MTC SCHEDULES A QUARTET OF HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

                                       DAVID MAIOCCO AS LIBERACE

If variety is the spice of life, then Music Theatre of Connecticut is offering up a veritable perfect selection of flavors.  Their unique musical and entertaining spice rack is filled to overflowing and you're invited to taste and savor them all over a  quartet of hot summer nights.

First up is that sequined and sparkled entertainer Liberace, courtesy of David Maiocco who will dress in flamboyant fluff and finery to perform like the musical master himself.  The piano keys will be tickled as "An Evening with Liberace" conjures up the grand style the maestro was noted for in song and in story.  The candelabra will be lit for one night only, Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m.

Next up, on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m., you're invited to chill out and sip "Cocktails with Cole," thanks to the singing styles of Leslie Orotino, s shining cabaret star who knows how to put across songs, especially those of Cole Porter in the 1930's and 1940's, the ones she loves best.  She grew up hearing her dad sing them and he passed on his love of that era directly to her.  This accomplished night club singer is also a polished actress, with credits in "Annie" as Miss Hannigan, Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes" and Meg Brockie in "Brigadoon."

Versatile and eclectic, Raissa Katona Bennett inhabits the music worlds of cabaret, jazz, Broadway and classical song with ease.  One moment she is portraying Christine in Broadway's "Phantom of the Opera," and the next she is busy rescuing and training abandoned dogs or serving as assistant chaplain at Norwalk's Unity Church or being a Raiki master.  On Saturday, August 5, at 8 p.m., she will present her winning ways all directly  to your soul in "The Way of the Heart."  This consummate entertainer delivers all great cabaret tunes and scintillating stories too.

On Saturday, August 19, at 8 p.m., "Master of the Imagination" James Mapes will perform his one man Broadway show for your amazement and pleasure.  Billed as "The Imaginologist," Mapes is skilled at bedazzlement, using  misdirection, non-verbal clues, intuition, psychology,  storytelling and a modicum of magic as he delves into the impossible.  Starting his career at the age of nine, he quickly advanced to hypnosis and acting by his teen years.  Using fun and laughter, he educates and motivates, while treating his "subjects" with dignity. Come be captivated. 

For tickets ($25), call MTC, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk,behind 9 West Shoes, by calling 203-454-3883 or online at www.musictheatreofct.com.

Music Theatre of Connecticut www.musictheatreofct.com Music Theatre of Connecticut is the premier provider of musical theatre performance and training.

Light up your hot summer nights with some way cool entertainment, courtesy of Music Theatre of Connecticut.