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?

“WOMEN ON FIRE: STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES” HAD FIERCE WARRIOR RESPONSE

Royal Family Productions ignited the stage of the Regina A. Quick Center on Monday, November 4 in a one night fundraiser at Fairfield University, written and directed by Chris Henry.  Based on stories she collected, all universal, true and factual from friends, family and neighbors, the evening featured women, all artists in theater, who represented a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.  Lorna Ventura created original choreography to weave a tapestry of movement surrounding each piece with dramatic nuances and flames, on a stage designed by Cheyenne Sykes, with sound designed by Chet Miller, and original music composed by Lars Jacobsen. The entire production was overseen by Cheryl Wiesenfeld.

To Wiesenfeld, this documentary piece is about “changing the world one theater goer at a time. The intention is to lift the curtain on these issues to generate a discussion.” After having produced two plays at Fairfield University, “Cell” about immigration treatment and “Gun Country” about weapon prevalence, she wanted to tackle another social concern this time centering on women. With the encouragement of Peter Van Heerden the Executive Director of the Quick Center, the project was on its path.  In the spring, at the Quick, her next installation will be “Right Before I Go,” letters by victims contemplating suicide.

To shine a light on these “raw, vital issues that plague us personally, to change the landscape, to make us stronger and better at looking at ourselves, to hear each other and to light a fuse for change” are all powerful social platforms in Cheryl Wiesenfeld’s mind.

“Women on Fire: Stories from the Frontlines” was born out of Chris Henry’s anger and frustration over the political news accounts she viewed nightly on television.  Her response was to create a series of monologues, focusing on the female perspective to the #MeToo movement, emotional abuse, victimization, suicide, anti-Trump sentiment and a list of other female-centric topics.

This troupe of talented actresses are incensed and ready to ignite with outrage.  How dare Bill Cosby destroy his pedestal perch as America’s favorite father to become a sexual predator, much like a fall from grace by Bill Clinton and a Donald Trump.  Timely and important, each woman’s story focused on another aspect of vital global issues that showcase the imperfections of our world.  We need to become better as a people and a society and work to change their impact.

Hearing these stories caused the heart to leap and jump, with outrage and a need for action.  According to Kathleen Chalfant, there’s something wrong in the state of Denmark, as Shakespeare noted, but even more wrong right here.  How could children be put in cages and separated from their parents, letting five precious  lives be lost?  She wants a ”do over” for the last election.

In other stories, a sorority hazing is laid bare for its brutal exposures, “The Handmaiden’s Tale” is examined  for its crazy police state mentality,  a Latino girl protests that no one will touch her without her express permission, a woman labeled a Deplorable asserts her right to be safe, while another woman stated that life is a three ring circus without a net and definitely not a cabaret.

A graphic picture emerged of a woman forced to commit sexual favors as if she were a sex doll while another spoke of the pornography controlled by men where women are denied any pleasure as if they were a “weed” in a poisoned garden. Idols are exposed for their lack of compassion, their no need to excuse or apologize for their behavior, similar to Roman Polanski who lost his artistic status due to his outrageous actions with a thirteen year old girl child. How Castro destroyed Cuba was explored,  and even if you escaped to Miami you were likely to be treated like an animal.

What is the irony if a woman who miscarried six children ends up raising a daughter who wants an abortion? How do you convince her that every baby is a miracle? What would you say to sexual abuses like Louis C.K., Sean Penn, Clarence Thomas and new Associate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh?

In addition to Kathleen Chalfant, the impassioned speakers included Yassmin Alers, Gina Naomi Baez, Maddie Corman, Lynn Craig, Rosa Curry, Kelly Deadmon, Evelyn Howe, Steffanie Leigh, Gargi Mukherjee. Portia, Yllka Gashi, Constance Shulman, Dale Soules and Lianah Sta. Ana. The skilled dancers included Gracie Anderson, Kiersten Foster, Maia Eugene and Camri Hewie. 

The message is we must do something.  A revolution is coming.  We cannot sit silently.  We must fight.  We must roar. We are fierce female warriors on a mission.

“CRY IT OUT” EXPLORES THE PANGS AND JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Motherhood conjures up memories of counting ten precious fingers and toes, hugging powder scented babies, changing countless diapers, sleepless nights and adjusting to life with a miraculous addition to your family. This ode to moms “Cry It Out” by Molly Smith Metzler takes us literally out of the warm comforting womb and into the realities of birth.  

Hartford Stage is stuffing a diaper bag with all the essentials until Sunday, November 17 for this intimate look inside the realities of parenthood.

Two new moms, with no one but their babies to coo to, meet over melons at Stop and Shop.  Their instant recognition of need for support brings them to their shared backyard for more than friendship, essentially a sisterhood.  Evelyn Spahr’s sassy Lina with her frazzled home life and economical needs is a wonderful contrast to Rachel Spencer Hewitt’s privileged lawyer/mom Jessie, yet the two snap together faster than a size infant onesie.

Jessie had a traumatic time at delivery that makes going back to the corporate world virtually impossible. How can she leave her miracle child?  Lina, for all her smart wit, is terrified to leave her Max with her almost mother-in-law who drinks boxes of wine and lies about it.  The raw truth is she has no choice financially.

Enter into the backyard koffee klatch Erin Gann’s Mitchell who literally lives above them on a cliff of wealthy homes.  His wife, Caroline Kinsolving’s Adrienne, is a successful jewelry designer who seems to be having great difficulty bonding emotionally to motherhood.

Molly Smith Metzler writes from personal experience as a new mom so you will identify with many of the issues.  The title refers to the practice of letting babies “cry it out” when put to sleep. Experienced mom Rachel Alderman uses a knowing hand to direct this charming and chaotic time for new parents.

 For tickets ($25 and up), call Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford at 860-527-5151 or go online to www.hartfordstage.org.  Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday,  Thursday and Sunday 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. 

Come witness the unbelievable events that make life topsy turvy when a new little being invades your life and your heart.

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“A SHAYNA MAIDEL” A HEARTFELT FAMILY REUNION AT PLAYHOUSE ON PARK

A tear stained parting will years later culminate in a painful struggle to reconnect in Barbara Lebow’s beautifully haunting tale “A Shayna Maidel” being sensitively brought to life at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park until Sunday, November 17. Here is a family torn by a war that enters uninvited into their home in Poland when the Nazis invade. Only the papa and the younger daughter escape to America while illness prevents the mama and elder daughter from the path to freedom.

Now the war is over and the mother has died in the concentration camps, as have a long list of other family members, tragically lost to the Holocaust.  The remaining daughter, a fragile yet courageous Lusia, expressively portrayed by Katherine Schmidt, has just arrived on her Americanized sister Rose’s doorstep.  The two have little memories of each other and now come from different worlds.  Rose is progressive and modern, and a little put off by being commanded by her stoic father, a stern Mitch Greenberg, to take in the “stranger” and make her feel welcome.

The father has some guilt that he was never able to rescue his wife and daughter and now he wants to make amends by lavishing Lusia with warmth and kosher food and all the comforts she has been denied by fate.

For her part Rose, an affectionate Laura Sudduth, is a little overwhelmed by the task but ready to do all she can for the sibling she does not even remember.  A series of dreams or memories punctuate the story, revealing much that occurred in the past and foreshadowing much that is anticipated in the future.

In those fleeting scenes we are privileged to meet Mama, a caring Krista Lucas, and Hanna, a sweet friend of Lusia’s, Julia Tolchin, as well as Lusia’s love Duvid, a much desired Alex Rafala. Their stories weave a complex tapestry of the war and the tolls it takes as well as the dreams, hopes and promises that allow us to rise to face another day. Dawn Loveland Navarro directs this heartfelt drama of family and faith, conflict and commitment, being produced in partnership with the Jewish Foundation of Greater Hartford and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford.

For tickets ($27.50-40), call the Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Avenue, West Hartford at 860-523-5900, ext.10 or online at playhouseonpark.org.  Performances are Tuesday at 2 p.m., 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. followed by a talk back with the cast.

Please consider making a donation of like- new coats, sweaters, gloves, scarves and boots to Tara’s Closet for people of all ages.

Come meet two shayna maidels, both “pretty girls,” who reconnect and reestablish a family out of the remnants of a lost moment in history.

“THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW” AN INTENSE WAR OF WORDS

The New Haven Theater Company entices the viewer to witness a war, a war of words, in William Nicholson’s devastating drama “The Retreat From Moscow” playing weekends until November 9.  While it has been centuries since Napoleon’s costly march to invade Moscow in 1812 and his resulting retreat, with a massive loss of soldiers’ lives due to starvation and gripping cold, it is still an ever present part of Edward’s psyche as he pursues his love of history.  In suburban England at the turn of the century, Edward’s reading about the past helps him cope with his present existence.

Soon to celebrate thirty- three years with his wife Alice, he is consistently more interested in the long ago than in the immediate.  Give him his daily crossword puzzles and his teaching classes and a cup of tea and Edward is content.  George Kulp’s Edward has long ago forgotten the thrill of a honeymoon in India and the happiness he thought he once possessed.  He is stoic in what life has presented him, or is he?

Susan Kulp’s Alice is, on the other hand, on a mission.

She is questioning and demanding  and suddenly wants to know what is happening to them and to their marriage.  She is insistent that he answer her. Does Edward still love her?  Her poking and probing gets her

a response she doesn’t want or anticipate receiving and the result is terrifying.  The audience gets to witness Alice’s unraveling and brilliant on stage disintegration.  It is amazing in its intensity.

Despite the presence of their adult son Jamie, a caring Kiel Stango, Alice goes off the rails as she tries to undo the damage she has unleashed.  Her constant criticism makes their marriage a casualty of war and no amount of her romantic recited poetry  is going to fix what she perceives as his traitorous behavior.  Margaret Mann  and John Watson direct this intimate look into a union that God may never have blessed.

For tickets ($20), go online to nhtcboxoffice@gmailcom or www.NewHavenTheaterCompany.com.  Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the English Building Market,  839  Chapel Street, New Haven.  Come early to browse the interesting array of vintage consignment shop offers.

What happens to a marriage when the husband wants “sunny” days and the wife is constantly putting up an umbrella, while the dutiful son plays the umpire weatherman?