SHADES OF SINATRA AT SEVEN ANGELS

ABOVE: TOM SANTOPIETRO, PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS
BELOW: TONY DE SARE

If the current music groups like Counting Crows, Smashing Pumpkins and Barenaked Ladies confuse you and leave you shaking your head, if the on stage antics of Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry make you want to shut your eyes tightly and if you want to harken back to a kinder, gentler time, then Waterbury's Seven Angels Theatre has just the solution and show for you: "A Century of Sinatra."

For one night only, Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m., the stage will be devoted to Ol' Blue Eyes, the Chairman of the Board, the guy who did it his way and you're invited to share the joy.  Courtesy of Tom Santopietro, a Waterbury native who has dedicated his writing talents to the show business world he has immersed himself with, the audience will learn fascinating facts about Sinatra from his book "Sinatra in Hollywood."

A famed biographer, Santopietro has chronicled the lives of many icons, like Barbra Streisand and Doris Day.  With in-depth precision and well researched detailed anecdotes, he is sure to fascinate all of Frank's enduring fan club.  As if this lively tribute were not enough, he will partner with the singing stylings of Tony DeSare, an acclaimed jazz singer, pianist and songwriter who has appeared all over the United States as well as Australia, Spain, Japan and Hong Kong.

With a sound that has been described as "romantic, swinging and sensual," DeSare will bring his fresh flavorings to the tunes that made Sinatra a classic.  He may croon such tunes as "Mack the Knife," "Let It Snow," "Strangers in the Night," "My Way," "My Kind of Town," "New York, New York," "All or Nothing at All," " Fly Me to the Moon," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "That's Life" or a plethora from hundreds of others.

You're sure to learn tidbits about Sinatra as a talented actor as well as as the iconic singer who made Bobbysoxers swoon.  This Hoboken, New Jersey crooner has been gone since 1998 but his incredible talents live on, thanks to the inspired joining of Santopietro and DeSare.

For tickets ($40), call Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Pavilion Park, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at www.sevenangelstheatre.org.

Celebrate Sinatra's 100th birthday with a brand new sound, great stories and extraordinary songs, as this tribute is launched for your personal entertainment pleasure.

CELEBRATE “TWELFTH NIGHT” WITH ELM SHAKESPEARE

                              JACOB HEIMER AS FESTE, PHOTO BY MIKE FRANZMAN

If you ventured into the leafy forests of Egerton Park, on the border between New Haven and Hamden, just to see the unique Spanish set designed by Vladimir Shpitalnik and his trusty student crew of eight, it would be worth the trip.  The plethora of pillars and the abundance of archways welcome this well schooled cast of players as they present, at sunset and then under the stars, the delightful Shakespearian comedy “Twelfth Night.”

For the twentieth season, Elm Shakespeare is offering an incredible gift to the community, continuing from tonight to the 30th and then September 1-6 at 8 p.m.  Come enjoy the drunken antics of Sir Toby Belch (James Andreassi) and his inebriated comrade Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Jeremy Funke) as they commit antics in the home of Sir Toby’s niece, the fair but melancholy Olivia (Andrea Goldman).

With the instigation of Olivia's maid Maria (Paula Plum), the  men plot the complete embarrassment of Olivia’s male servant Malvolio (Raphael Massie) who is easily manipulated to believe Olivia loves him.  He dons yellow cross-gartered stockings and a permanent smile to prove his ardor for her.  And this is but one of the minor diversions of the Bard.

A storm at sea has separated the twins Viola (Lydia Barnett-Mulligan) and Sebastian (Teddy Hall) in the country of Illyria and each believes the other has drown.  Viola, to preserve her womanhood, disguises herself as a male servant Cesario and secures a position in the court of Duke Orsinio (Aaron Moss).  As Cesario, she soon finds herself wooing Olivia in the Duke’s stead (think Cyrano de Bergerac).  Olivia, who is in mourning and has spurned the Duke, finds herself drawn to the sweet words of Cesario and offers him her heart.

Not to be undone, Cesario unwittingly is captured by the Duke’s fine figure of a man and Cupid is off and running hither and yon.  All the while, Jacob Heimer as Feste provides wonderful songs, many original, to add to the evening’s pleasures.  Once again, director James Andreassi has assembled a stellar cast to present one of Will’s most favorite delights.  Don’t miss it!

Come with picnics, chairs and blankets (and a flash light) and take the whole family too.  The performances are free but donations are most appreciated.

Elm Shakespeare will hold a Gala and Auction on Thursday, September 3 at 5 p.m. in Edgerton Park, 75 Cliff Street, New Haven with fabulous food and entertainment.  Come visit the south of Spain in “A Night at the Alhambra.”  For tickets ($75-200 plus fees), go to www.elmshakespeare.org.  You can even buy auction items online if you can’t attend the gala.  A performance of “Twelfth Night” will follow.

Watch mistaken identities lead to comic complications that are sure to be joyful. Never fear, in the end, “all’s well that ends well."

A MUSICALLY COMIC "MURDER FOR TWO" AT LONG WHARF

It may not be Miss Plum in the drawing room with a knife, but this spooky mansion is stuffed with clues and at least one dead body.  You're invited to join Marcus, the wannabe police detective, in discovering "who dunnit" as a new musical comedy "Murder for Two" invades Long Wharf Theatre until Sunday, August 30.

Sharing the credits for book, music and lyrics are Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair and taking the bows for this opus performance of a baker’s dozen of characters are Kyle Brazil and Ian Lowe.  While playing the piano in dual competition, the two men assume personas of all the suspects and murder victim(s).

How do you combine a ballerina’s tutu, a series of mystery novels, a bunch of bananas, a stolen stash of ice cream, a cache of dirty little secrets, a trio from a boys' chorus and a missing notebook into the evidence that may or may not reveal the killer?  Very cleverly!

A birthday party for Arthur Whitney, the famed mystery novelist, turns particularly deadly when he is “surprised” by a gun shot to the head.  Could he have been killed by his less than loving wife, his dancing-on-her -toes mistress, his confidence revealing psychiatrist, his accommodating niece or another of the guests gathered for the celebration?

Kyle Branzel and Ian Lowe sing and dance and tickle the ivories as they combine smart and corny hi-jinxs in this wild and wacky world of weird happenings.  This fast paced adventure is 90 minutes in length without an intermission, on a detailed mansion set designed by Beowulf Boritt.  Scott Schwartz directs this part spoof, part farce with a seriously comic touch.  This may not be the cup of tea (poisoned or otherwise) that appeals to everyone, but if your sense of humor for physical comedy is triggered by the Three Stooges or Abbott and Costello, you’ll love the antics on the Claire  

Tow Main Stage.

For tickets ($61.50), call Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven at 203-787-4282 or online at www.longwharftheatre.com.  Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Let Second Stage Theatre bring you a passel of clues, evidence and motives to sift through, weigh and evaluate to bring the criminal in question to justice. Come discover who, what, where, when and how and laugh all the way to the prison cell.

"THE STORY OF MY LIFE" A TALE WORTH TELLING

                     John Costa and Michael Cartwright in "The Story of My Life"

Having a best bud is not possessing a prize winning rose or tulip, but holding on to a true and loyal friend.  If you are lucky enough to have a BFF, a best friend forever, consider yourself blessed.  While women easily forge intimate attachments, the male of the species doesn't gravitate so quickly to the emotional side.  They don't bond over beer and baseball, or Lexuses and ladies.

The exception might be Alvin Kelby and Thomas Weaver who meet in Mrs. Remington's first grade class, at her famous Halloween party, and find themselves kindred spirits of the permanent kind. To become acquainted with Alvin and Thomas, you would have to have gone this past weekend to the Deep River Town Hall Auditorium in Deep River for Milo Productions' tender and bittersweet offering of "The Story of My Life." This musical by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill is a jewel that is wrapped in layers of tissue paper and just waiting to reveal its colorful facets.

Michael P. Cartwright as Thomas and John Costa as Alvin were born to these roles, capturing the spirits of these two boys who become men right before our eyes.  As childhood pals, they pledge that whoever dies first, the other will deliver the eulogy and the play opens with the ending:  Alvin has died and Thomas has the task of finding the right words to say.

While Alvin has stayed in their hometown, caring for his ailing father and running his dad's bookstore, Thomas has enjoyed fame and fortune as a best selling author.  The fact is that all his penned stories are about their escapades as kids, like making snow angels, throwing sticks over a waterfall and marveling at butterflies and bugs, but Thomas fails to give credit to Alvin as his muse.

Now with Alvin's death, the pair must come to a sense of peace and acknowledge all they have meant to each other.  Songs like "Mrs. Remington," "Butterfly," "Saying Goodbye" and "Angels in the Snow" express and highlight this highly emotional tale of male relationships.  The musicians Paul Feyer, Philip Plott and Julie Fryenborg provide a beautiful accompaniment. Lori A, Cartwright directs the pair with a steady and poignant hand.

While it's too late to catch this production, watch for it to be repeated, possibly at another venue and at another time.  It is well worth a glimpse into how boys and later men explore their ties.  Using the Frank Capra film "It's a Wonderful Life," many issues like a friendship that borders on a deeper and more intimate relationship, a need for validation and the despair of taking your own life, are explored.  Brush the snow off your pants and watch for the honesty, cold and wet, to emerge.

CATCH THAT "MEMPHIS" BEAT

                   REHEARSAL PHOTOS OF THE CAST OF "MEMPHIS"

                                         PHOTOS OF THE SHOW "MEMPHIS"


Put away your Perry Como sweater, let Patty Page sit in the window with a doggy and watch Roy Rogers gallop away on Trigger because there’s a new musical sound in town and that town is Memphis.  The time is the early 1950’s and get ready for the rafters to rise and ring!

These big changes are all due to Huey Calhoun, an unusual disc jockey on the radio, who doesn’t let the fact that he’s a high school dropout, young, naive and a pasty white get in his way.  He has wandered into some underground nightclubs where the Negro music he hears sets his heart and feet pumping and he can’t wait to share it with the world, whether the world is ready for it or not.

This Tony Award-winning 2010 Best Musical – “Memphis”- is bringing its exuberant excitement to the Ivoryton Playhouse until Sunday, August 30.  With music and book by David Bryan (Bon Jovi) and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys),  get ready for the lowdown jive of rhythm and blues and rock and roll to  break excitedly into the light of day.

Defying his ultra-conservative radio station owners, this adventurous kid risks it all to play music that has been termed “racial” and inadvertently starts a sensation on the air.  Discovering a new black singer Felicia, he also finds love for the first time, in a relationship forbidden by society, one  that he must keep hidden. Carson Higgins is great as Huey, imbued with conviction and spirit, one he uses to convince Felicia, a dynamic Renee Jackson, that he has the power to make her a star.  If she is a non-believer, than her brother Delray (Teren Carter) has a heart like the biblical Pharoah’s.

Tunes like “Memphis Lives,”  “Say a Prayer” and “The Music of My Soul” focus on the passion this new sound engenders in Huey and underscore the tensions and conflicts of integration at that time and that place.  Hold on to your bobby sox as this musical and dance feast for the eyes, ears and feet rocks and rolls itself into your heart. Todd L. Underwood directs a stellar cast, with super musical direction by Michael Morris, scenic design by Martin Scott Marchitto and costumes by Elizabeth Cipollina.

For tickets ($42, seniors $37, students $20 and children $15), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860- 767-7318 or online at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.  Performances are  Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Wednesday and Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Get into the groove with this “West Side Story” tale of forbidden love that tells the true tale of a DJ whose passion for a bogey beat sets a town to sizzle. Shout out “hockadoo."

HAVE I GOT A SPELLING BEE FOR YOU!

What happens when a half dozen middle school misfits gather to compete in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"? Well, it's clearly pandemonium and delightfully so.  In  2004, William Finn and Rachel Sheikin created this charming musical comedy that is now gracing the intimate stage of the newly reorganized Chestnut Street Playhouse until Sunday, August 23.

Grab your trusty dictionary and heigh thee over to the competition where you'll make the acquaintance of Leaf Coneybear (Evan Jambor) who sews his own clothes and is organically smart, Marcy Park (Victoria Noel Chiappa) who suffers from perfectionism and is multi-talented in six languages,  Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre
(Debra Slezak) who has two fathers and a good sense of self, Olive Ostrovsky (Julie Jarvis) who feels abandoned by a dad who works too hard and a mom who is off in India discovering herself, Chip Tolentino (Chase Zimmerman) who is a proud Boy Scout but is caught up in the throes of puberty and William Barfee (Justin Carroll) who has a mucous and sinus problem but compensates with his amazing Magic Foot.

Presiding over this outrageous menagerie are a prior winner of the Bee, Rona Lisa Peretti (Melissa Rostkoski), who is also an ace realtor and Douglas Panche (Derek Corriveau), an assistant principal with a questionable past and a present temper, with the help of Mitch Mahoney (Brandon Nichols) who is completing his community service while on parole by being the official comfort counselor and distributor of juice boxes.

You can be the star of your own parade, no matter how quirky and unusual you are, if you find your special traits and talents.  Nowhere is that more evident than in this delightful potpourri of nerds and misfits, said only with love, assembled to compete in the Bee.  Members of the audience are invited to take part on stage in the competition so practice up if you want your chance to shine.

The late great playwright Wendy Wasserstein is credited with putting composer William Finn together with his former student Rachel Sheinkin and her co-creator Rebecca Feldman to turn this original non-musical C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E (one of the spelling words) into this Tony Award winning musical.  If you've never experienced it, what a summer treat.  If you're already a fan, go again and take some friends with you.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee was recently held in Washington, D. C. over Memorial Day weekend and has been held ever year since 1925, except during World War II, but "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" deserves kudos and accolades as well for its unusual treatment and tribute to the spoken word.

Under the direction  of Kyle Reynolds, with a cast of top notch performers and words to spell like "weltanschauung" and "cow," you are guaranteed a lively, animated and entertaining evening.

For tickets ($25), call the Chestnut Street Playhouse, 24 Chestnut Street, Norwich at 860-886-2378,  or online at www.chestnutstreetplayhouse.org.  Performances are  Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 

You'll enjoy everything from the initial musical recitation of "The Rules" to the interim "Pandemonium" all the way to the crowning of "The Champion."
I p-r-o-m-i-s-e you!

TONY BENNETT: THE BEST IS YET TO COME

             BOBBY SCHULTZ, JONATHAN ESCOBAR AND NICK D'ANGELO
             PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CT CABARET THEATRE

Anthony Dominick "Tony" Benedetto earned his stage name from Bob Hope when he opened for the famous comic and crooner.  Performing for more than seven decades, he is more popular now than ever, recently headlining with Lady Gaga, singing duets like "Anything Goes" in their new album "Cheek to Cheek."  Sliding gracefully into his 89th year, Bennett has enjoyed a cult of stylish favorites from jazz to pop, probably best known for his hit "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

Appropriately that is the title of a new tribute show featuring many of his greatest tunes now lighting up the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin weekends until Saturday, September 5. Created by David Grapes and Todd Olson, with musical arrangements by Vince di Mura and Summerwind Productions, "I Left My Heart" also includes personal anecdotes about the man and his music.

A trio of dapper young men, snappily dressed, include Nick D'Angelo, Jonathan Escobar and Bobby Schultz, who belt out a litany of hits for your listening enjoyment.  Grab a top hat, white tie and tails and book a table to hear the best of Berlin, the Gershwins, Mercer, Ellington and Arlen, to name drop a few.

  Frank Sinatra called him the best singer in the business.  Judy Garland proclaimed the world needs him.  Because of his charity work, he’s been renamed “Tony Benefit.” Born in Astoria, Queens, New York, the son of a grocer and a seamstress, he is almost as well known as a painter, using his birth name Benedetto, as he is a famous crooner of tunes.

Come be  serenaded  with all his greatest hits and a few lesser known numbers as well as share stories of the man in anecdotes and personal tales.

 A four piece jazz combo will guarantee there is smooth sailing as the men of the moment, go “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” encourage you to “Come Fly With Me,” croon you a “Lullaby of Broadway,” fiddle with "That Old Black Magic,” try to “Make Someone Happy” and  promise to be there “As Time Goes By.”

With polish and pizzazz, they hopscotch across the seven decades of Bennett’s career and touch on more than three dozen hits from his one hundred albums to share the best of this American icon’s songbook.  From “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” to “Because of You,” “Stranger in Paradise” to “Crazy Rhythm,” these classy gents help us remember why Tony Bennett has endured and is clearly “a classic.”

In honor of his 85^th birthday, in September 2011, he released “Duets II,” debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, making Bennett the oldest living artist to reach that top spot.  New generations are continually discovering him and the music of Cole Porter, Gershwin and Johnny Mercer that he made memorable.

Kris McMurray directs this wonderful musical salute that ends with Bennett’s signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” He first sang it at the Fairmount Hotel in 1961 in that city by the bay and it has been his song ever since.  Bennett claimed “That song helped make me a world citizen.  It allowed me to live, work and sing in any city on the globe.  It changed my whole life.”

For tickets ($30), call CT Cabaret, 31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin at 860-829-1248 or online at www.ctcabaret.com. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Come with goodies to share at your table or plan to buy dessert and drinks at the concession stand. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.

Jump aboard that little cable car and “Make Someone Happy” by climbing halfway to the stars…when the golden sun will surely shine for you.

CT FREE SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS COMIC PLAY AT THE ZOO

KATRINA FOY AND ALEX SCHNEPS IN "MORNINGS IN APRIL AND MAY"
 
What a great setting for a theatrical production:  the Beardsley Park Zoo in Bridgeport!  Until Sunday, August 9, the zoo will entertain more than a menagerie of monkeys and pride of peacocks when the Connecticut Free Shakespeare presents the 17th century Spanish romantic comedy "Mornings of April and May" by Pedro Calderon de la Barca.

Think a funny soap opera where rumors and revenge, disguises and disgrace, treachery and tarnished honor, lying and love are all mixed up in a potpourri of dancing and singing.  Ellen Lieberman, Producing Artistic Director, has assembled a grand young cast of Actors' Equity members and candidates who play the ladies and gentlemen who think they are in love, want to be in love, hope they fall in love and even commit murder in the name of love.

With lace mantillas, flowered fans, twirling parasols, swirling skirts and concealing veils, Dona Ana (Katrina Foy) and Dona Clara (Marca Leigh) and their maids Lucia (Lynette Marshall) and Ines (Caitlin Barone) play games in the park and lure the unfaithful Don Hipolito (Ian Eaton), the fiance of Dona Clara to reveal his true colors.  Think conniving cad meets Casanova.  For her part, Dona Ana has been in seclusion since her intended, Don Juan, (Alex Schneps) killed a man he believed was engaged in a secret assignation with Ana.

Now, years later, Don Juan has returned to Madrid, sought refuge at his friend Don Pedro's (Sergio Mauritz Ang) home, hoping to rectify his interrupted courtship with Ana. Unfortunately Don Luis (Mark Friedlander) has pledged to kill Don Juan, the man who took his cousin's life and a fierce sword fight ensues.  Happily Don Pedro's manservant Arceo (Gavin McNicholl) provides comic help for Don Juan and, in the process, wins the hand of the witty lady Lucia.  Trickery abounds, friendships are tested, loyalties are strained, identities are mistaken, all in the name of Cupid's career.

With Bertram Garskof as Executive Producer, Elizabeth Popiel's artistic tiled set, Valerie Henry's splendid costumes, Jaz Dorsey's original music and lyrics and a fine troupe of actors, "Mornings of April and May" is a delightful way to spend a summer evening with the family, with or without a picnic supper.

Performances are 6-8 p.m. tonight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Admission is free but donations are most welcome.  The zoo opens for picnics at 5:15 p.m. and is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport.  Rain may cancel a performance so call the info line at 203-916-8066.  Parking is also free.

Grab the kiddies and your picnic gear and go to the zoo for comic courtships and music filled match makings.

COME READ A STORY

Someone, a teacher or a parent, opened the door to amazing vistas when they taught you how to read.  That skill has brought color and excitement to your life and now might be the perfect time to return that gift to a child in need.

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy has been matching volunteers with children in the New Haven elementary schools and asks you to consider donating one hour a week of your time to this worthy endeavor.  The JCL, who has won awards for this service, will train and support you in this one-on-one educational project.

You have the ability to change a child’s life for the better, increase confidence, improve mastery scores, encourage conversation and help read for the sheer pleasure of it.  On Tthursday, September 17 at 9:30 a.m., come to the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge for an introduction to this exciting program.  No previous experience is required.  Call 203-387-2424, ext. 308 and speak to Brenda Brenner, the coordinator, or contact her by email at bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org.

This nondenominational/nonsectarian program is open to the community.  You can tailor it to meet your schedule: select your school, grade level, day and time.  Make a difference and change the world one precious child at a time.

COME DISH THE DIRT WITH TALENT AGENT SUE MENGERS

                           KAREN MURPHY AS SUE MENGERS

Imagine a client list that included such luminaires as Barbra Streisand, Cher, Burt Reynolds and Steve McQueen.  These A-List stars were part of Sue Mengers' stable as a Hollywood talent agent who wasn't afraid of the big boys because she was one herself.  You're invited to sit down on Sue's elegant and comfortable couch and dish deliciously with her, with both wit and wisecracks, and plenty of profanity and pluck.

TheaterWorks of Hartford is providing an intimate and colorful portrait of the magnificent Ms. Mengers and all her mighty machinations in Josh Logan's "I'll Eat You Last" until Sunday, August 23.

Karen Murphy embodies the spirit of this feisty and ferocious feeder of film star fame as she protects her cubs and fights off any and all predators.  With skill and style, she forges deals like the powerbroker she is, at a time in the 1970's when Hollywood was an exciting arena.

Sue Mengers traveled a long way from her immigrant beginnnings in Germany, when she arrived knowing no English, to rise to a position as a feared and revered seller of souls.  Like a Dr. Faustus, she bargained and made deals with a brassy aggression that marked her style.  Want to listen to a little juicy gossip, like to hear names dropped like pearls on a cultured necklace, care to dish about her famous "twinklies," than this is just the show for you.  Karen Murphy  is spot on terrific as Mengers, words, weapons and warts.

Mengers credits cutting her incisors way back in grammar school when she walked across the playground and introduced herself to the class queen.  She was not rejected then and that incident gave her the courage and chutzpah to fight her battles in the Coliseum of show business lions, without apology or regrets.

When we meet her, on a delightful set designed by John Coyne, she is coolly awaiting a call from Barbra, a call confirming what Ms. Streisand's team of lawyers has already conveyed, that Ms. Mengers' services are no longer desired. That fact has been making itself all too clear lately with her client list dwindling, but she is not ready to throw in the crying towel any time soon.  Don Stephenson directs Karen Murphy in a true bravura turn as this fearsome and fearless female.

For tickets ($50-65), call TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-527-7838 or online at www.theaterworkshartford.org.  Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Come early to enjoy the artwork in the gallery upstairs.

Call her aggressive and arrogant, irreverent and intriguing, but Sue Mengers is definitely a character with a Capital C.

OPERA THEATER OF CT UNMASKS A DAZZLING “DIE FLEDERMAUS”

Marc Deaton as Eisenstein and Amanda Hall as Rosalinda    Photo by Alan Casavant

A masked ball with all the players clothed in dazzling display, a mysterious Russian prince, an overabundance of bubbly champagne, a serious plot of revenge, a pending prison sentence and an impromptu assignation in a beautiful boudoir all conspire to make Johann Strauss II’s beloved classic opera “Die Fledermaus” a glittering example of fine Viennese entertainment.

 In honor of its thirtieth anniversary, Opera Theater of Connecticut will present this sterling production at the air-conditioned Andrews Memorial Theater, 54 East Main Street, Clinton on Tuesday, August 11, Thursday, August 13 and Saturday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m. With a new libretto written by Artistic Director Alan Mann, you are invited to attend this high society gala, with or without white gloves, tuxedo tails or ball gowns. It will be fully staged, in English, with a professional orchestra.

 If revenge is a dish best served chilled, then Dr. Falke (Mark Womack) has his devious plot on ice. He is still smarting from his ridicule when, in the costume of a bat, his supposed friend Gabriel von Eisenstein (Marc Deaton) left him alone and drunk in the forest and forced him to parade home in disgrace. Now Dr. Falke wants to turn the mask around and cause von Eisenstein to be the victim.

 Be prepared to laugh along as the major players prepare to be pranked and hoisted on their own petard. Von Eisenstein who is supposed to be serving a minor jail sentence is, instead, masquerading as “Monsieur Renard” at the ball and wooing a charming countess who, in reality, is his own wife Rosalinda (Amanda Hall). For her part, Rosalinda is carrying on a secret affair with Alfred (Jorge Prego). Meanwhile her maid Adele (Lisa Williamson) is also in disguise at the ball in hopes of advancing her dream of becoming a big theatrical star while the host of the moment, Prince Orlofsky (Kelly Hill) has a hand in the variety of plots.

According to General Director Kate A. Ford, "We chose 'Die Fledermaus' this season to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Its bright and cheerful music, comedic plot, and joyful champagne toasts make it the ideal show to present as we commemorate this milestone year. As the longest-running opera company in the state, we look forward to expanding our season with more performances and presentations in 2016."

For tickets ($50 adult, seniors $45, under 18 $35), call Opera Theater of CT at 860-669-8999 or online at www.operatheaterofct.org.  This season a German themed hot buffet dinner, provided by Chips' Pub III, will be served on the lawn next to the Indian River an hour and a half before curtain.  Reserve in advance for $15. Also plan to attend Opera Talk with Artistic Director Alan Mann for $5 an hour and a half before curtain to learn more about the opera, to increase your enjoyment.

Fill a flute with chiled champagne and be prepared to toast the Opera Theater of CT on its grand thirtieth anniversary as "Die Fledermaus" takes elegant and eloquent wing.