“ON GOLDEN POND” BECKONS YOU TO THE KATE FOR REFLECTION AND FUN

Spending your twilight years in a favorite place of tranquility, a summer home that has served your family well for almost five decades, may be an idyllic end to a long and happy marriage.  So feel the Thayers, Ethel and Norman, who are settling in for another season “On Golden Pond,” a sweet piece of nostalgia penned by Ernest Thompson.  The Saybrook Stage Company is fittingly bringing this heartwarming comedy to life at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook from Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, January 19.

In the 1981 movie both Katharine Hepburn as Ethel and Henry Fonda as Norman earned Academy Awards for their roles.  Rounding on eighty, Norman (Jim Hile) is retired from teaching and, despite an increasingly poor memory and heart palpitations, he has retained his sharp wit and bitingly strong views on life.  Ethel (Terri Corigliano), ten years his junior, appreciates her hubby and the long marriage that they have grown comfortable enjoying.

Sending a ripple of tremors through their familiar routines is the arrival of their divorced daughter Chelsea (Amy Kirby) who is on her way to Europe with her new fiancé Bill (Ralph Buonocore).   His son Billy (Jake Totten) will be the summer guest of the Thayers, the “grandchild” they never had, and his presence will enliven the household in innumerable ways.

What will Norman and Billy learn from each other?  Will Chelsea be able to reconcile her differences with her dad?  How will Ethel cope with the newest and oldest members of the family? How does the visit of neighbor Charlie (Mark Gilchrist) change the dynamics of the story?

The Saybrook Stage Company will present “On Golden Pond” in honor of The Kate’s tenth anniversary, under the direction of Marc Deaton.  For tickets ($17-23), call 860-510-0453 or online at www.thekate.org.  Performances are Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the theater, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook.

Spend a leisurely summer day with Ethel and Norman Thayer as they readjust to more than just the loons visiting them “On Golden Pond.”

WARM UP WITH GOODSPEED FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS THIS WINTER

PHOTOS FROM PRIOR GOODSPEED FESTIVALS OF NEW MUSICALS
PHOTOS BY DIANE SOBOLEWSKI

While the weather outside is frightful, there is a place that is warm and truly delightful: the 15^th Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals in East Haddam. Produced by Goodspeed Musicals Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre, this three day event will take place on Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19 and it’s the highlight of the winter season for all musical theatre aficionados.

The weekend begins on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with the exotic tale of “The Tattooed Lady,” with book by Erin Courtney and Max Vernon and music and lyrics by Max Vernon.  What choice does a seventy-eight year old woman, who earned her living in a freak show as a Tattooed Lady, have when her husband dies?  Must she retire to the solitude of her daughter’s home or summon the courage and return one last time to the stage?

This first staged reading of this musical will be followed at 10 p.m. at the Gelston House next door with a Festival Cabaret with actress-singer-writer-teacher Grace McLean and special guest Jonathan Brielle.  Original music by McLean will ring from the rafters.

Take your vitamin pills for a highly energetic Saturday that begins with your choice of several seminars from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gelston House and across the street at LaVita Restaurant.  Goodspeed’s Artistic Associate Anika Chapin will lead a sparkling discussion with Matte O’Brien and Matt Vinson about their new musical set for summer of 2020 at the Goodspeed:  “Drama Nerd: Anne of Green Gables.”  Want to hear what it is entailed in being a Broadway producer, then come hear Nancy Gibbs tell her theatrical tales in “From Downtown to Uptown.”

Producing Director of Musical Theatre Factory Mei Ann Teo will share her views in “What’s the Buzz?  The New and Distinct Voices of Musical Theater.”  In an “Exit Interview,” come hear Michael O’Flaherty discuss his decades at the helm as Goodspeed’s  Resident Musical Director.  Additional seminars will be announced.

At 3 p.m. at the Goodspeed, a symposium will journey back in time for 15 years of the Festival to reflect in its contributions to musical theatre over the years.  At 4 p.m., Goodspeed Executive Director Michael Gennaro will lead a symposium on “New Vision for New Works-The Terris Theatre in 2020” and share the exciting new offerings there for the upcoming year. Both symposiums are free and open to the public.

If you purchased the Gold Package for $149, it includes all three staged readings, a trio of seminars, two symposiums, a Saturday night three course dinner at 5:30 p.m. at either the Gelston House or La Vita, either the Friday or Saturday night Cabaret and a Sunday afternoon Meet the Writers event to close the Festival.  The Silver package for $80 includes the three staged readings, both symposiums and the Meet the Writers event.

Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. take your seat at the Goodspeed for “Private Gomer” with book, music and lyrics by Marshall Pailet.  It tells the tale of a World War I soldier who hides his profound hearing loss and hones a remarkable skill as a sniper.  Along the way, he must deal with violence and war and the interesting people he meets on his travels.

The Saturday night Cabaret at 10 p.m. features Jonathan Brielle performing “It’s the Bear” at the Gelston House.

While six co-workers meet at a Bear Mountain retreat to work on tensions in the workplace, a mysterious killer is on the loose with his own agenda. How will they survive?

Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Goodspeed, the final musical “Grow” will be staged, with book by Matt Murray, music by Colleen Dauncey and lyrics by Akiva Romer–Segal.

Sisterhood, community and the future will be tested by two Amish teenage sisters Hannah and Ruth when they experience the ancient rite of passage Rumspringa.  They find themselves in a dangerous predicament with a most unlikely savior to help them survive.

The Festival will conclude at 3:30 p.m. at the Goodspeed with an intimate chat with the three teams of writers and composers in Meet the Writers Reception. Discover  

their source of ideas and inspiration and how they go about working the creative process.

.

This year’s Festival is sponsored by corporate sponsor RisCassi & Davis, P.C., with support from the Burry Fredrik Foundation, the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation Sheridan College and Webster Private Bank.  Single tickets are $25 for each staged reading and $15 each for students.  Purchase tickets and packages by calling the Goodspeed Box Office at 860-873-8668 or online at www.goodspeed.org.

So ignore any frightful weather outside and cozy up to the Goodspeed Festival for warmth and wonderment.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS ABOUNDS IN AREA THEATERS

“Tis the season to celebrate the holidays and area theatres are busy with jolly, entertaining and heartwarming productions.

Start off visiting that energetic and enthusiastic elf Buddy who is in residence at Waterbury’s Seven Angels Theatre until Sunday, December 22.  Jimmy Donohue plays the boy who crawls into Santa’s bag and ends up at the North Pole believing he is one of Santa’s helpers.  Growing big and afraid he is a failure as a toy maker leads him to discover he is human.  Buddy sets off for New York City to find his father. This musical adventure “Elf” is a great family affair presented by Stage II Community Players.  For tickets (kids $15, adults $28, 4 pack $99), call Seven Angels, 1 Plank Road, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.  

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Watch for Rob Bartlett Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, December 28 and Stand Up Count Down New Year’s Eve Comedy Night on December 31 at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

To enter the world of an actor who no longer enjoys playing Scrooge in Charles Evered’s comedy “An Actor’s Carol,” come meet Michael Iannucci as Hugh Pendleton at Ivoryton Playhouse until Sunday, December 22. Just like with the original Dickens’ tale, this actor meets a trio of ghosts on Christmas Eve and learns some valuable lessons on kindness. For tickets ($35, senior $32, students $20, child $15), call Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-757-7318 or online at www,ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Come early to enjoy the 500,000 Christmas lights that illuminate the village in sparkling splendor.

For the 22^nd year, the Hartford Stage is presenting “A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas” until Saturday, December 28.  The cantankerous and mean spirited Scrooge makes a mighty redemption after he is visited by his old business partner Jacob Marley (Noble Shropshire) and three ghosts.  Michael Preston is the Bah Humbug disbeliever in Christmas.  Just in time for the holiday feast, he learns to mend his ways and open his heart to goodness.  For tickets ($25-99), call the Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford at 860-527-5151 or online at hartfordstage.org. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. as well as Monday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 23 at 2 p.m., Thursday, and December 26 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

For a twist of lemon with the holidays and an olive, adults should plan to visit Hartford TheaterWorks for a hearty cocktail of “Christmas on the Rocks” until Monday, December 23. With Ted Lange from “The Love Boat” as your genial bartender, a parade of your favorite childhood characters like Clara from “The Nutcracker” and Tiny Tim from “A Christmas Carol” wander into a bar on Christmas Eve for a shot of courage and a place to shed their inhibitions.  Jenn Harris and Randy Harrison play a plethora of holiday favorites.  For tickets ($15 and up), call HTW, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-526-7838 or online at www.theaterworkshartford.org.  Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Monday, December 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Terris Theatre in Chester is primed and ready to showcase our state in “A Connecticut Christmas Carol” until Saturday, December 28.  Come see Mark Twain, P. T. Barnum and Benedict Arnold, all brought to life by Michael Thomas Holmes, as they spin Dickens’ tale in a totally new geographic direction with Robert Cuccioli as William Gillette who needs a reawakening before Christmas.  For tickets ($25-55), call Goodspeed Musicals at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.com.  The Terris is located at 33 North Main Street, Chester.  Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Monday, December 28 at 2 p.m. Please bring a warm coat for their clothing drive.

From Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22, the Goodspeed in East Haddam will entertain a Nat King Cole Christmas with Evan Tyrone Martin telling Cole’s personal journey with holiday musical favorites along the way.  Tickets are $40-60.

For a change of pace, without any mention of Scrooge, plan to attend an evening with the song stylings of Simon and Garfunkel courtesy of Swearingen and Kelli who are famous for bringing the “music, memories and magic” of this iconic duo to spirited life. On Saturday, December 21 at 8 p.m. the Katherine Hepburn Center for the Cultural Arts will transform itself into 1960’s Greenwich Village.  For tickets ($35), call the Kate, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook at 860-510-0473.  “The Sound of Silence” NOT!

Let the holidays ring with joy as area theaters show all their festive finery for your enjoyment.

“CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS” COMICALLY SHAKEN BUT NOT STIRRED AT HTW

Harken back to your heroes and heroines of Christmas lore long past and revisit your favorites in a classic series of vignettes courtesy of Hartford TheaterWorks as “Christmas on the Rocks” reappears for its annual viewing until Monday, December 23. This is Hartford TheaterWorks’s traditional gift to the theater community and it has been a comic delight for seven years in a row.  The ingenious concept of Producing Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero, it involves the creative genius of seven playwrights whose works have been produced here on stage.  Each has selected a favorite Christmas character, like Tiny Tim and Scrooge and Charlie Brown, and fashioned a visit to a local bar on Christmas Eve to tell their story.  If you've ever wondered if Tiny Tim got to throw away his crutches or if Scrooge really had his hard heart melted in a vat of milk chocolate, then "Christmas on the Rocks" might be the perfect theatrical gift to give yourself.

Have you ever cared how they have fared?  Have the years been kind or cruel?  Are there any surprises in their life plans? 

In "All Grown Up" by John Cariani, we are reintroduced to Ralphie Parker from "A Christmas Story" and discover he is still obsessed with his dad’s lady leg lamp and his pink bunny suit. His marriage is in trouble and he turns to the bar’s friendly bartender, a genial Ted Lange of “The Love Boat” fame to listen to his tale of woe. Ralphie just may want to be nine years old forever, or at least as long as his pink bunny suit fits. Jacques Lamarre brings to the bar Zuzu Bailey who has a well founded fear of bells, because she knows that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.  Remember her dad and the Savings and Loan and Clarence? This nervous Nellie in having “A Miserable Life” and she is suitably traumatized.

 To experience the quality of Jeffrey Hatcher's humor, come meet  an elf who feels he is a misfit and just wants to belong in "Say It Glows.” Hermie wants to be a dentist and perform root canals, not be stuck in Santa’s workshop making toys. He clearly has a thing about Rudolph and his shiny nose and may just be heading for a breakdown over guilty deeds. Jenn Harris and Matthew Wilkas proclaim “My Name is KAREN!” as the cartoon girl Karen enters the bar with a hair dryer.  She takes full credit for creating Frosty the Snowman and equally gleeful credit for his demise.  The police are at the door and her arrest may be imminent.

A spiritual journey, "God Bless Us Every One," is on Theresa Rebeck's Christmas list.    Here we  meet Tiny Tim who is in the midst of a psychotic break and has serious issues with Mr. Scrooge.  "Still Nuts About Him" by Edwin Sanchez focuses his talents on Clara, the ballerina,  who is now married to the Nutcracker, her personal and infuriating czar of love. She fears he is cheating on her and uses her toy nutcracker to annihilate all the bar nuts in the tavern.

Last but certainly not least, Jacques Lamarre is serving up "Merry Christmas, Blockhead.”   Here he is the psychiatrist/coach/love counselor for Charlie Brown and the little red haired girl of his youth. Good grief, the evening ends on a sweet and sentimental note.  All the female roles are portrayed by Jenn Harris and the male roles by Randy Harrison and, with Ted Lange at the helm, they are all wonderful. Director Rob Ruggiero keeps the insanity and laughs rolling merrily along.


For tickets ($15 -75), call Hartford TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-527-7838 or online at www.twhartford.org.  Performances are Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 23.  Come early and enjoy a viewing of the cartoon "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in the art gallery upstairs. The theater has undergone a renovation and is ready for your viewing enjoyment.

For a cynical, quirky and sentimental look at Christmases past, let "Christmas on the Rocks" serve you a flavorful cocktail of tasty potent potables.

ALL CHRISTMAS ELVES MUST REPORT TO PLAYHOUSE ON PARK UNTIL DECEMBER 21

If your rent is due and you may soon be evicted, and if there are no paying jobs for actors on the horizon, you might be desperate enough to answer a want ad for a Christmas elf. This isn’t just any old holiday elf, this is an elf at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. Okay, it still sucks.  But if your name is David Sedaris, and you’re a comedian of the first order, you may be able to transform the humiliation into a prize winning one man show that may still embarrass you decades later. David Sedaris found himself in just such a state after landing in New York to make his fame and fortune on the stage.  He has memorialized the experience in  “The Santaland Diaries” playing with jolly holly fun at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park until Saturday, December 21.

While the out -of- work actor had some standards, (he would not be a French fry or hot dog or taco standing on the street corner handing out leaflets), he found himself willing to consider an ad for a Christmas elf at Macy’s Department Store, especially after his roommate dared him to apply. At thirty-three years of age, his biggest fear was that he wouldn’t be hired.

Enter Sam Massaro as Crumpet the reluctant elf who endured the indignities of the application process and then found himself clad in red, white and green from his sparkling cap to his curled velvet toes, complete with candy cane leggings.  As an elf with an attitude, he had many career opportunities, from entrance to exit elf, bridge elf, runner elf, magic window or magic tree elf, photo or island elf.  Wherever he landed, he had to deal with grumpy parents and crying children and impossible to please bosses, not to mention fellow elves named Snowball, Gingerbread, Jingle and even Dreidel.

Massaro is alternately philosophical and sarcastic about his seasonal stint with Santa, and the task of being “relentlessly cheerful” and  permanently merry only gives him a headache.  His goal of being elected to the Elfin Hall of Fame is probably a lost cause.  Yet  late on Christmas Eve, the skeptical Crumpet finds himself in the presence of a Kris Kringle who gives him pause and actually a new perspective on the true meaning of the holiday.  Sean Harris directs this Christmas tale that is definitely different in its spirit of looking behind the candy canes for what is lurking in the red and green shadows ready to pounce.

For tickets ($25), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford at 860-523-5900, ext. 10 or online at www.playhouseonpark.org.  Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday  at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Remember to bring an unwrapped toy for a needy child by December 16th. Also playing is “Merrilee Mannerly,” a delightful musical for children, Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 2:30p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m., 1p.m.and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.until December 15.

Lace your eggnog with a splash of rum and let one silly and sarcastic and cynical elf bring you some unbridled Christmas cheer.

“THE GINGERBREADS OF BROADWAY” ARE A TASTY MUSICAL HOLIDAY TREAT

THE GINGERBREADS OF BROADWAY AT PANTOCHINO PRODUCTIONS

What could be more symbolic  and sweet as a confection for Christmas than a gingerbread man cookie, a gingerbread house or a loaf of tasty bread?  The spicy ginger root dates back to the Chinese and Greek and has a long term association with medicinal treatments for stomach ailments as well as delicious treats with honey and molasses at holiday time.

Pantochino Productions has discovered a whole new concept for these delectable snacks.  With original book and music by Bert Bernardi, new music by Justin Rugg and novel costuming by Jimmy Johansmeyer, on a clever Christmas set designed by Von Del Mar, “The Gingerbreads of Broadway” has been deliciously baked.  Weekends until Sunday, December 22, this delightful musical will grace the stage of the Milford Arts Council, 40 Railroad Avenue, Milford, sponsored by Berchem Moses P.C.

Mr. Majestic (Zach Theis) is busy auditioning acts for his exciting extravaganza “Holidays a Poppin’, “ hoping to find the acts that will make it a smash hit.  With his assistant (Amanda Sigan) and his piano player (Jaxon Beirne), he quickly dismisses a boy (Rowan  Simonelli) and his mom (Hannah Duffy). His initial response to the Gingerbreads (Justin Rugg and Shelley Marsh Poggio) isn’t much more promising.

With the help of Carol (Maria Berte), better known as Mrs. Claus from the North Pole, and her guardian elf Buttons (Connor Rizzo), the Gingerbreads are advised to become a family for better show business appeal.  Sure enough, by adding Darlene (Hazel Foley), Pepper (Sierra DiMartino) and Frostine (Peighton Nash) to their act, they are hired to headline.

With the big star Elizabeth Ambrosia Éclair (Valerie Solli) leading the musical parade, the show looks like a mega hit.  The recipe for success is spoiled by the jealousy of Lina and Lamont Licorice (Mary Mannix and Jimmy Johansmeyer) who want top billing for themselves and aren’t above slipping a little poison into the star’s tea, served to her by her assistant (TJ Chila).  Officer O’Flannahan (George Splevin) is called in to investigate.

Bert Bernardi directs the comic confusion like a four star gourmet chef.

For tickets ($22 online, $25 at the door), go online to www.pantochino.com.  Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Don’t forget to bring snacks to share at your table or plan to buy them at the concession stand downstairs.  Adults are invited to come for “Christmas Cocktails” on Friday, December 13 and 20 for $30.

A Master Class Fosse with Lloyd Culbreath, a dance workshop for age 13 to adult, will be held on Friday, December 27 from 1-3 p.m. at the Milford Arts Council. Register at www.pantochino.com.

Buy or bake some gingerbread men cookies to eat and enjoy as this fun family musical “The Gingerbreads of Broadway” dances and sings its way into your heart.

FOLLOW THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF “THE PLOT” AT THE YALE REP

 

In any negotiation, everyone comes to the table with an agenda, what they are willing to fight for, what they are willing to forfeit,  and what is sacred and cannot be changed.  Whether the confrontation is in a sandbox, over the possession of a blue dump truck or in a boardroom where the fate of a multi-million dollar project hangs in the balance, the participants are not always willing to bargain to an acceptable agreement.

In the world premiere offering of “The Plot” by Will Eno at the Yale Repertory Theatre until Saturday, December 21, we meet people who for one reason or another are interested in the fate of a small plot of land, a graveyard.

For Righty Morse (Harris Yulin), it is a place for him to escape, a source of peace and serenity, where he can be himself and commune with nature.  It also doesn’t hurt that his wife Joanne (Mia Katigbak) allows him space to be himself without pretense. She is preoccupied with their finances and living arrangement and wants more for them in the later years of life. Time is running out if they are ever going to reach their golden years with happiness and security.

 

Righty feels so much at home in the tiny cemetery that he has had a gravestone erected as his final resting place.  The fact that he has failed to include one for Joanne beside him soon becomes a reason for contention between the old married couple. Into this intimate and quiet world invade a trio of strangers:

an environmentalist Grey (Jimonn Cole) who is concerned the land be respected and put to good use and two developers Donna (Jennifer Mudge) and her irascible boss Tim (Stephen Barker Turner) who is as contentious as she is accommodating.  They want and need the land and must convince Righty and his wife to relinquish it.

 

All Tim cares about is the bottom line and how much profit goes into his pocket.  He is willing to string along the affections of Donna as it suits his purposes, forgetting he is married when it meets his needs.  What will happen when the fate of the plot of land comes under the microscope?  What deceits and truths will emerge?  How will everyone’s or anyone’s needs be met?

 

Oliver Butler’s direction will keep you guessing as to who will be the ultimate winners of the negotiation game. Sarah Karl as scenic designer creates a clever playing field for the action.

 

For tickets ($26-79), call the Yale Rep,1120 Chapel Street, New Haven at 203-432-1234 or online at www.yalerep.org.  Performances are Tuesday at 8 p.m.,

Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

 

 

Come root for your favorite pawn as each player in the game tries to finesse themselves to victory and take the prize:  the plot of land in question.

ENTER THE MARRIAGE GAME WITH JANE AUSTEN’S “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE”AT LONG WHARF

SISTERS LIZZY(ANEISA  J. HICKS) AND JANE (OCTAVIA CHAVEZ-RICHMOND)
PHOTO BY T. CHARLES ERICKSON

Long ago and far away, in the little town of Anatevka, Russia, Tevye the milkman and his wife Golde, from “Fiddler on the Roof” fame, struggled with the happy problem of having too many daughters to find husbands for, and, it wouldn’t hurt if the husbands brought some cows and chickens as a dowry.  A romantic novel by Jane Austen, many decades later, deals with another husband and wife, the Bennets, who also are blessed with a quartet of daughters of marriageable age.  For the Bennets, love is not an issue as much as the size of the prospective suitors’ pocketbooks. 

Set in England in 1813, Long Wharf Theatre has swept the world back in time to a new adaptation by Kate Hamill of Jane Austen’s work of “Pride and Prejudice” capturing the stage until Sunday, December 22.  It is incumbent upon the eldest daughters Jane (Octavia Chavez- Richmond) and Lizzy (Aneisa J. Hicks) to save the family estate Longbourn by marrying well, to suitable men of great wealth, like the mysterious strangers Mr. Bingley (Luis Moreno) and Mr. Darcy (Biko Eisen-Martin), otherwise their home will be lost for lack of a sufficient inheritance.

Mrs. Bennet (Maria Elena Ramirez) is determined to secure the financial future of the family, especially since her husband (Rami Margron) seems more concerned with his newspaper than with the fate of their home should he die.  The other daughters Mary (Luis Moreno) and Lydia (Dawn Elizabeth Clements) do not seem too involved in the marriage game, but the youngest one Lydia soon gets caught up in the playing and acts rashly.

While Bingley and Jane seem to be attracted to each other, Darcy and Lizzy spark anger with the other and he admits after one dance that Lizzy is too plain to attract him.  Other gentlemen in the running for the prize are Wickham and Mr. Collins (both portrayed by Brian Lee Huynh).  The characters frequently cross roles from male to female with facility, aided by the clever costuming by Izumi Inaba, on a sparkling stage designed by Gerardo Diaz Sanchez.

As romances flare and flame, with disappointments and proposals flying through the rose petalled air, one wonders if anyone will find their true love match by play’s curtain.  Interference and problems are created by Anne De Bourgh (Octavia Chavez-Richmond), Lady Catherine (Dawn Elizabeth Clements), Miss Bingley (Brian Lee Huynh) and Charlotte (Rami Margron) who are all clearly jealous and want to stop the courtships, usually to their own favor.  Jess McLeod directs with comic action with fine white kid gloves.

For tickets ($32 and up), call the Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven at 203-787-4282 or online at www.longwharf.org.  Performances are Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Come watch Lizzy and her sisters as they engage themselves in the game of wedlock with humorous and romantic results.

YOU’RE INVITED TO A REDNECK CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE CT. CABARET

You may be disappointed that grandma doesn’t get run over by a reindeer, but that won’t stop you from enjoying the crazy doings at Lou’s Diner as the friendly folks there experience “A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas.” Written with tongue in cheek by Kristine Bauske, the Connecticut Cabaret in Berlin has pulled out all the stops and whipped up a blizzard for a Christmas Eve dysfunctional family epoch that needs, nay demands, a holiday miracle to resolve.

While the women folk gather at the homey Lou’s Diner to commiserate over being abandoned by their mates  and the injustice of it all, we are introduced to the owner Lou Wexler (Karen Gagliardi) and her friends and co-workers Darlene (Tracey Brown) and Barbie Jo (Jennifer Nadeau). They have every right to be angry.  After all, it is Christmas Eve and they want to celebrate the holiday.

Apparently their concerns don’t amount to a hill of beer cans as their men have run off to a hunting cabin that doubles as a man cave.  Rick Bennett’s Jimmy, Chris Brooks’ Dave and Russell Fish’s Bill feel justified in their actions and not one whit guilty as the snow piles outside their door.  As macho men, they have no one to answer to but themselves…that is until remorse sets in like a bear snuggling in for a long winter’s nap.

Meanwhile back at Lou’s, a new customer Bob (Dave Wall) serves as narrator and tells the December tale.  Harkening back to Bethlehem, a very pregnant girl, Maria Pompile’s Mary Sue Barbie Jo Lou Archer, appears and soon disappears.  Luckily a medical student James J. Moran’s Mark Riley has a hilarious time when the moment is right and saves the day.

Never fear director Kris McMurray is ready to play midwife and guarantees that a Christmas miracle occurs in all its glory, organizing the action on a clever revolving set designed by James J. Moran.  The entire cast has upped their game for maximum merriment.

For tickets ($35), call the CT Cabaret, 31-33 Webster Square, Berlin at 860-829-1248 or online at www.ctcabaret.com.  Performances are Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m. Remember to bring goodies to share at your table or plan to buy refreshments at the concession set on site.

For more redneck fun and humor, plan to return to the CT Cabaret for a sequel, “A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Wedding” April 3 to May 2.  Don’t forget to pre-order your main course: snappy sauted squirrel or mushroom stuffed venison.  Presents are optional.

JOIN THE CTGMC TO CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

What would the Christmas holidays be like without a friendly visit from the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus?  Whether they are dressed as elves in green and white pointed hats and slippers or wearing red sequin gowns a la Liza Minelli, you are in for a treat. Have no fear, these jolly gentlemen will be arriving in time for a trio of concerts for your entertainment pleasure with their latest gifts of music.  With festivities and their holiday finery, they will present “Don We Now” at 4 p. m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, December 7 at the elegant Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook and then on Saturday, December 14 at 8 p.m. at the all-new completely redesigned theater at West Haven High School, 1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven.

Get set for a jazzy and joy-filled musical romp that‘s sure to ring them bells and light up your holiday spirits as Greg McMahan, Artistic Director, leads this unique thirty member choir through its well-timed paces. “The holidays arena important time for the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus to bring communities together, embrace our similarities and differences, and build lasting memories." With surprises galore, this is the CGMC after all, the merry men will be joined onstage by guest artist Joyce Jeffrey, a Connecticut-area favorite.  You may remember her as Dolly Levi from Hello, Dolly!,” Mama Rose from “Gypsy,” and Auntie Mame from “Mame.”  Hold on to your hats for a spectacular spin to the North Pole, by way of Broadway, as the reindeer filled sky is the limit.

Celebrating Christmas with the best carolers known to mankind, with a decidedly different design, is a challenge the CGMC relishes as it approaches its thirty-fifth monumental anniversary.  Be prepared to salute the Christmas spirit as you don your own holiday apparel.  No Christmas sweater is too over the top, with festoons of elves and snowmen and Santa and sleighs.  The more the merrier.

For tickets ($25-32), go to ctgmc.org and katherinehepburntheater.org..

“Tis the season to be jolly and what better way to ring them bells and sprinkle yourself with tinsel, then with the fine fellows of the CGMC?  Let the festivities begin!

YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH “SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE” AT UCONN

                                       JACK DILLON AS WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

How could the man who penned eighteen comedies, ten tragedies, ten history plays and one hundred and fifty four sonnets ever experience a writer’s block?  An inability to connect words and thoughts isa scandal tht William Shakespeare cannot abide, especially since his rival playwright Christopher Marlowe seems to have no trouble producing prize-winning epochs.  To learn more about the literary rivalry, move post haste to get thee to the Connecticut Repertory Theatre at the Jorgensen Theatre until December 8.

Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman’s “Shakespeare in Love, ” adapted  for the stage by Lee Hall, plunges the audience back in time to jolly olde England in the sixteenth century as Shakespeare struggles to meet his financial obligations. Without a muse and a promising plot line, young Will is busy avoiding all the gentlemen, Henslowe(Anthony Cochrane), Fennyman (Matthew Antoci) and Burbage (Anthony Giovino) who have already advanced money for plays they have yet to receive.

Jack Dillon’s Bard feels the secret to his success involves love, comedy and a dog and he is ready to prove it. The solution, to please the Queen (Angela Hunt) foremost of all, is to produce a new work “Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter.”  With the puppet Spot as the dog, he doesn’t see how he could miss.

When a new thespian Thomas Kent (Erin Cessna) arrives to audition for the part of Romeo, Will determines he will hire him to play the part.  Her disguise goes unnoticed. When Will discovers Thomas is really the Lady Viola, an adventurous wannabe actor, Will finds his muse and his lover all wrapped into one delightful package. Like a Cyrano, Will implores his friend Christopher to feed him words of romance.

Since Viola is about to wed Wessex (Justin Jager), the scene soon gets complicated and dangerous. Mauricio Miranda’s Marlowe soon pays the price for friendship while the Lord Chamberlain (Guiesseppe jones) exercise his powers to make sure all the theaters are permanently closed.

Vincent Tycer directs this peek into the world of the Bard, with music by Paddy Cunneen, on a set designed by Morgan Shea, with costumes designed by Brittny Mahan, sound by Katie Salerno and lighting by Samuel J Biondolillo.  Credit for Spot the dog goes to Felicia Cooper.

For tickets (10-33), call 860-486-2113 or online at crt.uconn.edu.  Performances continue December 4^th to 8^th, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. , Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Listen to the man whose words were destined to be immortal, laced with truth and as much bawdy as blessed.

“LES MISERABLES:” A SWEEPING EPIC MUSICAL AT THE PALACE

THE CAST OF THE NATIONAL TOUR OF "LES MISERABLES"
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

Now is the perfect time to begin or renew an acquaintance with one of theater’s  most enthralling and enduring musical classics, meant to inspire and thrill in all its historical splendor. Nineteenth century France will come to life in bursts of color, heroism and timeless passion.

When the great French writer Victor Hugo was only thirteen years of age, he began to write prize-winning poetry.  He went on to add the titles of playwright, novelist, essayist, visual artist, statesman and human rights advocate to his name.  Perhaps he is best known for his novel “Les Miserables” or The Poor, penned in 1862, about a man Jean Valjean who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister and her family and his ultimate tale of redemption.

This story, that met with great success even though it was initially banned by the government, is said to have been inspired by a true incident in Paris.  Hugo saw a poor man arrested for a minor crime, in stark contrast to a woman in a nearby carriage, wealthy, wrapped in fur, who was totally unaware of the tragedy happening at her richly clad feet. 

This epic novel that generated great excitement when published, when people fought to buy one of the 48,000 copies released on day one, was set to music a century later.  Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, from Alain Boubiland Claude-Michel Schonberg’s Tony Award-winning epic phenomenon, this stirring and stunning version returning to the Palace direct from an acclaimed two and a half year Broadway run, ”Les Miserables” is a sweeping, majestic drama, history on parade, and is gracing the stage of Waterbury’s Palace Theater from Tuesday, December 3 to Sunday, December 8. Come view the beautiful scenic design by Matt Kinley that incorporates Victor Hugo’s artwork with advanced projection technology that gives the production a cinematic look layered in with the set.

“Les Miz” follows Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell) after nineteen years of imprisonment, his pursuit by the police inspector Javert (Josh Davis) and his new identity as Monsieur Madeleine where he becomes a wealthy factory owner and mayor. Valjean cannot escape his past as Javert doggedly pursues him.  Valjean performs deeds of valor, saving lives and helping in a student revolt, proving that people can change for the good. This story, universal in its appeal, unites with a soaring musical score, to applaud the survival of the human spirit. The talented cast also includes Jimmy Smagula and Allison Guinn  as Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, Mary Kate Moore as Fantine, Matt Shingledecker as Enjolras, Phoenix Best as Eponine, Joshua Grosso as Marius and Jillian Butler as Cosette. Glorious tunes like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “One Day More” and “Bring Him Home” will stir the air with promise for a new day.

For tickets ($46.50 and up), call the Palace, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at www.palacetheater.org.  Performances are Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.,Wednesday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. 

Arm the battlements to fight for good over evil, for democracy over tyranny, for the triumph of love and justice, in this astonishing theatrical musical drama, “Les Miz,” the fifth longest-running Broadway production of all time.  Don’t miss it! Come join the 130 million viewers in 44 countries, speaking 22 languages around the world, who have thrilled to its majesty.

“THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE” DRESSES UP AT SEVEN ANGELS

 Earning a living by impersonating The King, Elvis Presley, is not the easiest way to pay the bills, but for young show biz performer, Jared Reinfeldt’s Casey, it is all he knows how to do. In the world of entertainment, an actor can transform from one character or persona to another with a change in voice, a wig or a costume.  With skill and talent, a complete metamorphosis can occur right before the audience’s eyes. When Casey finds his Elvis days are over, he is overwhelmed with financial issues, from unpaid rent to buying a pepperoni pizza on the installment plan.  He has a moment of revelation:  he must change: his name, his dress, his attitude and his act.

Waterbury’s Seven Angels Theatre is inviting you to that moment of Casey’s epiphany in Matthew Lopez’s “The Legend of Georgia McBride” stripping down to its bare essentials until Sunday, December 1.  In the hands and other body parts by Reinfeldt, we see Casey struggle to support his wife Jo, an understanding and newly pregnant Brittany-Laurelle, with an optimistic outlook and a new wardrobe.  With the encouragement and mama mentoring of Miss Tracy Mills,  a helpful John Salvatore, Casey finds himself on stage at a bar/club, Panama City Florida’s Cleo Bar, as a drag queen. Cleo’s is run by Eddie, an enterprising Scott Keal

Enter Georgia McBride and learn that Elvis has, indeed, left the building.  With bows to Bette, Liza, Pink and Lady Gaga, Casey emerges in full feathers and flamboyant fashion.  The drag queens strut triumphantly, with the addition of Rexy, an outspoken and sassy Eddie Shields, who doubles as Casey and Jo’s understanding landlord Jason.  So what’s the problem with this picture?  Casey forgets to tell Jo of his new career choice. Could he be ashamed of his new enterprise?

While Jo is responsible and realistic, Casey is optimistic and full of potential. With the green light from Eddie, and the encouragement and assistance of Miss Tracy, Casey sees the future through his rose colored glasses.  Being kind, wise and dependable, Casey discovers that tolerance and diversity and being open to change and opportunity can be life altering. When he lip syncs a host of great songs, he is just hitting his stride. Russell Garrett directs this peek under the wig and inside the dress of a drag queen, with help from Lloyd Hall's fascinating costumes, Kyle Dixon's behind and before the stage set design, Doug Macur’s sparkling lighting, Russell Garrett’s perky choreography and Matt Martin’s sultry sound.

For tickets ($42-49.50), call Seven Angels Theatre,1 Plank Road, Hamilton Park, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at www.SevenAngelsTheatre.org.  Performances areThursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Extra performances are November 26, Tuesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Anticipate the Christmas season with “ELF: The Musical” December 7-22 when Buddy comes to town.  The Edwards Twins Christmas Variety Show will headline December 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. while Rob Bartlett will entertain with his Holiday Comedy Show December 28 at 8 p.m. This is the perfect time to reserve your seats for the Stand Up Count Down New Year’s Eve Comedy Night with Steve Shaffer, Jocelyn Chia and John Iavarone on December 31 at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

For lessons in makeup, wig styling and drag queen dress, look no further than Casey and Tracy’s dressing room for a behind the curtain peek at a unique area of show business lore. 

“BILLY ELLIOT” SOARS INTO GOODSPEED MUSICALS UNTIL NOVEMBER 24

A young Billy Elliot, barely eleven years old, is forced to confront an early manhood when he tosses away his boxing gloves and replaces them with a pair of ballet shoes.  Living in County Durham in northern England in 1984, when his father and brother are embroiled in a bitter coal miners’ strike, does not make his memorable decision any easier.  Dreams can be more attainable to imagine, but reality can be brutally hard.  The strong working class, especially his da and brother, do not take well to his choice.

To enter Billy’s imaginative world, let Goodspeed Musicals take you on a journey until Sunday, November 24 when “Billy Elliot the Musical” claims its dancing legs.  With book and lyrics by Lee Hall and music by Elton John, it has been adapted from the movie of the same name in 2000.  It is thought that Elton John was so affected by seeing the movie that he decided then and there that it would make a remarkable musical.

Here in the dark and dismal coal miner’s world, where the influence of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is caught in every lump of coal and crash of a pick axe, the contrast with the pure and unadulterated joy of Billy’s dancing is a beautiful difference to behold. Young idealistic Billy, alternately portrayed by Taven Blanks and Liam Vincent Hutt, both outstanding in the role, soars across the Goodspeed stage with passion, power, optimism and determination.

A chance encounter has placed him in a bevy of little girls’ ballet class and he soon discovers he enjoys the exercises much more than the boxing  His teacher, an encouraging Mrs. Wilkerson, Michelle Aravena, and her daughter Debbie, Erica Parks, see a spark of greatness in his talents and want to get him an audition with London’s Royal Ballet.  This is much to the dismay of his dad, Sean Hayden, and brother, Gabriel Sidney Brown, although his dotty and sweet grandma, Barbara Marineau, and recently deceased mother, Rachel Rhodes-Devey, support his efforts with love.

The resilient Billy, in his turn, offer encouragement to his good friend Michael, John Martens, who is going through his own transformation, by donning his mom’s clothing and wearing Elton John glasses.  Powerful dancing numbers include the shadow ballet with Nick Silverio as the older Billy as well as the angry tantrum dance that concludes Act !.  Powerful tunes include “Solidarity,” “Merry Christmas, Margaret Thatcher,” (with a wonderful puppet of her courtesy of scenic designer Walt Spangler)“Electricity,” :Once We Were Kings” and “The Letter.”  Gabriel Barre directs this tale of courage and determination that is sure to stir your heart as you cheer on the young lad to victory.

For tickets ($29 and up), call Goodspeed Musicals, 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 7:30 p.m. (with some 2 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3p.m.and8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. (with some 6:30 p.m.).

Let Billy Elliot capture your imagination and spirit as he lives his dream, exhibiting breathtaking  ambition and energy all along the way.

“DON JUAN” A WOMENIZER OF THE FIRST ORDER IN WESTPORT

Don Juan is a cad, a womanizer, a philanderer,  a seducer of females married or not, a man without morals,  a reprobate,  one who enjoys the chase and the victory but then carelessly destroys the prize as worthless.  Well, you get the idea.  Don’t trust him with your money, your property or your wife.  To become intimately acquainted with him, and this is at the peril of your own risk, travel posthaste to the Westport Country Playhouse for Moliere’s “Don Juan,” a world premiere translation and adaptation by Brendan Pelsue.  Until Saturday, November 23, you are invited deep into the psyche of the chief scoundrel as he weaves his tentacles around besotted women and secures them as notches on his belt of conquests.

Nick Westrate’s Don Juan loves to engender scandal and scorn wherever he travels.  Every woman he sees has the potential to stir his loins and make his heart, at least initially, sing with lust.  He has no limitations on his potential conquests and, without conscience, will even seduce a nun away from the nunnery if it suits his fancy. Just ask Dona Elvira (Suzy Jane Hunt) who suffers from his rejection and wants him to repent his evil ways.  His own father (Philip Goodwin) despairs of his son ever mending his frightful ways, while his faithful manservant Sganarelle, a devoted Bhavesh Patel, tries in vain to educate Don Juan to change to save his soul.

The beauty he sees in the fairer sex quickly turns to boredom and he is on to his next courtship, like with Mathurine (Claudia Logan) and Charlotte (Ariana Venturi).  He chooses to ignore the threats issued by Mr. Gusman (Paul DeBoy), the entreaties of his tailor for payment (Jordan Bellow ),  the comic attacks of Pierrot (Carson Elrod) and even the ghostlike murmurs of a statue come to life (Paul DeBoy).

This Lothario delights in his actions and sees nothing wrong with his behavior. Threats of death do not sway him and he wears his dishonor proudly.  No act of grace will ever penetrate his being. Finally Sganarelle surrenders to both their fates and accepts the truth. David Kennedy directs this visit with corruption with a mixture of humor, pathos and immorality.

For tickets ($30 and up), call Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Route 1 at 203-227-4177 or 888-927-7529 or online at www.westportplayhouse.org.  Performances are Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Take a lesson in indecency from Don Juan as he peddles his wicked ways all around the world.

"STEEL MAGNOLIAS” AN AMALGAM OF SOFTNESS AND STRENGTH

Life often calls upon us to rise to the occasion and endure impossible loss and it is often our family and friends who rally around us and make the pain endurable. Nowhere is that message more visible than in the sisterhood of strong Southern women who populate Robert Harling’s touching story of friendship and survival.  “Steel Magnolias” is now gracing the stage of Music Theatre of Connecticut until Sunday, November 24. Harling took the story of his sister Susan, her life and her death, and wove it into a saga of laughter and tears, the blessings of friendship in joy and in sorrow.

Truvy’s Beauty Parlor is more than just a place for cuts and curls, hair spray and permanent waves. It is a way of life for the ladies of Chinquapin, Louisiana as they mark weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths and share gossip, secrets and offer support and encouragement.

Raissa Katona Bennett’s Truvy is the mama hen who presides lovingly over her roost, watching lovingly her newest chick and hire Annelle (Rachel Rival) who finds comfort in religion and prayer as she tries to find her way.The rest of the close knit clan include Clairee (Cynthia Hannah) who has lost her prestigious position as the wife of the mayor but still wants respect and a little adventure, Ouiser (Kristi Carnahan) who thrives on being contrary, cranky and outspoken to conceal her heart of gold, M’Lynn (Kaia Monroe) who faces reality so clearly that it may be her undoing and M’Lynn’s daughter Shelby (Andrea Lynn Green) who is bursting to explore life’s  possibilities and grab at the carousel’s brass ring.

These women are all regulars of Truvy’s, who prescribes to the adage “there is no such thing as natural beauty.” They celebrate Shelby’s marriage to Jackson and then hold her in their hearts when she decides, against medical advice, to create a little piece of immortality with a baby. As Shelby declares, “I’d rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” Pamela Hill directs a stellar cast on a set designed by Jessie Lizotte.

 For tickets ($35 -65), call MTC, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk (behind Nine West Shoes) at 203-454-3883 or online at www.musictheatreofct.com. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Saturdays at 4 p.m. and  Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Discover for yourself why laughter through tears is Truvy’s favorite emotion. Don’t forget your box of Kleenex and please consider signing an organ donor card or adding that designation to your driver’s license.

"HELLO, DOLLY!" A MUSICAL MATCHMAKER'S DREAM AT THE BUSHNELL

Marriages used to be arranged, frequently by parents without the knowledge or consent of the prospective bride and groom. Today people often signup on dating sites, using the internet to make acquaintances. Not so long ago there were individuals who arranged matches. Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi is a woman of considerable talents and infinite skills, from providing social introductions to reducing those pesky varicose veins, teaching guitar, poker or dancing, reboning corsets or offering short distance hauling.  Her primary claim to fame, however, is as a matchmaker.  Think Yenta from "Fiddler on the Roof," but with more polish and personality.  To make the acquaintance of the captivating Mrs. Levy, sashay over to the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts and say "Hello, Dolly!”  This recent revival won four Tony Awards.

Until Sunday, November 17, this charming musical with book by Michael Stewart and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, based on the play "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder, will grace the Bushnell thanks to a new National Tour.

Carolee Carmello's Dolly is delightful and is a clever and calculating lady, but in the nicest way possible, one who excels in arranging things.  At the moment, she is on her way to Yonkers, New York to handle the delicate matrimonial desires of one Horace Vandergelder (John Bolton), the famous half a millionaire.  He runs a successful feed and grain store and worships money, but since his wife died he is lonely.  As he sings "It Takes a Woman," with his clerks Cornelius (Daniel Beeman) and Barnaby (Sean Burns), one wonders if he truly wants a loving wife or a capable housekeeper.

Dolly has set her sights on Horace as a suitable match for herself, although he has no knowledge of her plan.  She just needs a sign from her late husband Efraim that he approves.  While Dolly is occupied handling Horace, she is also busy making sure Horace's niece Ermengarde (Laura Sky Herman ) finds happiness in the arms of her suitor Ambrose  (Colin LeMoine).  She  also manages to tie ribbons of romance around Cornelius and the suitable milliner Irene (Analise Leaming) as well as for Barnaby and the cute as a button Minnie (Chelsea Cree Groen).

The scene in the Harmonia Gardens when a staff of skillful waiters headed by Rudolph (Blake Hammond) go through their polished paces like a well trained military corps is a delight. How Dolly "arranges" everything and everyone to perfection is a joy to behold.  With a colorful parade of costumes on a versatile set by Santo Loquesto, the smooth direction of  Jerry Zaks matches beautifully with the fancy footwork choreography of Warren Carlyle, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Scott Lehrer and music direction by Andy Einhorn.  Songs like "Put on Your Sunday Clothes," "Ribbons Down My Back," "Before the Parade Passes By," "It Only Takes a Moment" and the title tune are delicious to see and hear.

For tickets ($31and up), call The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at www.bushnell.org.  Performances are  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Let the versatile Mrs. Levi arrange a thoroughly captivating afternoon or evening of entertainment for you.  You'll be singing her praises "wow wow wow" because it's so nice to have her right where she belongs.

“ADMISSIONS” OPENS THE DOOR WIDE FOR RACE AND PRIVILEGE TO ENTER

What happens when progressive parents raise an independent and open- minded son and he makes a public statement that is diametrically opposed to all they believe to be true?  Will the family survive the fallout and reconcile?  Will there be a middle ground for them to meet or are their differences too great a bridge to close? Power and privilege are put to the test by Square One Theatre Company in Stratford as it weighs the educated values of “Admissions” by Joshua Harmon weekends until Sunday, November 24.

Come meet Sherri, a dedicated Janet Rathert, who is conscientious in her perceived mission of elevating the diversity of Hillcrest Academy from 100% white to a more acceptable and liberal number, like 20% black, Hispanic and Asian.  As dean of admissions, she is in a unique position to boost the prestige of the school, of which her husband Bill, a proud headmaster Pat Leo, presides over in New Hampshire.

Just listen to Sherri’s numerous conversations with Roberta, a long serving school secretary Ruth Anne Baumgartner, who unfortunately is on a completely different page on the school’s recruitment catalogue.  Sherri wants to succeed in welcoming students and get them financial aid.  She feels it is of upmost importance that the brochure feature children of diversity, a situation Roberta is unable to initially grasp.

When their precocious and precious son Charlie, an amazing Robert Thomas Halliwell, who has his heart and mind set on attending Yale University, gets a deferment letter, the lid explodes off their everyday lives.  To make matters worse, Charlie’s best friend Perry has been accepted and Charlie wonders aloud and loudly how much his race, as the mixed race son of a white mother, Ginnie, a loyal and supportive Lucy Babbitt, and a black dad, factored into the favorable decision.

As we debate the actions of public figures, like the popular actresses going to court and, possibly, to jail for bribing officials to get a valued place for their offspring in college, “Admissions” is timely and provocative in its message.  What parent wouldn’t call in a favor or try to stack the deck to get their child a better position on the ladder of success? Whether or not you approve of Charlie’s reaction to his disappointment or his change of heart to rectify his emotions, his powerful performance will activate a stimulating discussion on the way home from the ninety minute no intermission drama.  Tom Holehan directs this intriguing look into a world of class where advantages reign supreme and race can represent an ethical dilemma.

For tickets ($22, seniors $20), call Square One Theatre at 203-375-8778 or online at www.SquareOneTheatre.com.  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Stratford Academy 719 Birdseye Street, Stratford.

Witness how one family reacts when faced with disappointment after having spouted a good game of diversity.  How does that honest white liberal stance hold up in their new world of personal denial?