"NATIVE GARDENS" BLOOM OUT OF CONTROL AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

You’ve heard of the feuding families of the Hatfields and the McCoys circa the Civil War in West Virginia and Kentucky? Well, there’s a new feud in town, this time in Washington, DC and you’re invited to take one side or the other. Ivoryton Playhouse welcomes you to “Native Gardens” by playwright Karen Zacarias, growing out of control until Sunday, June 12. Traditionally gardens are a special place for pleasure and a sense of peace, where one can contemplate nature in all its glory, watching bees pollinate petunias and butterflies flit their wings fancy free. What happens when new neighbors have vastly different views of appropriate flowering plants and the fences that enclose them, despite Robert Frost’s view that fences make good neighbors? Come meet Frank and Virginia (Joseph Dellger and Stacia Fernandez) who have enjoyed their historic neighborhood for years, while Frank has cultivated a special flower garden so he can compete for a desired horticultural prize, one that keeps eluding him. Enter new next door neighbors Tania and Pablo (Blanca Grande and Jose-Maria Aguila), she who is quite pregnant and working on a doctorate and he who has joined a law firm and is anxious to make partner. The couples share glasses of wine and good company until Pablo rashly invites his entire legal firm to a barbecue in less than a week and Tania tries to renovate their garden and erect a new fence. Her desire to grow native plants, which Frank sees as nothing more than weeds, and a surveyor’s plot lines that reveal a big discrepancy in who owns what land cause the two couples to verbally and physically come to blows. As the date of the barbecue inches closer, the not-so-nice neighbors are ready for a full fledged feud. The fact that Frank’s big flower competition is now seriously in question, after all the hard work he has done, does not alter or diminish the tension. Will Frank and Virginia claim Squatter’s rights? Will the law firm be impressed by Tania’s “natural garden”? Can the stately neighborhood withstand the accusations of being racist? How will the arrival of the new baby affect the situation? Brian J. Feehan directs this delightful comedy on a lovely set designed by Daniel Nischan. For tickets ($55, seniors $50, students $25), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 3 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Bring proof of vaccination. Come discover whether bees and butterflies will find a home in the gardens in question, creating peace and harmony in nature.

"STRAIGHT WHITE MEN" STANDING TALL AT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE

On Christmas Eve, Ed (Richard Kline) invites his sons Jake (Bill Army), a divorced banker, and Drew (Nick Westrate), an author and teacher, to join him and his eldest son Matt (Denver Milord) in their ancestral home. As they bond over Chinese food, eaten out of the cartons, and decorate the tree that comes in a three part assembly, the brothers take to childish pranks guaranteed to irritate, perform wild dance moves, and play their deceased mother’s version of Monopoly, now called Privilege. When the silly songs, rambunctious horseplay and smelly socks stop, the boys focus their attention on the oldest brother Matt who was the great white hope of the family growing up. To Drew and Jake, Matt is a total failure. He is now living at home, performing a mediocre job, with no prospects or desire to change. Plus he began to cry over his General Tso’s chicken. He is happiest making a great pie with whipped cream or vacuuming the rec room, but these are the sum total of his ambitions. Diagnosing Matt’s problem as depression, Drew and Jake suggest therapy and a course in self-reliance, while dad thinks he can buy his return to good health. For tickets ($30 and up), call Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Route 1, Westport at 203-227-4177 or 888-927-7529 or online at www.westportplayhouse.org/straightwhitemen Performances are Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m.and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. You must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask. Playwright Young Jean Lee describes her play as a response to the question, “If I woke up tomorrow and I was a straight white man, what would I do?” Come to Westport Country Playhouse and find out.

"THE AGITATORS" REVEAL THEIR ROLE IN HISTORY

West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park is offering theater goers a unique opportunity until Sunday, June 12 to make the acquaintance of two pioneers of our American history who devoted their entire lives to the cause of human rights for the newly freed slaves and for women who were subservient to their husbands, neither group being allowed the fundamental privilege of having the right to vote. Playwright Mat Smart has fashioned a fascinating tale of the unlikely friendship of former slave Frederick Douglass who taught himself to read and write, believing “knowledge is the pathway from slavery to freedom,” and suffragette Susan B. Anthony, born a Quaker, who devoted her days and nights to securing women their basic rights. Both individuals were ignited by the spark of change and united their causes to reach the heights together. While they could easily have been adversaries, they became allies. While they could have been enemies, they became friends. Both were outspoken activists and abolitionists, banning together to secure voting rights for slaves and for women. They didn’t allow racial bias to overshadow gender bias and supported an unusual friendship that lasted almost five decades. Gabriel Lawrence is a powerful Frederick Douglass who urges Sam Rosentrater’s determined Susan B. Anthony to join forces for the cause of freedom. Especially today when the right to vote is under attack and presidential results are being questioned it is imperative that we follow these shapers of American history. Do we not deserve a country that is for all our citizens? What would it feel like to not have a voice guaranteed for every color and shade of our population? We need to be able to cast ballots together side by side, without fear of retribution. Douglass and Anthony tirelessly crisscrossed the country garnering support for amendments fifteen and nineteen, uniting in their mutual causes. Even though Douglass felt his fight came first, he eventually gave his support to the women’s movement in their fierce fires of rebellion. Together they shared thunder and light, Anthony even getting arrested for voting illegally. Their story is illuminating and enlightening, in the era before and after the American Civil War, from 1849 to 1895, from Rochester, New York to Albany, to Boston, New York City and Washington, DC. Kelly O’Donnell directs this engaging encounter from the past that still echoes and reverberates in our actions today. For tickets ($37.50-$50), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford at 860-523-5900 ext. 10 or online at playhouseonpark.org. Performances are Tuesday at 2 p.m., Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Masks are strongly encouraged. Watch a time in history come dramatically alive as these fine actors reenact their struggles and alliances for a truly worthy cause.

"BETWEEN TWO KNEES" A BITING SATIRE AT YALE REP

Historically our relations with Native Americans has been complicated and universally unfair. It has involved genocide, stolen land, broken treaties and frequent wars. One would think these unlikely topics for a comedy but the troupe the 1491s would convincingly like to differ. To prove their point, they are mounting a wild and wooly statement of historical facts in an original offering, in its East Coast premiere, of “Between Two Knees” at New Haven’s Yale Repertory Theatre until Saturday, June 4. The 1491s embrace satire, stress the absurd, skewer the establishment and use comedy as a tool of resistance. Since 2009, they have been cutting their incisors on YouTube videos and now have produced a full length play about the importance of honoring the sovereignty of Native Nations across our lands, the lands that were originally their own. With a storyline that floats from the Revolutionary War, to Wounded Knee, to Vietnam and everywhere in-between, the audience will be bombarded with references to everyone from Vanna White to Stephen King, so pay attention. It follows one Native American family, from the Lakota tribe, and their son and grand son, and what happens to them as they try to survive. The talented cast includes Edward Astor Chin, Rachel Crowl, Derek Garza, Justin Gauthier, Shyla Lefner, Wotko Long, Shaun Taylor-Corbett and Sheila Tousey playing multiple roles that express their heritage. To the 1491s, this production “is a version of comedy that takes back power that has been lost or stolen. It is a way of looking right in the eyes of the people who tried to kill you and laughing at them.” The result is thought provoking and impossible to ignore. The recent disclosure of Native American schools that have been abusing children for decades and resulting in numerous deaths underlines that continuing mistreatment over the years. This is eye opening theater that should and will haunt you under the careful direction of Eric Ting. For tickets ($10-65), 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. Bring your proof of vaccination and booster. A recent negative COVID test will not be accepted. Wear your mask. Let the more than life size versions of the buffalo, wolf and eagle by set designer Regina Garcia welcome you to the discussion of our relationship with Native Americans that begs for a resolution and long overdue improvement.

"QUEEN" GETTING ROYAL TREATMENT AT LONG WHARF

Honey bees are often considered essential to humanity and that without their pollination we would starve to death in a matter of years. Whether or not that is true, the survival of the honey bee is thought to be of paramount concern for the world. In addition to pollinating 90% of our plants, bees help keep the planet green. Their role in keeping our environment alive cannot be overstated. Bees support flowers and trees and other plants as well as food and shelter for small and large creatures. For an inside and intimate look at the role of bees in our society, buzz your way to New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre for Madhuri Shekar’s drama “Queen” until Sunday, June 5. Two researchers are united in discovering why honey bees are being threatened and who or what is responsible. They have been working tirelessly with statistics and calculations for almost seven long years and they are on the cusp of presenting their findings and being published in a prestigious magazine Nature. For Ariel Spiegel, a dedicated Stephanie Janssen, and Sanam Shah, a mathematical genius Avanthika Srinivasan, this is their triumphant hour and worthy of all the sacrifices they have made. That is, until, Sanam discovers a mistake in calculations that will effect all their predictions and erase any chance that they will be lauded for their work. In consulting with their advisor Dr. Philip Hayes, a compromising Ben Livingston, and a new boyfriend of Sanam’s, Arvind Patel, a convincing Keshav Moodilar, the women receive a varying degree of advice that set them on a complicated trail of decisions. Will they abandon their research, or will they hide their disprenpancy and hope it is not discovered? Will they continue their work but in a new direction? And how will their decision affect their careers and their friendship? Aneesha Kudtarkar directs they involving question of morals. For tickets ($19-59, student $10), call Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven at 203- 693-1486 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 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests are required and masks must be worn. Enter into this complicated question of ethics that casts a long shadow over scientific work that is about to see the light of day, or will it?

"MACK IS BACK" IGNITES BRANFORD'S LEGACY THEATRE

When you think of teenage heart throbs of the 1960’s, look no further than Bobby Darin, an American idol as a singer, musician, dancer, composer, activist in politics, actor and publisher. Born Walden Robert Cassotto, he began his career as a songwriter for Connie Francis, recording his first million-selling single with “Splish Splash” in 1958 at the age of 22. He took the name Darin when he began to record, modeling it after the actor Darren McQueen, TV’s Mike Hammer. Bobby Darin gained worldwide fame with his tunes “Dream Lover.” “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea.” His musical range included rock and roll, jazz, swing, folk, pop and country music. Along the way he performed in thirteen movies, in one of which he met and married Sandra Dee. Becoming politically active, he was at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angleses in June 1968 when Robert Kennedy was assassinated. That was also the year he discovered the woman who raised him was his grandmother and that his mother was actually the woman he thought was his sister. Both events affected him tremendously. In 1973, his childhood bouts with rheumatic fever took a toll and he died at age 37 after heart surgery. Now you have the unique opportunity to revisit Bobby Darin through the talented skills of Chaz Esposito at Branford’s Legacy Theatre in “MACK IS BACK…The Music of Bobby Darin” the weekend of May 26-28, featuring songs and stories about Darin’s life and career. You will also make the acquaintance of his “guys” like Steve Blauner, his long time manager, and the many entertainers like Wayne Newton, whose career he launched when he gave him the song “Danke Schoen” that sent him to stardom. In the year 2000, Esposito determined to devote a full evening to Darin and knew he first had to get the blessing from Blauner and the estate. He flew to California with a script, sang some tunes and won the whole enchilada when he received their blessing. In 15 years, Darin wrote or co-wrote 180 songs and bringing his music and memories to Esposito has been “exciting and fun." When Chaz Esposito isn’t channeling Bobby Darin, he runs World Casting, as a casting director and producer. For decades, he has helped clients find the best talents for their projects. In only 2-3 minutes, he assists clients in selecting actors for commercials. Finding the right person for a role is often like looking for a needle in a haystack. He calls it “a wonderful profession.” For tickets ($45-55), call the Legacy Theatre, 129 Thimble Island Road, Branford at 203-315-1901 or online at www.legacytheatrect.org. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Masks are optional. Bobby Darin always wanted to be a legend by the age of 25. “My goal is to be remembered as a human being and as a great performer.” Watch Chaz Esposito help guarantee that legacy is fulfilled.

CGMC MUSICALLY TRAVELS ACROSS THE POND

The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus is busy traveling across the pond to celebrate the start of Pride Month with a double treat. On Sunday, May 22 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, the chorus will present “The British Are Coming!,” a delightful tribute to all things English, from Elton to Freddie, Posh to Petula and tons of great tunes in-between. According to the chorus's Artistic Director Greg McMahan, the most influential artists and sounds of pop music from the last five decades will be featured. “These are the songs that generations of LGBT people worldwide have danced to, cried to, and come out to among many other activities that I won’t mention here.” Come travel with these talented guys as they highlight the British invasion by the Beatles in the 1960’s, the glamor and New Wave years of the 1970’s and 1980’s, the sensation of the Spice Girls of the 1990’s, with a finale featuring the newer arrivals of the 2000’s. For tickets ($32), go online to katharinehepburntheater.org. You won’t need to pack a bag or renew your passport for this special journey to England courtesy of your tour director Greg McMahan and his talented friends.

ZELLER AND SQUIRES ENTERTAIN AT BRANFORD'S LEGACY THEATRE

Come meet Allan Zeller and Kimberly Squires of Milford who are ready and anxious to introduce you to a few of their favorite characters , created by playwrights Frederick Stoppel and Susan Cinoman. This talented pair have been acting together for years and have perfected their wonderful acting skills as real life husband and wife. You have the unique opportunity to see them in full costumed regalia at the Legacy Theatre in Stony Creek Branford this weekend tonight through Saturday. This series of one act plays are guaranteed to produce a lot of laughter and maybe a few serious moments as well. An evening of varied vingettes will take you on a wild ride, all the while showcasing this couple’s talents and style. Zeller and Squires will pull out all the stops to entertain and amuse, delight and tantalize. For tickets ($25), call the Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Road, Branford at 203-315-1901 or online at tix.com or www.LegacyTheatreCT.org. Performances are tonight at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Come let Allan Zeller and Kimberly Squires entertain you as only this special married couple and delightfully diverse acting pair have been doing for decades.

"ZOEY'S PERFECT WEDDING" TAKES A LEFT TURN FOR LAUGHS

If you’re planning a party, a wedding eclipses all other events. It does not for a moment compare to a mere birthday brunch or anniversary barbecue. The expectations for top flight and over the top arrangements are clearly in the mind of the bride, while the groom feels showing up in a tuxedo with the proper colored tie is his primary responsibility. If you’ve dreamed of this day ever since the minute you reached puberty, then you are ready to meet the current lady of the hour who is anticipating “Zoey’s Perfect Wedding” at TheaterWorks Hartford by Matthew Lopez until Sunday, June 5. Anticipating problems and solving them before they reach crisis stage is not even on the horizon Everything should be thoroughly examined and evaluated weeks if not months in advance. Color schemes, flower arrangements, tasting menu and cake sessions completed, listening to band selections for the best playlist, and, of course, the all-important wedding invitations and venue locations have all been scrutinized and dissected. Gowns for bride and bridesmaids and formal attire have been altered and fitted, coiffures have been styled, shoes have been tested at least a half dozen times, dance lessons have been practiced and the honeymoon reserved and paid for. Guest gift favors have been selected and wrapped and the countdown is getting alarmingly close. What could go wrong? Practically everything it seems…but to hilarious results. Come meet Zoey, a hopeful Rachel B, Joyce, who has such high expectations her Jewish family will engage with her new husband’s Southern clan who don’t know a hora from a kreplach (a dance from a dumpling). She has entrusted all the wedding’s thousand intricate details to her novice wedding planner, her cousin Missy, a sincerely trying to please Hallie Eliza Friedman. If money hadn’t been an issue, she would have asked her best friend from college Rachel, an outspoken Blair Lewin, an actual wedding planner, to do the honors. Rachel is busy with her own set of problems, trying to comprehend the sexual practices of her old friend Sam, a free thinking and acting Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, and the estrangement evident with her husband Charlie, a conflicted Daniel Jose Molina (at this performance Stephen Stocking). Meanwhile back at the turntable, DJ, an unconcerned Esteban Carmona, plays only the tunes he likes to hear. Being seated at the worse table becomes palatable when the guests discover it is near a bar no one else knows exists. After a few dozen tequila shots, no one cares any more that “situations” exist, that no food is being served, and that no one has the power to "keep chaos at bay.” You will not be bored and the action moves quickly along as do the many laughs, under the spontaneous direction of Rob Ruggiero. For tickets ($25 and up), call TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860- 527-7838 or online at twhartford.org. Performances are Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m.. Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on some days and 8 p.m. on all dates and Sunday at either 2:30 p.m. or 7:30 on May 15. Check online for the theater’s vaccination and masking protocol. No need to bring a present as Zoey and Patrick McCallister will be delighted to save you a seat of honor, front and center, at their nuptials.

AMY WINEHOUSE: BACK FROM BLACK AT SEVEN ANGELS

British singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse was an unfortunate member of the 27 Club, joining Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Jean-Michel Basquiat. They were all popular artists, writers, actors, musicians and athletes who died at the age of 27, often as a result of alcohol and drug abuse, including suicides, homicides and car accidents. Their fame came too quickly and ended too soon. A spotlight will be focused on Amy Winehouse, on her life and struggles, her triumphs and successes, from May 5 to 22 at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury in “Back From Black.” In her too short meteoric career, Amy began writing songs when she was only 15, won five Grammys in one year, wrote autobiographical music from her soul, called her music “intense and emotional,” proclaimed “Hello, world, I’m here,” and wanted her fans to connect directly with her. Her death was termed “death by misadventure.” Her musical genres ranged from soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, Motown, punk and hip-hop. VH1 ranked her at #26 on their list of 100 Greatest Women in Music. She sang at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday party in London and crooned with Tony Bennett on a duets album, singing “Body and Soul,” her father’s favorite tune. Bob Dylan has called her “the last real individualist around.” She loved the 1960’s girl groups, especially the Ronettes whose look she imitated. Lady Gaga credits Amy for paving the way for unconventional women. Her fragile hold on reality may have contributed to her addictions to drugs and alcohol and her eventual tragic death. Her family established a Foundation in her honor to help young people deal with similar problems and emotional issues. To experience Alexa Renee as Amy and learn about her life and career come to Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Hamilton Park, Waterbury to hear her soulful voice and discover the musical legacy she left for the world. The Connecticut premiere show is directed by Sarah Knapp, with musical direction by Steven M. Alper, and a seven piece band. The musical journey also stars Joshua Nacionales and Moses Jacob. For tickets ($50), call Seven Angels at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Masks are recommended. Amy Winehouse was an international superstar who crumbled under her success. She was outspoken and unfiltered, answered to her own conscience and was always an original voice, one the world lost too soon.

"CHECKING IN ON CHARLES," CHARLES ISLAND THAT IS!

Are you into history and legend and what might have been? Do tales of buried treasure intrigue you and do you find the possibility of ghosts fascinating? Might a musical about a piece of land only fourteen acres long just off the cost of Milford be too tempting to ignore? Pantochino Productions is happy to satisfy all your mythical cravings with a new comedy “Checking in on Charles” weekends until Sunday, May 15 at the Milford Arts Council. Credit goes to Bert Bernardi for book and lyrics, Justin Rugg for music, Jimmy Johansmeyer for costumes and Von Del Mar for the interesting inn set. Part fact and part fiction, this new musical explores the Island House on Charles Island, circa 1905, where the notorious Captain Kidd and his pirate friends may have buried chests of treasure. Miss Bernice Britchard has just inherited the inn from her father, the Button King, and she is anxious to reopen the lovely facility to guests. Mary Mannix’s Bernice readily admits to being just the trifle bit scared and superstitious about her commanding new position, especially when she learns that curses come along at no extra charge. The previous inn keeper, one Miss Aurelia Biddle (Tracey Marble), is not happy to be demoted to housekeeper and doesn’t mind ratcheting up Bernice level of fear. Into the inn, parade a series of personages, from the handyman Mr. Sprig (Jeremy Ajdukiewicz), the new bell hop (Rick Calvo), a strange Mrs. Purdy (Janet Zamparo), a family of treasure seekers (Jimmy Johansmeyer, Rachelle Ianniello, Ryder Blanchard, Cara Marquis), a pair who want to turn the inn into a new Coney Island (Justin Rugg, Shelley Marsh Poggio), two nuns who are seeking donations (Valerie Solli, Maria Berte) and a new admirer of Bernice (George Spelvin). At this performance Eilee Dingus played the treasure seeker’s wife. With ghosts galore, enough slamming doors to sound like a farce, sand bars that appear and disappear, songs like “A Brand New Day” and “I’m Not Afraid,” you’ll have plenty of fun following the clues on the maps to the treasure. For tickets ($ 30), go online to Pantochino Productions, 40 Railroad Avenue, Milford at pantochino@gmail.com or showclix.com. Remember this is cabaret so bring food and drink to your table. Vaccine is recommended. Masks are not required while you are eating. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Great Give Days are May 4-5 to help support the theater at TheGreatGive.org. You can also contribute to the restoration of Charles Island to help purchase trees. Send checks to Charles Island Restoration LLC c/o Dolores Hannon, 110 Beach Avenue, Milford CT 06460. Be sure you have the real treasure map and follow the clues to help Miss Bernice Britchard find the gift chest her father so kindly left her.

"BEE TRAPPED INSIDE A WINDOW" PROVOKES THOUGHTS AT HARTBEAT ENSEMBLE

Have you ever felt trapped? Maybe, not as frightening as being trapped in an elevator, or a cave, or a burning building? But, nonetheless, trapped in a situation, a lie, a need to find out who you are when all you have are question marks? These intriguing thoughts are raised by playwright Saviana Stanescu in her world premiere play “Bee Trapped Inside the Window” being produced under the direction of Vernice P. Miller at HartBeat Ensemble in Hartford until Sunday, May 8. The play surrounds the lives of a trio of women, the youngest being only twelve, an inquisitive Erin Lockett as Mia, who doesn’t understand her family and her heritage. Apparently her single mom Sasha, a controlling Jennifer Dorr White, was born in Russia and spent time in Africa where her black daughter Mia was conceived, and is now a wealthy and powerful business executive, but Mia is plagued with doubts. Who is her father? Why won’t her mom share any of her heritage with her? Why is it so hard to communicate with her? To add a little more mystery to their situation, they live next door to a family who employs a sweet, hard working domestic May, a dedicated worker Mami Kumari, who spends her days and nights keeping the family well fed, their sinks clean and the pet pooch exercised. Where did May come from? Her origin and story consume the journalistic nature of school girl Mia and engage her curiosity. Mia is now determined to discover the histories of all three, and most of all herself. She even composes stories about her mother’s problem with alcohol and investigates May’s situation, focusing attention on the domestic abuse she suffers from her family who never give her a day off from working nor pay her a penny over her decades of servitude. Like a bee trapped inside a window, these women are seeking a way out. Will salvation and redemption bring them the freedoms and the answers they seek or will they suffer more for having their personal window yanked open? This thought provoking play will make you debate the merits of disturbing the status quo and trying to make the situation better. HartBeat Ensemble’s mission is “To create provocative theater that connects our community beyond traditional barriers of race, gender, class and geography.” For tickets ($25, students and seniors $20), call HartBeat Ensemble, at Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, at 860-548-9144 or online at hartbeatensemble.org. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Proof of vaccination and marks are required. A special dialogue will take place on Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m. to noon. Visit hartbeatensemble.org to register. Come join Mia, Sasha and May as they struggle to gain their identities and discover their rightful place in our society.

"I DO! I DO!" EXPLORES LOVE AND MARRIAGE WITH MUSIC

Did you know that Nevada has the highest divorce rates in the country and Iowa the lowest? Do you realize every 36 seconds a divorce occurs somewhere in the United States and that we have the third highest rate of divorce in the world? While these statistics are discouraging, there is some hope. Conversation, compromise and commitment as well as love, luck and laughter can play a part. Also Branford’s Legacy Theatre has a splendid and fun two hour course in how to survive the roller coaster ride that is marriage in “I Do! I Do!” A Musical About Marriage, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, playing romantically until Saturday, May 14. Michael and Agnes, the anxious groom and bride, exchange their vows and then face their first night as husband and wife together. Discovering a pillow embroidered with “God is Love” left by Agnes’s mother on their new four poster bed pleases her but not so much her new spouse. They sing “Together Forever,” ready to share the sorrows and happiness of their new life, as long as they both shall live. Is their marriage a paradise? As Michael proclaims “I Love My Wife,” they are off to a great start. He writes romantic novels to support the family as they both adjust to new family members Michael Jr. and Elizabeth. When they sing “My Cup Runneth Over With Love,” the merry bloom is still fresh on the rose. When Agnes shops to excess and calls Michael’s books dull, they are clearly changing and the tune “Nobody’s Perfect” says it all. He is now a man of some importance and women express their admiration much to Agnes’s dismay. She retaliates to this threat with an adorable routine as “Flaming Agnes.” Will their marriage survive a whiff of adultery? Is their love strong enough to weather the snows of yesterday? Do they still love and need each other? Al Bundonis’ Michael and Stephanie Stiefel Williams’ Agnes are wonderful as they handle all the curve balls that life flings their way, under the clever direction of Kevin Michael Reed and sweet choreography of Jen Buonfiglio and Company. For tickets ($35-60), call the Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Road, Stony Creek, Branford at 203-315-1901 or online at www.LegacyTheatreCT.org. Performances are Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Masks are required for anyone not vaccinated. On Mother’s Day enjoy a concert by Broadway’s Ali Ewoldt, a series of one act plays May 19-21 by Kimberly Squires and Allan Zeller and two weekends of Bobby Darin tunes by Chaz Esposito May 20-28 as well as plays for children about Dragons and Tacos. The film That Funny Feeling will air on May 22, starring Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin and Donald O’Connor. So much to see and enjoy. Get ready to catch the bouquet or a congratulations new baby cigar as Michael and Agnes promise to love and cherish each other for at least five decades or until death do them part.