and over the top. For tickets ($38.50-58.50), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road,West Hartford at 860-523-5900, ext. 10 or online at www.playhouseonpark.org. Performances are Tuesday at 2 p.m., Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. followed by a talkback, plus 10:30 a.m. 3/12 and 3/20 for $28.50.

Meet the man who pledged to preach until the day he died. Even though that day came much too soon, at only 39, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left an enduring legacy on America's conscience. Surrender yourself to witness his immense effect on the world.

"LITTLE WARS" A LITERARY LIBRARY OF WIT AND WISDOM

If anyone ever asked you whom you would want to have lunch or dinner with, living or dead, you might pick a favorite author, Hollywood star, politician, or historian. Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama and Mother Teresa, Elvis, Abraham Lincoln and Bill Gates come to mind. Playwright Steven Carl McCasland has created his own set of unique guests when he wrote the intriguing and entertaining play “Little Wars" set in World War II France in 1940 and being brought beautifully to life at the New Haven Theater Company weekends until Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The pleasure of your company is requested by literary luminaries Gertrude Stein and her long time romantic partner Alice B. Toklas in their country home in the French Alps as World War II looms nearby. They are entertaining their friend Agatha Christie who surprises them by inviting two guests of her own: Dorothy Parker and Lillian Hellman. They are all stars in the world of writing: Gertrude (Deena Nicol-Blifford) a sparkling hostess known for her wit and for entertaining artists like Picasso, Alice (Ash Lago) serving as Gertrude’s life partner as well as cook, housekeeper, typist, secretary and friend and known for writing cookbooks and being a memoirist, Agatha (Margaret Mann) regarded as the Queen of Mysteries starring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple in some of her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, Dorothy (Jodi Williams) noted for her sharp witted poetry, satire and commentary, and as a voice of humor and social critique, and Lillian (Sandra Rodriguez) for her success on Broadway with such plays as “The Children’s Hour” and as a political activist.

In addition to these famous literary notaries, there are two other attendees, their housekeeper Bernadette (Lynnette Victoria) whom they rescued from a terrible situation and a mysterious woman named Mary (Abby Klein) who has a dangerous mission she conducts between France and America. What a remarkable assemblage of women to converse with and learn from for an evening. Although no food seems to be served at this dinner party, alcohol flows freely and loosens tongues.

We learn how Gertrude dislikes Lillian, especially as her play "The Children’s Hour" features two headmistresses who are accused of being lesbians, Agatha remembers the infidelity of her first husband, Dorothy relives the agony of a long ago abortion, Alice is still hurting by being called "abnormal,” and Bernadette was traumatized by being attacked by Nazis. Despite all the drama and secrets revealed, the play is sardonic, sarcastic, sassy and quite humorous.

These exceptionally gifted women are all talented actresses telling a remarkable story under the direction of John Strano as they use their distinct voices to cope with how to survive the war, especially after they learn that the prime minister of France Marshal Philippe Petain has surrendered his country.

Can they remain silent and complacent or must they speak up to stop the injustices? The stranger in their midst Mary sparks sympathy and compassion moving them to act in the face of moral wrongdoing and help her rescue Jews and get them to freedom and safety. Their story is well worth hearing, as it blends humor and history in a compelling way.

For tickets ($25), go to nhtc.ludus.com/select.php or newhaventheatercompany.com. The play is performed at the EBM Vintage Store, 839 Chapel Street, New Haven on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m.

Come be entertained by these literary giants who gather for conversation on a fateful evening in June 1940 for a dinner party, focusing on the “little wars” that tear us down and the “big wars” like the newest one with Iran as a relevant reminder of how little the world has learned from what has gone before.

THE STARS ARE SHINING AT THE KATE IN SPLENDOR MARCH 15

There is no need to travel across country to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 98th Academy Awards when the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center has its own red carpet gala and festivities ready for the grand event Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. in Old Saybrook right here close to home.Dress in your glamorous outfit and start selecting among the incredible nominees. You can select best movies like “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein,” “Sinners,” ”Marty Supreme,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “Bugonia” and more. Will the leading actor be Timothee Chalamet or Leonardo DiCaprio, leading actress Kate Hudson or Emma Stone? The theme this year is humanity, focusing on individual stories that unite us, unbelievably human films with heartbeat that focus all around the globe.

Conan O’Brien will once again be the Oscars’ host, proving that dreams do come true, while here at the Kate Volunteer Guild President and event chairwoman Diane Hessenger will be joined by Kate Vice President Ann Nyberg, emcee Executive Director Brett Elliott and Kate Trustee Devin Carney, the grandson of Academy Award winning actor Art Carney.

The Kate will roll out its traditional red carpet at 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook, followed by a lavish banquet of delicious hors d’oeuvres, culminating with tables full of Oscar themed desserts. Fresh Salt of Saybrook Point Resort and Marina will provide all the elegant entrees, while guests will be entertained in surround sound on the Kate’s jumbo screen, perhaps visit the yummy candy shop room, pose for photos with a replica Oscar statue, and bid on a luxurious prize online auction of great presents to win.

Presenters of the glamorous night will be Jaguar North Haven and Land Rover North Haven, with sponsorship by H & R Block of Old Saybrook, California Closets Connecticut, FromYouFlowers.com, JMG Insurance Corporation, MJP Wealth Advisors, WMNR Fine Arts Radio, the Old Saybrook Lions Club, Shoreline Appliances, Inc and Saybrook Point Resort and Marina. WTNH is the official media partner.

For information and tickets, visit www.thekate.org or call 860-510-0453.

Although Katharine Hepburn was nominated for an Oscar a dozen times and won four times, she never attended the ceremonies in person to accept. Her illustrious wins were for Morning Glory in 1934, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in 1968, The Lion in Winter in 1969 and On Golden Pond in 1982. This gala fundraising event supports the museum and education programs. This will be the Kate’s 16th annual Oscar Night Party. Join the Hollywood stars and party in grand style.

"SHUCKED" A FARM FABLE MUSICAL AT THE BUSHNELL TILL MARCH 1

Two of the most glorious summer treats are eating a fresh ear of sweet corn, slurping with salt and butter, followed by an ice-cold wedge of watermelon. They both speak summer delight and they are the epitome of pleasure. Even though it is far from this favorite season, it wouldn’t hurt to relish in the memories that summer provides. Luckily the Bushnell Performing Arts Center has just the silky solution with the novel musical “Shucked” from Tuesday, February 24 until Sunday, March 1 in Hartford.

This tall grass produces sugary kernels that can be eaten cooked or raw, straight from the cob or removed, as a vegetable, in salads, as a side dish, even in ice cream. It can grow as high as three floors tall, each ear has 800 kernels in even rows, and its leaves were once chewed as gum by Native Americans. It first appeared in Brazil about 1000 years ago and, if you're betting, yellow corn is sweeter than white corn.

This “corny” Tony Award winning musical comedy has book by Robert Horn, score by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and is directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien. This farm to fable country tale centers on Cobb County where Maizy and Beau try to save a failing corn crop, work on securing their true love and keep the community safe. The Wall Street Journal called it “flat out hilarious” so put on your overalls, stick an ear of corn in trusty holders, and plan to come at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to learn to line dance on the third floor of the Belding lobby Tuesday to Friday night. This may be the only musical where calling it “seedy” is a compliment.

For tickets ($ 48.50-191. ), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate summer a few months early with a sweet corn festival that honors the season and the best food as well as love and community. Ah, shucks it’s special!

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS "MOTHERS KNOW BEST"

If your memory is good, assuming you were already alive way back when, you can conjure up a radio show from 1949 that found a new home on television in 1954. It starred Robert Young as Jim Anderson and Jane Wyatt as his wife Margaret, and became a classic American sitcom about their three children Betty, Bud and Kathy (or Kitten to you), their daily challenges, in a middle class family living happy under one roof in a fictional Midwestern town Springfield.

As the series “Father Knows Best,” the show portrayed family life, the dynamics between parents and children, was highly-rated, ranked in the top ten Neilsen ratings, won several Emmy Awards and achieved high marks in telling character driven stories. Now move over “Father Knows Best,” and make room for a new team in town: Laura and Linda Benanti.

Westport Country Playhouse is offering up “Mothers Know Best” for your entertainment pleasure on Saturday, February 28 at 8 p.m. as a charming cabaret show from this mother/daughter duo. Laura, the daughter of Linda Wonneberger, a vocal coach and former actress and Martin Vidrovici, a Broadway actor and singer, is a Tony Award-winning actress and singer of Irish, German, and Serbian origin. Her credits include playing Maria von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” and Louise in "Gypsy” for which she won a Tony for Best Featured Actress. In addition, she was Tony-nominated for her roles in "Swing,” “Into the Woods,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” and “She Loves Me.”

Laura has also had appearances on series and sitcoms like “Go On,” “Nashville,” “Laura,” “Supergirl,” “The Detour,” “Gossip Girl” and “The Gilded Age.” You may remember seeing her, since 2016, on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert as First Lady Melania Trump. Laura Benanti has played everyone from Eliza Doolittle to Cinderella to Tallulah Bankhead. She is a big fan of Stephen Sondheim, has written a comedic board book for mothers M is for Mama (and also Merlot): A Modern Mom’s ABCs and toured around the world performing concerts. She is currently filming the Sony Pictures comedy NO HARD FEELINGS opposite Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Lawrence as well as The SHADE based on the award-winning short of the same name. Her performance in all forms of media have been called “a revelation,” “almost steals the show,” "one of our finest stage actresses,” a bold and energetic impression,” "stylish, witty and sneaklily funny,” and “show-stealing performance.”

Billy Stritch provides musical direction when Laura joins her mom Linda focusing on mother-daughter relationships in a sweet and touchingly humorous way. Mom has been seen in such shows as “The Odyssey,” “The Fantastics,” “Camelot,” “The Music Man,” “A Little Night Music,” “No, No, Nanette,” and “Guys and Dolls,” and many more. Now she has a vocal studio in New Jersey where she teaches local students to Broadway stars.

Linda is happily postponing retirement to go across country with Laura in a new entertainment endeavor with prior stops at 54 Below and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For tickets ($95, 85, and 75), call Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport at 203-227-4177 or online at box-office@westportplayhouse.org.

Come hear these two special ladies share meaningful parenting stories and styles, Linda's love of Judy Garland, sing duets like “Children Will Listen,” Laura sing a medley of songs from “My Fair Lady,” and originals songs she wrote herself and gift the audience with a rare present of their true affection as mother/ daughter, proving over again that “Mothers Know Best.” Sorry, Robert Young, you’ve been replaced.