CHARLIE BROWN IS HOLDING COURT AT THE LEGACY

Happiness is attending Legacy Theatre’s highly entertaining production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” until Saturday, September 3. Happiness means spending two delightful hours with a sextet of friends, even if some of them are wishy-washy, passive-aggressive, co-dependent, prickly- pearish, obsessed with Mozart and fuzzy furry. Come meet the clan/family of one Charlie Brown whose desires to be accepted and loved have occupied the comic strip pages, thanks to Charles Schulz, for decades. Come visit our old friend Charlie front and center for viewing, warts and dimples and all, in Legacy's engagingly charming “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” based on the comic strip “Peanuts” created by Charles Schulz, with book. music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. Gather your kites to help Charlie, your blankets to keep Linus company, your philosophy advice for Sally, some classical sheet music for Schroeder, a few psychiatry problems for Lucy and a filled supper dish for Snoopy and settle in for a fun time with the gang. Chris Lemieux’s wonderful Charlie is still off-balance. Should he or shouldn’t he approach the little red-haired girl he loves? Will he or won’t he get a Valentine this year? Is it possible to pitch a baseball game and actually win? He is joined in his angst by a sweet little sister Sally, spunkily created by Sophie Rapiejko who creates new philosophies for herself every other minute, like a simple “NO” to a more complex “Why are you telling ME?” Next up is the piano serenading Schroeder, played by a dedicated to Beethoven Cory Candelet, who loves to ignore the matrimonial advances professed by a regal Olivia Hoffman as the newly self-elected Queen of Crabbiness. Not to be ignored are the blanket clutching for comfort Linus, Lucy’s little brother, a sensitive Clayton Matthews, and everybody’s special animal friend, the adorable and cuddly Dan Frye as Snoopy, who knows how to dance for his supper. More than a dozen musical numbers like “The Book Report,” “My New Philosophy.” “Suppertime,” and “Happiness” are sure to please. Keely Baisden Knudsen, Artistic Director, directs this warm and fuzzy delight. For tickets ($35-60), call The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Road, 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. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Coming in September are concerts by Broadway’s Eric Anthony Lopez on September 4, Back in Time with Natalie Hamilton on September 9-10, The Tales of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh September 10, 17, 24, and October 1, a Play Reading Festival September 11and 18, The Great Gatsby A Live Radio Play September 15 to October 1, a film Born at the Water’s Edge September 17, a Film Festival September 19-21, and a film Poetic September 25. A dance concert Natyamandala is set for October 2. Let the Peanuts gang take you on a tour of their childhood and you might be surprised and happy to recognize some of it as your own.

JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE SHINES AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

Even if you are not a fan of country music, there is so much to love about Ivoryton Playhouse’s current offering of “Ring of Fire The Music of Johnny Cash” that I dare you, even double dare you, to go. For many, country music makes them happy and those fans raise their hands up high to signify Johnny Cash is one of their favorites on the music cavalcade of hits. If black is your signature dress code of choice, then you've won the trifecta and Ivoryton Playhouse is delivering the prize until Sunday, September 11. Richard Maltby Jr. conceived his show "Ring of Fire" that he wrote with William Meade. Stuffed with songs, and anecdotes about this enigmatic man in black, you'll hear treats like "I Walk the Line," "A Boy Named Sue," "I've Been Everywhere" and "If I Were a Carpenter" that you'll want to sing along with as well as lesser known additions like "Jackson," "Cry, Cry, Cry,” “Straight A’s in Love" and "Hey, Porter.” You’ll learn that Cash wrote his first song when he was only eight, and later penned two autobiographies. Tunes like "Five Feet High and Rising," written by Cash about the flooding of his family's farm (twice) and "Folsom Prison Blues" about the prison reform he advocated for and the free concerts he provided for inmates are just two more of his homespun melodies. Among the dozens of songs, a little bit of his life and times peeks through, a sense of the man and his music, his hard times and high times, his love for a girl named June Carter and his career on the stage. These extremely talented seven performers-Brittany Brook, David M. Lutken (musical director),Morgan Morse, Leenya Rideout, Nygel D. Robinson, Sam Sherwood and Spiff Wiegand- give it their all to create a spectacular evening of entertainment, even if you don't love Johnny Cash (perish the thought). Sherry Lutken directs and choreographs this love fest with spice where the musical instruments, from mandolin to bass to percussion, harmonica, washboard and chair, banjo, fiddle, and chord zither, electrify and excite. The night I attended the show’s creator Richard Maltby Jr. was in attendance and I chanced to sit next to Kim, the daughter of Howie Stange, who proudly told me her dad was in the Country Music Hall of Fame. This American musician, singer and pianist could pick up any musical instrument and play it proficiently. In 1958, he recorded “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” a record Elvis took to number one on the Billboard Charts two years later. For tickets ($55 adults, $50 seniors, $25 students), call Ivoryton Playhouse, 3 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Please bring your ID and vaccination card. Masks are required if you are not vaccinated. The Ivoryton Playhouse has two more evenings of Cabaret for you to enjoy: On Monday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. Schuyler Beeman will do Broadway up proud and on Monday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. return for “You and I” featuring Charlie Widner on vocals and guitar and Eric Trudel on piano, sliding from Billy Joel to The Beatles and from Schubert to Sondheim. Tickets are adults $35 and students $20. Let this mighty versatile cast introduce you to the man and his music. Meet Mr. Johnny Cash in all his reincarnations and you'll love them all. As a star of country music, Johnny Cash’s wattage continues to shine bright and also casts a burning light on musical genres from rockabilly to rock and roll, blues to folk to gospel. Labeled one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, he has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Come get reacquainted with this mysterious “Man in Black,” who was known for wearing dark apparel in honor of the poor, homeless and imprisoned, had a distinctive deep and resonant bass-baritone and a rebellious streak that marked his manner. After the Sunday matinee, about 4:45 pm, bring yourself with or without an instrument for a free Hootenanny outdoors.

"ITALIAN MOM LOVES YOU" PREMIERES AT SEVEN ANGELS THEATRE

Can you keep a secret? Today is Nana’s 85th birthday and her loving daughter Antoinette is planning an Italian feast as a surprise. You are invited to join the family and friends and you don’t have to bring anything, but a box of Stella Door S shaped cookies or a bottle of red wine would be nice. Until Sunday, August 21, the festive table groaning with ziti and sausage and peppers will be set for you at Seven Angels Theatre and don’t forget to come. Antoinette invited you personally and she promises it will be PHENOMENAL. “ITALIAN MOM LOVES YOU” is a world premiere written by the star of the show Daniel Franzese and Jacques Lamarre. Lamarre is still recovering from another world premiere a week ago, “Secondo,” at Theater Works Hartford so he is clearly on a comedic roll. Franzese plays Antoinette, a loud and commanding woman who is juggling a lot of meatballs in her world. Not only is she single handedly planning Nana’s celebration, she is cleaning up after the family pooch Rocky, preparing for her daughter Rosalie to graduate high school and set off for Emory University, her son Anthony is about to be married, her ex-husband Nicky is carrying on with a new woman, her neighbor just might be burying her husband in her flower garden, and she is anxiously waiting to see if her offer for a condo in Boca Raton has been accected. No wonder she is busy yelling, and coaxing, and managing, and inviting everyone she talks to on the phone to join today’s party. She complains and kisses in the same breathe as she commands son Anthony to go to Caputo’s Deli for vital party stables, loudly encourages daughter Rosalie to pick up the guests who need transportation, threatens ex-husband Nicky to come without his newest girlfriend, and watches her neighbor act suspiciously out her kitchen window. How will things work out for Antoinette as she juggles so many balls of mozzarella? And don’t forget the alligators who may live next door to her in Boca Raton! No wonder she prays to the Virgin Mary. For tickets ($39-49), call Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Hamilton Park, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngels Theatre.org. Performances areTuesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on August 20. Check online for any COVID requirements. Set your musical dials for a return, after a five year absence, of the spectacular Billy McGuigan and his 6 piece band for two shows only Friday and Saturday, August 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. “Yesterday and Today” led by brothers Billy, Matthew and Ryan is an interactive Beatles Experience where the audience dictates the songs that are played and their comments become the anecdotes for the show. Tickets are $45. Come meet the family cheerleader Antoinette as she shakes her pom poms and creates a sturdy party pyramid of love.

COME FOR LOVE AND ADVENTURE TO THE LEGACY THEATRE THIS WEEK

Some of us, we will remain nameless, survived the pandemic thanks to continually viewing Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. We have even been known to watch Christmas in July telecasts, enjoying the snow storms in the middle of genuine heat waves of 90 degree summers in the Northeast. Of courses we are quite aware of how the romantic comedies will end, with a steamy romantic kiss and pledges of love everlasting. Broadway veteran Anne Runolfson is all too aware. For an intimate peek into Anne’s world, head immediately to Legacy Theatre in Branford for “My Unauthorized Hallmark Movie Musical” on Thursday, August 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Friday’s August 12 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, August 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Who doesn’t love a romantic adventure, one worthy of a Cinderella and her Prince Charming? Let Anne and her imaginative cast of eight companions fashion a world of fantasy where all men are potential knights riding to the rescue on sturdy white steeds and all women are pure of heart and worthy of being swept off their glass slippered feet. No need to dress in a gown or bring a magic wand. Anne Runolfson will have all the special effects easily at hand for your romantic escapade. For tickets ($35-60), call Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Road, Branford at 203-315-1901 or 1-800-595-4849 or online at Info@LagacyTheatreCT.org. Check COVID requirements. Get ready for some “Happily ever afters” as Anne Runolfson serves as your personal guide to love forever and a day.

COME TO GOODSPEED TO MEET THE RED HOT "ANNE OF GREEN GABLES"

If you are an eleven year old orphan who has never had a loving home to call her own, who hates her red hair and freckles and being called “Carrots,” you are probably Anne with an “e” and the darling heart of a world premiere powerhouse at Goodspeed Musicals until Sunday, September 4. “Anne of Green Gables A New Musical” will quickly capture you, heart and soul and freckles! For more than a century, Anne has been speaking her mind, without pausing for breathe, and enjoying imaginative adventures. Originally created by Lucy Maud Montgomery in 1908, "Anne of Green Gables” is a favorite children’s classic tale now being showcased through the creative minds of Matte O’Brien for book and lyrics, and music by Matt Vinson. When middle-aged siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on a farm in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada, request a boy from an orphanage to adopt to help Matthew with chores, they never expect to welcome Anna into their lives. While Matthew immediately surcomes to Anne’s charms, Marilla wants no part in this spirited and feisty nuisance. Juliette Redden is a delicious delight as she tries to make a home in the first place that accepts her. With her best friend the sweet and accepting Diana (Michelle Veintimilla) and her teasing enemy, the modestly perfect Gilbert Blythe (Pierre Marais), Anne soon wins over hero Matthew (D.C. Anderson) while Marilla (Sharon Catherine Brown) and her nosy neighbor Mrs. Lynde (Aurelia Williams) remain immune to her good qualities and must literally be cajoled to her side. Anne uses her big words and her big heart to win over all her naysayers. In her decidedly melodramatic ways, she perfects her ability to apologize to those she has offended without actually admitting she is sorry. As she and Diana bond as kindred spirits and Matthew becomes the father she never had, Anne finally becomes part of a family and community and is euphoric. Tunes like “Different Kind of Girl,” “Ashes of My Youth,” and “Before You Hit The Ground” propel the action while Philip S. Rosenberg’s lighting shines throughout. Jennifer Jancuska keeps an energetic ensemble of Emily Agy, Jarred Bedgood, Tristen Buettel, Giovanni Da Silva, Amanda Ferguson, Patrick Oliver Jones, Nick Martinez, Morgan McGhee, Jenna Lea Rosen and Avery Sobczak on their toes or acting in other roles. Director Jenn Thompson puts all the diverse elements together for a seamless and joyous production. For tickets ($30-81), call Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, on the Connecticut River in East Haddam, at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.secure.force.com. Performances are Tuesday at 2 p.m.(on selected dates). Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m. and 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. (on selected dates). Check the website for Covid requirements. Masks are required. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, with the immense task of fighting to find your place, you will soon cheer Anne on in her quest to be loved and accepted and, finally, truly and happily, at home.

"SECONDO" A COMIC FEAST OF LOVE AND LEMONS AT THEATER WORKS HARTFORD

Finding your soul mate is incredibly important but also incredibly difficult. A woman may have to kiss a plethora of frogs before her Prince Charming materializes. On the next romantic plateau, marriage can be an adventure equivalent to scaling Mt. Everest, with or without the benefit of Sherpa guides. Come meet Giulia Melucci who is at the cusp of her ten year anniversary to Gavin discovers, as she struggles to prepare the perfect anniversary leg of lamb dinner in “Secondo,” a world premiere by Jacques Lamarre. Watch her adapt her recipes and culinary charms at Theater Works Hartford until Sunday, August 28 for a tasty and delicious comedy treat. If you remember Giulia, a writer, in her star turn in “I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti” also by Jacques Lamarre, a decade ago and also starring Antoinette LaVecchia as Giulia, you will be delighted to make her acquaintance again, in the kitchen. She has found the love of her life, Gavin, culled from a dozen imposters, but she has two major problems. On the one hand this dinner needs to be spectacular because Gavin is angry with her for cancelling her trip to Cannes, France with him for the twelve day Cannes Film Festival, only three days before departure. Granted Gavin is so preoccupied with his duties as a gifted film critic that she is left alone in their hotel, but is that the real excuse? Or could it be that Giulia cancelled the trip because Mitch, an exceedingly romantic ex-boyfriend, has suddenly impulsively and dramatically reentered her life and wants her back? As Giulia deftly slices and dices her way using her treasure trove of culinary skills, we agonize with her over her choices and decisions. What is a good Catholic girl to do? Rob Ruggiero directs this delicious dilemma of a comedy on a fully appointed kitchen set, any chef's dream, by Brian Prather. For tickets ($25-65), call Theater Works Hartford, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-527-7838 or online at twhartford.org. Performances are Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (masks required). Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (masks required) and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Check Covid requirements online. Come see “Secondo,” the second part of a connected piece, whether you’ve seen the first part or not. Cheer Giulia on as she masterfully organizes and agonizes over her options, knowing in your heart that true love will triumph in the end. Aprons and anniversary gifts are your choice, while a homemade lemon cupcake by Giulia wouldn’t go uneatened.

"GUYS AND DOLLS" A SURE BET AT THE SHARON PLAYHOUSE

Between Covid, climate change, political issues, abortion rights, the battle over Ukraine, it’s easy to see lots of things in life are a gamble, but not the current Lucky Lady production of "Guys and Dolls" rolling the dice in a perfect 7 to 11 combination until Sunday, August 14. The odds are definitely stacked in your favor as the saints try to win over and convert the sinners. The Frank Loesser musical, with book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, that has been delighting millions for over seven decades, will be staking a claim for entertainment and joy at the Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, Connecticut. Get ready to love this show a bushel and a peck, thanks to the sympathetic entreaties of Miss Adelaide, an adorable Lauralyn McClelland, who has been waiting patiently for her fiance Nathan Detroit. Nathan is a fast talking, slippery commitment adverse Robert Anthony Jones, who has been dragging his heels for fourteen years instead of making their relationship legitimate. The fact that Miss Adelaide abhors gambling and Nathan can't wait to make a quick buck by running crap games make the chances of his being honorable about 100 to 1. In order to finance his latest illegal endeavor, Nathan decides to con the biggest bettor of them all, the suave C.K. Edwards as Sky Masterson, who is ready to wager on practically anything. Nathan finds a sure bet, that Sky can't get the pious and pure head of the Save-a-Soul Mission, the pert Amanda Lea LaVergne as Miss Sarah Brown, to fly with him to Havana, Cuba. The quick thinking Sky accomplishes the impossible and trades his marker for one dozen genuine sinners in exchange for a lunch date with Sarah, southeast of the border. Against all odds the two find love and salvation while Nathan and his cronies Rusty (Nicholas J. Reese). Nicely-Nicely (Joshua Spencer), Benny (Dom Giovanni), Harry the Horse (Evan Lennon), Angie the Ox (Vincent Law) and Big Jule (David Fanning) are busy running around New York City hunting down the elusive and ever changing location of the crap game of the hour. A determined Lt. Brannigan (John Champion) is always a step or two behind in trying to catch them in the act. Glorious Frank Loesser tunes propel this Damon Runyon inspired story, like Adelaide's perpetual cold, "Adelaide's Lament," caused by Nathan's irresponsibility, Sarah's grandfather Arvide's (Payton Turpin) tender love advice in "More I Cannot Wish You," Nicely-Nicely's fervent plea "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" and Sky's determined prayer "Luck Be a Lady,” among many others. Justin Boccitto directs and choreographs this colorful cast of characters in a high powered production that's a sure crowd pleaser, on a clever set by Thomas P. Swetz, with a kaleidoscope of costuming by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case. For tickets ($15-45), call The Sharon Playhouse, at 860-364-7469, ext, 201 or online at www.SharonPlayhouse.org. Performances are Thursday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Masks are required. j Come place your winning wager on a guaranteed bet!

A YUMMY THEATER TREAT: "CHEESE FRIES AND FROOT LOOPS"

Christopher Fuller got his first lesson in how to swear when he was only four. He learned at the knee of film star Bette Davis who had invited herself to stay at his family’s Weston home for a few days and remained for a month. Christopher also got to learn the putt-putt game of golf from Davis, a love that would influence how he directed his future life. These memories make a significant moment in Chris Fuller’s unique one man show “Cheese Fries and Froot Loops,” recently performed for a weekend at the Westport Women’s Club, with proceeds benefiting the Artists Collective of Westport. Fuller who now lives in Arizona and grew up in Weston still has a passion for golf and is a former Connecticut golf professional. In his show, he reveals how he has coped with his mental health issues, hopscotching from the past to the present and back again. He proudly shows off his kiddy putter that Ms. Davis autographed: “To Master Christopher- I won.” A big influence in his life was his dad who worked with him every night wanting to create a sports athlete. When he was tested and found to have superior hand-eye coordination, his father, who could have cared less for academics, was suitably proud. His dad’s death when Chris was only eight greatly affected his young life. A competitive golfer from the age of twelve, he played through high school and college before turning pro, taking part in the New England Golf Tour, The Pepsi Tour, The Dakotas Tour and The Outlaws Tour. At twenty-six, when Chris was diagnosed with Bipolar II, everything changed dramatically. Mood swings and racing thoughts became major obstacles in his professional golf career. He kept waiting for a miracle to happen. A stay in a mental hospital occurred as he tried to qualify for the PGA Golf Tour. Realizing a new career choice was imminent, Chris enrolled in the Golf Academy of America to teach golf, after trying a number of other positions including being a giant Cheese Fry as a restaurant mascot. These unfulfilling jobs left him more and more unsatisfied. Family history prompted him to explore a new path: as a writer and actor. His dad John Fuller was a best selling author who had two plays on Broadway and wrote about aliens, UFOs and ghosts, while his mom Liz wrote a charming show about Bette Davis’s long extended visit to their home, “Me and Jezebel.” Chris recalled how he and his dad would sing “Sitting on Top of the World” as their theme song. Now Chris is working with acting coach John O’Hara to polish the seventeen voices he portrays on stage, like his Coach Mike who acted as his Mr. Rogers and Moonbeam who was his Buddhist guru, while Mark Graham has taken on the task of perfecting the show with keen direction. His solo work “Cheese Fries and Froot Loops” has been optioned by Robert R. Blume, the former executive of the Drama Desk Awards. On October 12, he will be part of the United Solo Festival in New York City. Come watch Chris Fuller’s intimate and honest story of pursuing his lifelong dream while adjusting to a mental disease and making peace with his problems. Even though his parents cautioned him to keep his condition a secret, he feels by sharing it he has been liberated. He has learned to live with his life as Humpty Dumpty, always fearing he will fall, or as a “jittery Zombie” fighting his demons. Now Chris Fuller is clearly once again "Sitting on Top on the World."