31st ANNUAL CONNECTICUT CRITICS THEATER AWARDS HELD IN HARTFORD

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “42nd Street” Top 2023 Connecticut Critics Circle Nominations Yale Repertory Theatre’s staging of the Edward Albee classic, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and Goodspeed Opera House’s spirited production of “42nd Street” lead the shows nominated for the 31st annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. The awards event, which celebrates the best in professional theater in the state, was held Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at TheaterWorks Hartford in downtown Hartford. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” earned six nominations, including outstanding play production, director, and best actor and won for best play and best actress with Rene Augesen. “42nd Street” received eleven nods, including outstanding musical production, leading actress, director, choreographer, and best featured actress and actor and won for best musical, best choreography with Randy Skinner, best featured actor with Blake Stadnik and best costumes with Kara Harmon.. Other outstanding play nominees were Playhouse on Park’s “Indecent;” Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles;” Hartford Stage’s “Trouble in Mind;” and Hartford Stage’s “The Winter’s Tale.” Also earning outstanding musical nods were TheaterWork Hartford’s “Fun Home;” Goodspeed Opera House’s “Gypsy;” Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!” and Ridgefield’s A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut’s (ACT) “The Secret Garden.” Receiving the annual Tom Killen Award for lifetime achievement in Connecticut theater was William Berloni, who is best known for his training of rescue and breeder animals for stage, film, and television. Mr. Berloni trained Sandy for the original production of “Annie" at the Goodspeed Opera House and on Broadway. His award was introduced by former Artistic Director of Goodspeed Opera House Michael Price who gave Bill the original $35 to rescue a dog, in this case Sandy, to be in the musical “Annie,” that launched Bill’s career as an animal trainer. Bill’s dog Bodie made a surprise appearance! Other nominees were: Actor in a play: Don Donahue for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?;” Jamil A.C. Mangan for Playhouse on Park’s “Fences;” James Naughton for Ivoryton Playhouse’s “On Golden Pond;” David Shih for Westport Country Playhouse’s “Kim’s Convenience.” Jamil A. C. Mangan won for “Fences." Actress in a play: René Augesen for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?;” Mia Dillon for Westport Country Playhouse’s “4000 Miles;” Camila Moreno for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles;“ Emma Ramos for Hartford Stage’s “Espejos: Clean;” Heather Alicia Simms for Hartford Stage’s “Trouble in Mind.” Rene Augesen won for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?". Actor in a musical: Matt Faucher for ACT’s “Guys and Dolls;” Brian Golub for ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Aaron Lazar for TheaterWorks Hartford’s “Fun Home;” David M. Lutken for Ivoryton Playhouse’s “Ring of Fire;” Joel Perez for Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!” Aaron Lazar won for “Fun Home." Actress in a musical: Krystina Alabado for Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!;” Charlotte Ewing in ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Elizabeth Ward Land in Music Theatre of Connecticut’s “Sunset Boulevard;” Carina-Kay Louchiey for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Juliette Redden for Goodspeed Opera House’s “Anne of Green Gables.” Juliette Redden won for “Anne of Green Gables." Director of a play: Melia Bensussen for Hartford Stage’s “The Winter’s Tale;” James Bundy for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?;” Kelly O’Donnell for Playhouse on Park’s “Indecent;” Laurie Woolery for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles.” Kelly O’Donnell won for “Indecent." Director of a musical: Daniel C. Levine for ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Rob Ruggiero for TheaterWork Hartford’s “Fun Home;” Randy Skinner for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Jenn Thompson for Goodspeed Opera House’s “Anne of Green Gables” and “Gypsy.” Daniel C. Levine won for “The Secret Garden." Choreography: Sara Brians for ACT’s “Guys and Dolls;” Marjorie Failoni for Goodspeed Opera House’s “Christmas in Connecticut;” Mayte Natalio for Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!;” Randy Skinner for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Darlene Zoller for Playhouse on Park’s “Pippin.” Randy Skinner won for “42nd Street." Featured actor in a play: John Bambery in Hartford Stage’s “Trouble in Mind;” Ephraim Birney in TheaterWorks Hartford’s “The Rembrandt;” Sabatino Cruz in Ivoryton Playhouse’s “On Golden Pond;” Sam Given in Ivoryton Playhouse’s “The Legend of Georgia McBride;” John Maddaloni in Hartford Stage’s “The Winter’s Tale.” John Maddaloni won for “The Winter’s Tale." Featured actress in a play: Silvia Dionicio in TheaterWork Hartford’s “Queen of Basel;” Alma Martinez in Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles;” Pearl Rhein in Hartford Stage’s “The Winter’s Tale;” Monica Sanchez in Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles;” Adrienne S. Wells in Yale Repertory Theatre’s “the Ripple, the wave that carried me home.” Alma Martinez won for “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles." Featured actor in a musical: Matt Faucher for ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Pierre Marais in Goodspeed Opera House’s “Anne of Green Gables;” DJ Plunkett for ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Matt Saldivar in Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!;” Blake Stadnik in Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street.” Blake Stadnik won for “42nd Street." Featured actress in a musical: Kate Baldwin for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Skylar Lynn Matthews for TheaterWork Hartford’s “Fun Home;” Julia Nightingale for TheaterWork Hartford’s “Fun Home;” Kate Wesler in Playhouse on Park’s “Pippin;” Laura Woyasz in ACT’s “The Secret Garden.” Laura Woyasz won for “The Secret Garden." Ensemble: Casts of Westport Country Playhouse’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’;” Thrown Stone’s “Hysterical!;” Playhouse on Park’s “Indecent;” Ivoryton Playhouse’s “Smokey Joe’s Café.” The cast of “Indecent”won for best ensemble. Set design: Michael Carnahan for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” You-Shin Chen for Westport Country Playhouse’s “Kim’s Convenience;” Riw Rakkulchon for Hartford Stage’s “The Mousetrap;” Clint Ramos for Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!;” Miguel Urbino for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Riw Rakkulchon won for “The Mousetrap." Costume design: Fabian Fidel Aguilar for Hartford Stage’s “The Mousetrap;” Leslie Bernstein for ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Kara Harmon for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Clint Ramos for Hartford Stage’s “Kiss My Aztec!;” Eduardo Sicangco for Goodspeed Opera House’s “Gypsy.” Kara Harmon won for best costumes in “42nd Street." Lighting design: Joe Beumer for Playhouse on Park ‘s “Indecent;” Charlie Morrison for ACT’s “The Secret Garden;” Cory Pattak for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Jiahao Qiu for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?;” Krista Smith for Hartford Stage’s “The Mousetrap.” Joe Beumer won for “Indecent." Sound design: Daniela Hart & Uptownworks for Hartford Stage’s “Espejos: Clean;” Jay Hilton for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Jessica Paz & Beth Lake for Hartford Stages “Kiss My Aztec!;” Evdoxia Ragkou for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “the Ripple, the wave that carried me home;” Jeffrey Salerno for Playhouse on Park’s “Indecent.” Jessica Paz and Beth Lake won for best sound design for “Kiss My Aztec!" Projections: Shawn Duan for Goodspeed Opera House’s “42nd Street;” Lisa Renkel for Hartford Stages “Espejos: Clean;” Henry Rodriguez for Yale Repertory Theatre’s “the Ripple, the wave that carried me home;” Camilla Tassi for ACT’s “The Secret Garden” and for TheaterWorks Hartford’s “Fun Home.” Shawn Duan won for best projections in “42nd Street." A special ward was presented to Mark Lamos who has been the Artistic Director of Westport Country Playhouse as well as the Hartford Stage for his long and distinguished theater career. Melia Bensussen, the current Artistic Director of the Hartford Stage, presented the award. Other speakers included Rob Ruggiero, who as Artistic Director of TheaterWorks Hartford hosted the event, Stuart Brown the president of the Connecticut Critics Circle, playwright Jacques Lamarre, Artistic Director of Hartford Ensemble Godfrey L. Simmons Jr., and the Artistic Director of the Connecticut Repertory Theater Megan Monaghan Rivas. The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford and Waterbury’s Palace Theater were highlighted for their contributions to the Connecticut theater scene. A musical interlude was presented from West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park’s next production “Bandstand.” The reception was catered by Black Eyed Sally’s of Hartford. The gala evening celebrated the best of Connecticut theater and allowed performers and playwrights, and all participants in creating the productions, to mingle and network with the audience members who happily attended all year long. Now is the time to book your subscriptions for the 2023-2024 season.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES SIZZLES AT MUSIC THEATRE OF CT

Forget the air conditioning and go where the Hot Summer Nights are sizzling with splendor and the a.c. is still on high, at Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk for a series of Saturday Night concerts sure to light up your summer with song and sensational sounds. Starting off the season is a patriotic salute in “Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue” on Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m. when David Maiocco wraps himself in ermine and glamour, in sparkles and sequins, as that great piano master Liberace takes center stage. With flamboyance and flair, David will stroke the ivories and croon as that inimitable entertainer, with songs and stories, to entertain in bigger than life fashion. His costumes alone are to die for. Up next is Frank Mastrone on Saturday, July 8, a singer and actor with a ton of Broadway credentials. Not only will he perform hits of the 1970’s and today, he will serenade the audience with a moving Tribute to Burt Bacharach who left a legacy of show tunes. The magic of Sue Matsuki will follow on Saturday, July 15 as she delights with tunes with jazz at their heart and center. Sue will grace the evening with the great sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Eydie Gorme and Peggy Lee, a stunning trio of jazz legends. Sue is an award-winning singer and songwriter, host, producer, educator, columnist and co-author of “So You Want to Sing Cabaret." Want a good laugh or three then show up on Saturday, July 29 for Treehouse Comedy Night with the humor of KP Burke, Zach Braze and Maya Manion on the merry menu. Goodness knows, we all need to discover the silliness of life on a daily basis. This trio will fill your prescription for fun. Completing the series of concerts is Mia Scarpa on Saturday, August 5 with her personal one woman tribute to Miss Garland, “Just Judy.” As a true fan, she will share her icon’s biggest hits. So “Get Happy” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” where bluebirds fly and troubles melt like lemon drops. For tickets, call Music Theatre of CT., 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at 203-454-3883 or online at musictheatreofct.com/buy-tickets. Tickets are $45-55 for most shows, with a free drink included in the comedy evening. All shows are at 8 p.m. Here are five wonderful opportunities to light up your summer with Broadway, jazz and laughter. Schedule them now.

CLASSIC "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" FLIES INTO THE BUSHNELL JUNE 27

As classical theatrical events are portrayed, few can be as emotionally captivating as Harper Lee’s outstanding vision of Southern life in the 1930’s as “To Kill a Mockingbird.” You have the unique opportunity to recapture all of its dramatic impact in Aaron Sorkin’s new version, with an emphasis on race, justice and equality, with direction by Bartlett Sher, when it trumphantly enters the Hartford’s Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts from Tuesday, June 27 to Sunday, July 2. Take a seat in the Maycomb, Alabama courtroom where Richard Thomas’ Atticus Finch will defend a black man Tom Robinson accused of raping Maryella Ewell, a young white woman. It’s the time of the Great Depression, in 1933, and Attorney Finch is not applauded by many of the townsfolk for taking on this controversial case. His own children, Jean Louise Finch, all of six years old, and known as Scout and her older brother Jeremy, called Jem, are proud of their father for defending Tom’s rights and trying to prove his innocence. Scout is the narrator of the play and has many adventures with Jem and with Dill a boy who comes to stay with his aunts every summer. They are especially fascinated with a recluse named “Boo” Radley who hasn’t been seen for years. Many incidents in Harper Lee’s childhood parallel what happens in Maycomb, including her father being an attorney who himself defended two black men accused of murder who were convicted and hanged. He never tried a criminal case again. She also had a friend who would become the novelist Truman Capote in Dill. They often wrote and acted out imaginative tales. The title comes from a speech by Atticus that he received an air rifle as a boy and was told never to kill a mockingbird because they were innocent and it would be a sin against God to hurt them. For tickets ($42 and up), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at https://www.bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday to 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. Come see Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece, called by 60 Minutes “the most successful play in Broadway history” and by Rolling Stones 5 stars and “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic."

WORKING "9-5" WHAT A WAY TO EARN A LIVING AT DOWNTOWN CABARET

Who would want to work for a mean and demeaning boss, one who dictates deadlines and uncompromising rules without consideration? Is the almighty paycheck and health insurance worth the daily punishment? What if you had the power to turn the tables (or desks) and get some satisfying revenge? Would you cringe away from the satisfaction or seize the opportunity? The moment for decision is now as Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret launches the stellar musical “9-5” weekends until Saturday, July 8. Come glory in the music and lyrics of the grand Dolly Parton paired with the delightful book by Patricia Resnick as three downtrodden coworkers decide they have had enough guff and disrespect and they can’t take it any more. With a clever scheme and some heavy handed plotting, this trio of female coworkers decide they have to take command of the copy machine and the coffee maker and take a stand for justice, women and the American way so watch out Franklin Hart the lines of battle have been drawn in the mimeograph machine. Come watch as Abby Rozmajzl as Violet, Hannah Beatt as Doralee and Sophie Rundhaug as Judy take on Andrea Pane's Franklin Hart, with the help of Candice Sisbarro as Roz, Tyler Panek as Joe and Marty Garcia as Dwayne. Tucked inside the plot for revenge, you might even discover a little romance. The show is set in the late 1970’s, way before the #Me Too Movement got started. The stellar creative team is led by Executive Producer Hugh Hallinan and includes Director Andrea Pane, Choreographer Christina Ronquillo, Music Director Zachary Kampler, Costume Designer Lesley Nielson Bowman. Lighting Designer Axel Hammerman, and Scenic Designer David McQuillen Robertson. Tickets ($37 and up, with half-price tickets day of show if available), call the Downtown Cabaret, Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport at 203-576-1636 or online at MyCabaret.org. The production will run on Fridays at 7:30pm, and Saturdays at 3pm and 7pm. Doors open 30 minutes before each show. Whether your boss is the nicest person in the world or a close relative of a monster, you will have an In Box of joy watching this musical comedy of office politics play out on the stage of the Downtown Cabaret. Don’t forget this is cabaret and you are invited to bring fun stuff to eat and share at your table. Your desk chair and Rolodex are waiting.

"WEBSTER'S BITCH" A PLAY ON WORDS AT PLAYHOUSE ON PARK

What would we do without words? For a friendly Scrabble game, a play script, marriage vows, the choices for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, song lyrics, a business negotiation, getting a medical diagnosis, a phone conversation, a discussion of climate change, a scolding or loving word to a two year old, a consoling hug of comfort at a loss, how else do we express ourselves? Without words, we would be silent, expressionless, unable to communicate adequately how we think or feel…and how sad would the world be. Imagine, however, you worked at a desk in an office that was responsible for how words were used and defined. How weighty would your responsibilities be to be accurate and timely with your definitions? The reality is that words can change in meaning with the ways the world works at the moment. The dictionary is the source of most words and the stepping stone for the world premiere of Jacqueline Bircher's intriguing play “Webster's Bitch” making its humorous and thought provoking debut at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park until Sunday, June 18. Enter the office of Webster’s Dictionary where every day the employees grapple with definitions and the citations needed to justify any updates or changes. These are lexicographers who love language and what they do. What happens, however, when their illustrious leader is overheard and videoed saying a word both inappropriate and derogatory and the media world blasts it out with explosive speed and reaction? The normally quiet office is suddenly on fire and what do Gwen (Mia Wurgaft) and Nick (HanJie Chow) have to put what the conflagration? Not a fire extinguisher? Not a fireman? Can they use calming words to control the inferno? Peter Simon Hilton’s Frank has, in his terms, accidentally called his second-in-command Joyce “a bitch” and further inflamed the situation by terming her “my bitch” and the social media world, in the "Me Too” accusatorial atmosphere, wants his head. Veanne Cox’s Joyce has mixed reactions to the slur and is calculating how to turn this unexpected event to her advantage. She never especially cared for Frank and she sees it as a means for her personal advancement. Gwen and Nick are appalled and want to fix the problem as quickly and smoothly as possible. Add to the mix is the pop up personality of Gwen’s sister, a madly humorous Ellie, played by Isabel Mank Cade, who sees the delicious satire of the situation and makes quick use of its bizarreness. Vanessa Morocco directs this fun foray into language correctness and inappropriateness with skill. Just walking through the cleverly adorned lobby of the theater, courtesy of artistic director Darlene Zoller, is invitation enough to attend. For tickets ($45-55), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford at 860-523-5900 ext.10 or online at www.playhouseonpark.org. Performances are Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with talkbacks with the cast on Sundays. A Young Professionals Night is Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m, with a 6 p.m. pre-show wine and cheese reception for $25. If

"TROUBLE IN MIND" WORKING OUT ISSUES AT HARTFORD STAGE

Few people want to be characterized as a stereotype, locked in a box from which they can’t easily escape. Many stereotypes are, believe it or not, positive in nature, like a group of people known for their generosity or for their unique cooking talents or skills in dancing. Groups, however, can be labelled with negative generalities that harm them and soil their image in the world, and they often revolve around race, gender, religion, nationality or politics. For Wiletta Mayer, who has been acting for a quarter century, she is type cast as a mammy or a maid, unable to break free of the stereotype because of the color of her skin. Now Heather Alicia Simms’ Wiletta has an exciting opportunity to be a lead actress in a new play, “ Chaos in Belleville,” opening on Broadway in the fall of 1957 under the direction of John Bambery’s Al Manners, a dictatorial and often verbally abusive commander who differs from Wiletta on how the play should be performed. Come discover the atmosphere that swirls around this play within a play, Alice Childress’ “Trouble in Mind.” directed by Christopher D. Betts, at Hartford Stage until Sunday’s June 18. Every member of this bi-racial cast has a stake in how the differences between Wiletta and Al resolve, from Henry (Richmond Hoxie) the door man to Eddie (Adam Langdon) the show’s gofer, from the newcomer John (Sideeq Heard) to Millie (Chelsea Lee Williams) the fashionista in the cast, from Judy Sears (Sarah Lyddan) who fights for equity among the actors to Sheldon Forrester (Michael Rogers) the outspoken and loud cast member, to Bill O’Wray (James Joseph O’Neil) and his political speeches. Will Wiletta, as a black actress who wants the same privileges as a white actress, succeed in using her honest and unafraid voice to successfully challenge the director? Watch how racism and sexism play a role in this poignant and funny and heartbreaking struggle to be heard and respected. Will Wiletta get a turn in the spotlight as a star, over the director’s vocal objections? Can she truly play the mother of a boy who is facing being lynched and speak to the dramatic moment with honesty? Her fight for dignity still echoes seventy years later. For tickets ($30 and up), call Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford at 860-527-5151 or online at HartfordStage.org. Performances are Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday and select Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Come get swept up in this 1950’s landmark play that is still relevant today, maybe even more so than in the past. Watch and listen to a black woman who speaks from the heart seventy years ago in a voice that echoes today as she fights for her dignity.

ENTER THE WORLD OF "FALSETTOS" AT BREGAMOS THEATRE UNTIL JUNE 11

Marvin is a complicated man, as created by composer William Finn and storyteller James Lapine, one willing to take risks and welcome change. Right now he is in the middle of a unique situation he created for himself when he left his marriage to Trina and his teenage son Jason for a new relationship with Whizzer in the highly entertaining production musical “Falsettos” at the Fuse Theatre in New Haven until Sunday, June 11. Be prepared to deal with social issues like divorce, mental health, religious beliefs, a bar mitzvah, sexuality, and AIDS. Andy Friedland’s Marvin is open to new possibilities for himself, even if it means causing chaos with Johanna Milani’s Trina and his son Jason, alternately played by Preston Ottaviani, Graeme Kennedy and Luke Cashman. No wonder everyone is seeking the services of Noah Golden’s Mendel, the psychiatrist. Once Danial Sbriglio’s Whizzer enters Marvin’s world, major changes take place. It’s 1979 and the world is in flux. Trina expresses it beautifully and poignantly in “I’m Breaking Down” while Jason feels his parents have failed him and clings to his chess board for structure he can control. Every one is seeking connections, whether it is on the racket ball court or the Little League field but few are as successful as Dr.Charlotte, a role shared by Jonna Capone and Kate Stango and Ronnie McLaren’s Cordelia, a caterer. When Mendel finds Trina charming and needy, his admiration turns romantic, an eventuality Marvin takes poorly. This singing musical deals with many issues, both humorous and serious as roles shift and miracles are requested. Lara Morton is the creative producer and director of this heartbreakingly sweet exploration of life events. For tickets ($25 and $20, adults and seniors and students pre-sale and $30 and $25 at the door), go online to fusetheatrect.org. Performances at Bregamos Theatre, 491 Blatchley Avenue, New Haven are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Come learn as Marvin does that “Life is never what you plan."

CELEBRATE WATERBURY'S PALACE THEATER WITH BASH 23 ON JUNE 9

Come join a Gala Celebration - BASH 23 - at the Palace Theater on June 9 in Waterbury. This fun-filled evening will encompass the whole marble and gold hundred year old Palace as delicious food is catered by Domenick and Pia, Frankies of Reidville Drive, and Emily's Catering, with tasty and tempting desserts by Cavallo’s Deli and Italian Imports. As you savor the food treats, wash them down with drinks - free and cash bar - from locally brewed beers from Clocktown Brewing Company, tastings from Vengeance Vodka and Litchfield Distillery, with the sparking addition of bubbly Prosecco. Every corner of the Palace Theater will be alive and alert with entertainment. You’ll enjoy Irish Pub Ballads on the Loading Dock from the Kerry Boys, the Piano Lounge offering 88 Keys in the Grand Foyer, and the Poli Club featuring acoustic guitarist Jamie Showerda. If dancing is on your menu, swing by Mass-Conn-Fusion, DJ Christi, or take in a laser light show on the Main Stage. The Palace is pulling out all the stops for your total enjoyment and entertainment…and the party is one night only: Friday, June 9 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. For tickets ($75), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at palacetheaterct.org or Palace Theater/ Year-End Bash. Put on your dancing shoes, and come hungry and thirsty and be ready for a proverbial blow out celebration. Party on!

COME DISCOVER THE BEAUTY AND MAGIC OF "THE SECRET GARDEN" IN RIDGEFIELD AT ACT UNTIL JUNE 11

What can be more wonderful than to awake to the lyrical sounds of birdsong, unless it is to sit outdoors in the kalediscope of colors in your garden, a feast for the senses and the soul. A Chinese proverb states “Life begins the day you start a garden.” Gardens teach you respect for the earth, watchfulness, hard work, and patience as you wait for its rewards. In it, you plant the seeds that must be coached and cosseted, encouraged and enjoyed, with your hands in the fertile soil, face to the sun, with water for nourishment, all while communing one on one with nature.

Frances Hodgson Burnett must have been a lover of gardens. In 1911, she published a story about a sick little girl aged ten, Mary Lennox, whose parents have just died in a cholera epidemic in India. This unloved child who so much needs care and companionship is sent to live with her Uncle Archibald, a total stranger, in a mysterious mansion in England. Her uncle is still suffering from the loss of his wife Lily in childbirth and has no skills to cope with this sulky and spoiled child.

Once Mary discovers a locked and forbidden space, “The Secret Garden,” and makes three friends Dickon, and his sister Martha the housekeeper, and Colin, her uncle’s invalid son, Mary’s life blossoms. To witness the transformation from an ugly cocoon to a beautiful butterfly, from sickness to health, from abandonment to friendship, fly to ACT, A Contemporary Theatre in Ridgefield by Sunday, June 11 to glow in the warmth and magic of “The Secret Garden,” with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon.

Come meet Mary, a determined and forceful Charlotte Ewing, who knows what she wants and needs and works enthusiastically to achieve her goals. Brian Golub’s Uncle Archibald is so consumed with grief that he allows his brother Neville, a conniving Matt Faucher, to control his household as he wanders aimlessly in search of Lily, a sweet hearted Katie Diamond, who travels with a Greek chorus of ghosts from India to dance and sing of the perils that plague them. Meanwhile Mary is protected by the good spirited Dickon, a lively John Baker, and his sister the kindhearted Laura Woyasz’s Martha as they all work together to rescue DJ Plunkett’s Colin from his dire doom under the care of Neville.

This classic tale is brought to magical musical life thanks to the direction of master garden keeper Daniel Levine, the lovely scenic design by David Goldstein, the innovative costuming of Leslie Bernstein and the incredible video design of Camilla Tassi, where the garden comes to blooming life. Tunes about houses and horses, eyes and storms, and especially about wicks. sports and charms are especially meaningful.

For tickets ($76 adult, $69 senior, veteran, youth), call ACT, 36 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield, at 475- 215-5497 or online at ACTOFCT.ORG. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.

Come to the garden, the secret garden where only a key is the buried that leads to the hidden entry way, and your heart will open to the joy of newly discovered love and family, thanks to a little girl on a quest for happiness. Who says a garden can’t be akin to paradise.