"TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" DRAMATIC EXCELLENCE AT PALACE IN WATERBURY

As a young lad with the gift of an air rifle in hand, Atticus Finch was told by his father that it was a crime against God, a sin, to kill a mockingbird. Why he asked? Because they are innocent, his father replied. Atticus Finch would grow up to become a lawyer.

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.” Since it went on national tour in March, over a million people in 44 cities have witnessed this emotional drama. 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 triumphantly enters the Palace Theater in Waterbury from Tuesday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5.

Fall under the spell of Richard Thomas’ Atticus Finch, a determined defender of truth, who wants to help a black man Tom Robinson, portrayed by Yaegel T. Welch. Tom has been 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 (Maeve Moynihan) and her older brother Jeremy, called Jem (Justin Mark), are proud of their father for defending Tom’s rights and trying to prove his innocence. They are cared for by a black nanny, Calpurnia, portrayed by Jacqueline Williams, who watches over them like a mother hen with her brood.

Scout is the all-knowing narrator of the play who pals around with her brother Jem and with Dill (Steven Lee Johnson), a boy who comes to stay with his aunts every summer. The trio are especially fascinated with a recluse named “Boo” Radley (Ian Bedford) 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. For tickets ($45 to $125), call the Palace, 100 Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at palacetheaterct.org. Performances are 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 experience 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.” This is excellent dramatic theater that will stay with you long after the applause is but a mere echo.

"SUNSET BOULEVARD" DESCENDS A DRAMATIC STAIRCASE AT ACT IN RIDGEFIELD

When your shining star in the firmament no longer glows with glory, how devastating can be the descent out of the heavens? When the rarefied air no longer welcomes you in its warmth of the spotlight, what might you do to regain the top spot as a movie queen? ACT of Connecticut in Ridgefield is ready to reveal the astonishing answers one star may be willing to risk until Sunday, November 19 as “Sunset Boulevard” takes center stage in a royal production.

The iconic silent film star Norma Desmond stands at the top of a staircase contemplating her incredible movie career and remembering her prior glories. Now she worries how she will capture those intoxicating times again. Can she reign as queen once more and, if so, how will she accomplish that marvel? To follow her disillusionment and story of fame, come to ACT for an up close and personal meeting with the former star herself Norma Desmond based on the Billy Wilder film, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.

Pearl Sun is exotically regal as Norma Desmond as she tries to recapture her famed youth, earning our admiration and pity, as she pens a play about Salome, picturing herself as the adventurous lead, a role she is sure will catapult her back to the top of her game. Norma Desmond refuses to fade into the shadows, to acknowledge her personal “sunset, b ” and when she meets an attractive young writer, Michael Burrell’s Joe Gillis, she seizes upon him as her last best chance to fulfill her wishes of stardom. All she has to do is wait for the call from the famed director Cecil B. DeMille, a disinterested Gary Harger, and her dreams will reach fruition.

Joe Gillis is firmly trapped in her unrealistic scheme, whether he is her ghost writer or lover. When a film company employee, Helen J. Shen's Betty, reaches out with a real chance for Joe to get his career on track, it results in unfortunate and tragic results. Not even Norma’s faithful servant and protector, George Xavier’s Max, can save the ailing queen and restore her to glory.

Songs like “New Ways to Dream,” “Too Much in Love.” and “The Perfect Year” propel the action. Daniel C. Levine directs this intriguing tale of theater where the past tries to eclipse and change the present, on a beautiful set designed by David Goldstein, with exquisite costumes and wigs designed by Kurt Alger, with snazzy choreography by Sara Brians and melodramatic musical direction by Bryan Perri.

For tickets ($71-79), call ACT of Connecticut, 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 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Additional performances have been added for Sunday, November 5 at 7 p.m. and Friday, November 10 at 2 p.m.

Follow the former star as she dramatically emerges from behind the red velvet curtain to retake her well earned place center stage. Will this be her greatest role ever or a soul crushing defeat?

DANCE LIKE A QUEEN WITH A SUPER-DUPER ABBA TRIBUTE BAND AT THE PALACE

No one can help but smile and tap their toes when the memory of the iconic movies “Mamma Mia!” and “Mamma Mia Here We Go Again” cross your mind. The story of the fiercely independent Donna, played by Meryl Streep, who owns a hotel on a Greek island, is busy preparing for her daughter Sophie’s wedding. The surprise comes when the enterprising Sophie discovers that a trio of men might, could, possibly be, her biological dad. But which one?

You know the musical group. You know the spirited songs. Now you have the opportunity to embrace the sounds of “MANIA: The ABBA Tribute” who, since 1999, have been touring the world spreading their joy, with over 3000 concerts in 35 countries. For one night only they will light up the Palace Theater in Waterbury at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 2. Surely these talented musicians and performers will grace us with such sparkling tunes as “Super Trouper,” “Honey, Honey,” Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Lay All Your Love On Me,” "Gimme!, Gimme!, Gimme!.” “Waterloo,” “Take a Chance on Me," “Money, Money, Money,” and so many more.

With verve and vitality, polish and perkiness, this smooth quartet, clad in sequins and satin, will raise the Palace’s roof. Come meet Alison Ward as Agnatha, Amy Edwards as Anni-Frid (Frida), James Allen as Bjorn and Jeff Pike as Benny. Start your feet tapping now as this triumphant group makes themselves legendary.

For tickets ($42-62), call the Palace, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at www.palacetheaterct.org.

Let this tribute four of the 1970’s popular band from Sweden once again share its hit songs and energetic enthusiasm for your listening pleasure.

GET YOUR DANCE CARD READY FOR "PRIDE AND PREJUDICE" AT HARTFORD STAGE

Not that long ago marriages were arranged by a matchmaker and the bride and groom rarely met before they saw each other under a wedding canopy. Today couples meet online and in bars and at church and on blind dates. You can even meet someone in the vegetable aisle at the supermarket.

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

Set in England in 1813, Hartford Stage has swept the world back in time to a new adaptation by Kate Hamill of Jane Austen’s work of “Pride and Prejudice” capturing the stage until Sunday, November 5. It is incumbent upon the eldest daughters Jane (Maria Gabriela Gonzalez) and Lizzy (Renata Eastlick) to save the family estate Longbourn by marrying well, to suitable men of great wealth, like the mysterious strangers Mr. Bingley (Sergio Mauritz Ang) and Mr. Darcy (Carman Lacivita), otherwise their home will be lost for lack of a sufficient male recipient since women cannot be heirs.

Mrs. Bennet (Lana Young) is determined to secure the financial future of the family, especially since her husband (Anne Scurria) seems more concerned with his newspaper than with the fate of their home should he die. The other daughters Mary (Madeleine Barker) and Lydia (Zoe Kim) do not seem too involved in the marriage game, but the youngest one Lydia, although only fourteen, soon gets caught up in the playing and acts rashly.

While Bingley and Jane seem to be attracted to each other, Darcy and Lizzy spark anger with the other and he admits after one dance that Lizzy is too plain to attract him. Other gentlemen in the running for the prize are Wickham and Mr. Collins (both portrayed by Sergio Mauritz Ang). The characters frequently cross roles from male to female with facility, aided by the clever costuming by Haydee Zelideth, on a sparkling stage designed by Sara Brown, with the uproarious direction of Tatyana-Marie Carlo.

As romances flare and flame, with disappointments and proposals flying through the rose petalled air, one wonders if anyone will find their true love match by play’s curtain. Interference and problems are created by Anne De Bourgh (Maria Gabriela Gonzalez), Lady Catherine (Zoe Kim), Miss Bingley (Madeleine Barker) and Charlotte (Anne Scurria) who are all clearly jealous and want to stop the courtships, usually to their own favor. For tickets ($30 and up), call the Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford at 860-527-5151 or online at HartfordStage.org. Performances are Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at select 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Come watch Lizzy, who has pledged never to marry, and her sisters as they engage themselves in the game of wedlock with humorous and romantic results.

"RUMORS" ARE CIRCULATING AT CENTER STAGE THEATER IN SHELTON

You are cordially invited to attend a dinner party at the home of Charley and Myra Brock to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their marriage. Presents are optional.

Chaos, confusion, complications and comedy are clearly on the menu as Center Stage Theatre of Shelton has a rousing good time pulling off a farce, Neil Simon’s thoroughly engaging “Rumors” for your entertainment pleasure. Doors slamming, and doorbells and telephones ringing are just a hint of things to come. A lot can run amok with Neil Simon at the helm. Weekends until Sunday, October 22 consider yourself welcome for the festivities.

Eat dinner at home before you arrive because there are no servants to prepare the repast. There are not even canapés or chips to nibble. What’s even more alarming is the host and hostess are nowhere to be found. And whatever you do don’t be on time because you might be the lucky guests to find Charley with a gunshot wound. What would you do? Phone the police? Call an ambulance? Cause a scandal?

If you’re a doctor, are you prepared to handle the aforementioned gun shot wound-to the head-no less? whiplash? a sprained back? headache? shock? hearing loss? cut arms? hives? burnt fingers? Poor Chris (Maria Mongilo) and Ken (Kyle Alston) Gorman ring the doorbell first. They find Charley passed out and bleeding from the head. Is it a botched suicide attempt? Did the missing Myra do it? What should the Gormans do as other guests start to arrive? Why lie, of course. And so the rumors fly.

Claire and Lenny Ganz (Denise Piana and Stephen King) have problems of their own. They were involved in a car accident right before arriving, an incident that didn’t improve his two day old BMW. By the time Ernie and Cookie Cusack ( David Kaminski and Angela Mantero) show up, gossip and innuendoes are flying fast and furiously. Will the thunder cloud of scandal affect the chances of Glenn Cooper (Scott Sheldon) who is running for state senator or will he be sabotaged by the angry wind that is his wife Cassie, (Brianna B.Dawson) who is out for vengeance.

By the time the police officers (Joey Abate and Claire Fracasse) show up, it is anyone’s guess who is going to be arrested and on what charge. Not only does Ron Baldwin build a great set for the up and downstairs action, Rob Esposito directs this funny and fast race for the finish line. The theater is at 54 Grove Street, Shelton,and for tickets call 203-225-6079 or online at www.centerstageshelton.org. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m.and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Come and try to figure out who’s on first in the living room, what’s on fire in the kitchen, and where the heck are Charley and Myra?

BEWARE OF THE PHANTOM AT PANTOCHINO PRODUCTIONS IN MILFORD

You’ve heard of “The Phantom of the Opera,” but have you ever wrapped your masked head around “The Panto of the Opera?” I doubt it as it is the newest musical brain child of Bert Bernardi and Justin Rugg of Pantochino Productions of Milford, weekends until almost Halloween Eve, Sunday, October 29, at the Milford Arts Council, at 40 Railroad Avenue.

Who is the man behind the mask and how dare any one make fun of Andrew Lloyd Webber? What cheek? What chutzpah? What chandelier? All bets are off as this wild reinterpreted version of the original goes zany and unfettered for your pleasure and amusement.

Justin Rugg stars as our mysterious hero who is desperately in pursuit of the lovely lady Christine, captured by Mary Mannix. This is British Panto at its funniest, “A wild topsy-turvy take on the phantom, “ states director Bert Bernardi. Co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer, who also designs all the magnificent costumes, promises “There is something for everyone - both kids and adults will love it.”

Enter the Paris Deluxe Opera House at your own peril to witness the ambitious singer Christine from nearby Norwalk disarm with her charms the theater's Maestro, Jimmy Johansmeyer, and the manager, Don Poggio, much to the dismay of Madame Dreary, Rachelle Ianniello, and the show’s aging diva star Carlotta, Shelley Marsh Poggio. How will the Phantom react to the goings on? Will he succeed in replacing Carlotta with his new protege? Will the famous paranormal detective Madame Cherchez, fabulously portrayed by Victoria Sautee, succeed in ridding the theater of its nemesis? The rest of the cast, Killian Meehan, Lu DeJesus, Sydney Maher, and Leanne Onofrio are breathless with worry in case Madame Cherchez fails in her cause.

With cheery tunes like “The Baguette Song,” “Angel of Music,” “The Peripatetic Paranormal” and “The Phantom Situation,” the talented cast sings and dances through its terror of the Panto appearing.

For tickets, go online to www.pantochino.com. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Remember this is cabaret so you can bring goodies to eat and drink at your table.

Get into the Halloween spirit with a visit with Pantochino Productions whether you are in costume or not. Clearly masks are optional!

"WISH YOU WERE HERE" A POSTCARD FROM IRAN AT YALE REP

Life is filled with challenges: getting an education, a job, finding a mate and raising a family, cooking meals, making a home, paying bills, dealing with illness and loss, creating joy with family and friends, and staying safe and thriving in freedom. Home and family are our heart. What happens when both are threatened? Playwright Sanaz Toossi takes you to an unimaginable place, Iran, from 1978 to 1991, in the midst of the Islamic Revolution, when the people in power controlled the citizens every move, dictating how to live and breathe in war and chaos.

From now until Saturday, October 28, the Yale Repertory Theatre will make you witness to the trauma of five girlhood friends, a sisterhood, in the complicated and intriguing tale “Wish You Were Here.” Eavesdrop as this close-knit cliche try to achieve normalcy in a world that embraces upheaval and has done so for over a decade. How do you plan weddings and cling to your friendships before your relationships exhibit clashes that signal change has invaded your lives as you once knew them?

Come make the acquaintance of Bahar Beihaghi’s Salme who is all aflutter as she prepares to marry, in a cirrus cloud of white satin. Surrounding her, offering advice stuffed with sexual innuendos and sincere concern for her welfare are the two pals united in the pledge never to marry or have children Anita Abdinezhad’s Nazanin and the only Jew in the group Vaneh Assadourian’s Rana, the medical school hopeful who wants to study in America but promises to return to her homeland Shadee Vossoughi’s Shideh, and the wildly joyful Zari in the personage of Ava Lalezarzadeh. Later a new friend joins the dwindling group, Sahar Bibiyan, who illustrates the changes that have invaded this conclave of friends.

The play, with joyfulness tucked into the trauma, explores how free you are inside your home if a revolution, like the Iran-Iraq War, is raging outside your doors. How do you decide whether to flee your homeland or stay and seek sanctuary amidst the sirens and bomb shelters? And if you disappear will any one try to find where you have gone?

Sam Skynner’s photos and projections underscore the closeness of these women, who are dressed in costumes by T. F. Dubois, on a set designed by Omid Akbari, all under the sensitive and skillful direction of Sivan Battat.

For tickets ($15-65), 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.

Let this talented cast of “hilarious richly complicated women” show, in their own words, their need to fight for basic human rights as they cling to their need for normalcy, when all they truly desire is a safe place to call home.

"PRETTY WOMAN" LIVES UP TO ITS ROMANTIC PROMISE AT THE PALACE IN WATERBURY

How many women can carry off the challenge of looking glamorous in thigh high boots and little else? We know Julia Roberts could thirty years ago and Ellie Baker can today as Vivian Ward. To prove the fashion statement, Waterbury’s Palace Theater is rocking the house today, tomorrow and Thursday, October 10, 11, and 12 with the iconic romantic tale of the century “Pretty Woman” as a musical.

Romantic comedy surely sits in heaven on Cloud 9, thanks to an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, with a book by Garry Marshall, showcasing the hit tune “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison and Bill Dee.

When wealthy business tycoon Chase Wolfe’s Edward Lewis needs a beautiful escort as his date for an important event, he hires a professional lady of the evening Vivian Ward. Their unusual relationship goes wild, much like an out of control roller coaster ride. How they adjust to their differences and find common ground and, unbelievably love, is a true charmer that has fascinated and thrilled millions in movie form with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and now is in glorious musical form.

After a record breaking Broadway run, the National Tour is going around the globe across the USA and to London and Germany.

For tickets ($47-87), call the Palace, 100 Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at wwwlpalacetheaterct.com. Performances are tonight, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Do you believe in love? “Pretty Woman” will surely convince you that fairy tales do come true, with or without a knight in shining armor or a prince charming.

"THE COLOR PURPLE" GETTING A ROYAL RECEPTION AT THE IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

Celie is a young black girl growing up in the South in the 1930’s who endures terrible obstacles to overcome her upbringing and realize her potential, to gain faith in herself and love for who she is, like a flower bud in bloom that finally reaches maturity. Her inspiring story from a book by Alice Walker, “The Color Purple,” is now a musical gracing the stage of the Ivoryton Playhouse until Sunday, October 15. Run to see this beautiful tale of self-love and redemption.

With music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, “The Color Purple,” with book by Marsha Norman, introduces us to Celie, brought beautifully to life by Andrea Fleming, who is raised to believe herself ugly, thanks to the abusive attention she receives from her step father Alfonso who rapes her when she is barely a teenager and then takes the babies she births and sells them. Later he trades Celie away in marriage, throwing a cow in for a dowry, to a mean spirited neighbor man, Christian McQueen’s Mister, who regularly beats her and makes her a servant for his children and himself. For Celie, parting with her younger sister Nettie, a lovely Mairys Joaquin, is a sacrifice to help her achieve her dream of being a teacher. Soon after Nettie is forced to flee their abusive stepfather herself and seek refuge with Celie. Mister, who really wanted to marry Nettie himself, takes the opportunity to force himself on her, causing her to run away to save herself. She promises to write to Celie but Mister, in his anger, never gives Celie her letters.

Caught in an intolerable situation, Celie seeks the friendship of Sheniqua Trotman’s Sofia who marries Mister’s son Harpo, Cedrick Ekra, and envies how his father keeps Celie in line. When he tries beating Sofia, he learns to his regret that will not work. The dramatic arrival of Renee Jackson’s Shug Avery, a singer with a reputation for sleeping around, allows Celie to, for the first time, experience real affection and to see herself as a beautiful person of value. A chorus of chatter chicks sing out how Celie triumphs over Mister and grows into the magical creature she was meant to be is worthy of your attention.

Songs such as “Big Dog,” “Lily of the Field,” “Brown Betty,” “Shug Avery Comin’ To Town,” “Push Da Button,” "I’m Here,” and “The Color Purple,” covering the genres of blues, jazz, gospel, ragtime and African tunes, propel the action with musical direction by Nygel D. Robinson and direction and choreography by Todd L. Underwood, scenic design by Cully Long and costumes and wigs by Elizabeth A. Taylor.

For tickets ($60, senior $55, student $25), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at info@ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Come cheer on Celie in her glorious triumph of four decades over adversities, with the healing power of love, as she soars to become all she was destined to be.

"JOAN JOYCE! A NEW MUSICAL" A HOME RUN AT SEVEN ANGELS IN WATERBURY

Author Tony Renzoni is on a mission to champion the athletic achievements of a fellow Waterbury, Connecticut native Joan Joyce, a woman who excelled in soft ball but also in any sport she tackled, like baseball, volleyball, golf, bowling and basketball. He has thoroughly researched her achievements in his books about Joanie and is currently working to get her acknowledged in more than the 21 Hall of Fames she currently enjoys. More than a fan, Tony was her friend, a friend he sadly lost last year, but not before she attended a performance at Branford’s Legacy Theatre of “Joan Joyce! A New Musical” about her incredible life.

Now Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is continuing to hold the banner high for this beloved personality until Sunday, October 22 and you have the unique opportunity to marvel how this young girl only 8 with the encouragement of her parents, the mailman and countless others took on the challenge of fighting her way to the top of the sports world against her male competitors. Come witness how Seven Angels is putting proof to the legend that Joan deserves the crown as the “greatest female athlete of all times.”

Based on the book “Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce,” Keely Baisden Knudsen and Lauren Salatto Rosenay have fashioned a captivating book and lyrics with music by Brad Ross, and with additional music by Matthew Harrison and David Bell, that tell her story of courage and determination and her uphill battle to succeed. It is an inspiring tale for all young hopeful girls who strive to hit their stride. With Al Bundonis as Tony the author, Joan is beautifully portrayed as a child by Rylee Maxwell, as a teenager by Kiersten Bjork, and as an adult by Keely Baisden who also designed the costumes and directed this extraordinary story. Memorable people in her life are well played by Mitchel Kawash, Dan Frye and Jillian Millette.

Come witness this woman who can honestly claim to have stuck out legends like Hank Aaron and Ted Williams, who could pitch at an amazing 115 mph, had 150 no hitters and 50 perfect games, setting records no one has yet broken. She set championships for the Raybestos Brakettes, the Lionettes, co-founded the Women’s Professional Softball League with Billie Jean King, coached the Connecticut Falcons and Florida Atlanta University teams, earning her 1000th career win in 2022, the year she died.

For tickets ($42), call Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org. Performances are 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.

Come bathe in the spotlight of this incredible woman and join this joyous salute to all her achievements. Perhaps pickle ball would have been next on her list of accomplishments.

ROCK ON WITH LIZZIE BORDEN AT THEATER WORKS HARTFORD

Time has proven again and again that musicals can be fashioned around any number of unusual and unlikely source materials: an ugly green ogre who lives in a swamp (Shrek), men and women who have tried and often succeeded in killing a president (Assassins), a Georgia factory owner Leo Frank accused of raping a teenage employee (Parade), an indestructible ship that sinks after striking an iceberg (Titanic), a trio of ethnic groups who are absorbed in the Great American Melting Pot (Ragtime) and a pair of scam artists who cleverly separate rich women from their wealth (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).

Hold on to your trusty axe, there’s a new musical in town that is pushing that tool filled envelope even further afield with “Lizzie.” Already a ballet, opera, play, radio show, documentary, television program, novel, podcast, music and skipping rope nursery rhyme, “Lizzie” is now a rock concert in 40 whacks.” With music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner, and book by Tim Maner, Theater Works Hartford is now exploding with rage up to the rafters, and extending the show until October 29.

The critical question remains unanswered: who is Lizzie Andrew Borden and did she commit the horrendous crime of killing her father and step-mother with an axe? Did motivation of a stolen childhood, sexual abuse, a lose of her inheritance, a need for revenge, a troubled mind, a forbidden love all cause Lizzie to act? On August 4, 1892 in the family home, cast in shadows of black and white and grey, with a splash of alarming red blood, Mr. and Mrs. Borden met a grisly end.

A quartet of strong women belt out this tale: Nora Schell’s Bridget, the faithful and supportive family maid, Kim Onah’s Alice Russell, a neighboring friend of Lizzie’s and maybe much more, Courtney Bassett’s Emma Borden, the older sister who has lived behind locked doors the longest and can’t wait to escape and at the heart of the trouble Sydney Shepherd’s Lizzie who knows all too intimately that her pressure cooker life is bound to explode. Is Lizzie guilty or innocent of the crime she is accused of committing? Under the keen direction of Lainie Sakakura, you are invited to weigh the clues and evidence and determine the verdict for yourself, with startling musical direction by Erika R. Gamez, on a tight fitting stage designed by Brian Prather.

For tickets ($25-75), call Hartford Theater Works, 233 Pear Street, Hartford at 860-527-7838 or online at boxoffice@twhartford.org or twhartford.org. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Come early to view the gallery of artwork on Lizzie onsite.

Questions still swirl all these decades later about Lizzie’s role in this scenario of secrets, screams and scares. Perhaps it might inspire you to take a ride to Fall River, Massachusetts to visit the family museum and bed and breakfast. Maybe Lizzie’s ghost will make an appearance just in time for Halloween? Let this fine cast take you on a journey that will linger long after the last musical note punctures the ceiling.

OPEN YOUR HEARTS TO A NEW MUSICAL "THE 12" AT GOODSPEED

An extraordinary story, a moment in time, about a dozen ordinary people trapped in a monumental decision of crisis proportions, has been immortalized in a new musical at Goodspeed Musicals: “The 12.” Their beloved leader and teacher Jesus has been betrayed and put to death and now they are hiding in an abandoned factory, huddling in the dark, with troubled souls, trying to decide what path to take, what plan to follow.

No matter what religion you may or may not believe, “The 12” with book and lyrics by Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg will capture your imagination at that particular time and place, defining the world and the future. This very human story will grace the Goodspeed stage until Sunday, October 29, with direction and scenic design by John Doyle.

These dozen disciples, mostly humble fishermen, are angry, terrified and confused. Upon their shoulders rests the future of Jesus’s preachings: his messages of kindness and love. They are prepared to die for their beliefs and, if they live, are ready to travel to the ends of the earth: to Greece, India, Spain, Jerusalem, Israel, Italy, the Middle East, Africa, Syria, Samaria, Libya, Armenia and China, to insure Jesus’s words become universal.

Come witness Wonza Johnson (Andrew), Rob Morrison (Bart), Kelvin Moon Loh (James), Etai Benson (Jimmy), Kyle Scatliffe (John), F. Michael Haynie (Matt), Akron Lanier Watson (Pete). Brandon J. Ellis (Phil). Gregory Treco (Simon), Mel Johnson Jr. (Tee), Wesley Taylor (Tom) and two significant women in Jesus’s life Adrienne Walker (Mags) and Rema Webb (Mother Mary). Moving music like “Anyone But Me,” “Rise Up," “Do You Remember?,””Rain,” “Ordinary,” and “Our Love” capture the tension of the time, and their need to praise glory and take a stand, their mixture of fear and love and their desire for a new life.

For tickets ($38-84), call Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, on the Connecticut River in East Haddam at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.org/ticket-onsale. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. In honor of Goodspeed’s 60th anniversary, a donation of $60 would be most welcome.

Come learn how Jesus strived to greet the stranger, to encourage loving one another, fixing what is broken and performing miracles. His story is still being written.

ENTER THE LITERARY WORLD OF JANE AUSTEN AT PLAYHOUSE ON PARK

Devotees of the British author Jane Austen's novels are called Janeites and whether you fit in that category or are a newbie to her literary achievements, you are sure to find much to savor in West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park’s current clever and charming production of “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged.” Written by Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast and Meghan Winch, and directed by Kathryn MacMillan, it is making its New England premiere until Sunday, October 22.

The show is sure to delight you with visitations by characters like the Dashwood sisters, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Emma, Elizabeth Bennet, George Knightley and William Collins and glimpses into Jane’s six primary novels as well as her lesser known ones. Writing at the end of the 18th century, when women were forced to publish anonymously, Jane was often referred to by her family as “good quiet Aunt Jane,” she penned honest explorations of women’s dependence on men and marriage and their need for financial security, since laws prohibited females from inheritance.

Come meet romantic heroes who are charming but rakish and females who are witty and intellectual and forced to survive by marrying even if they would prefer to remain a spinster. The Regency era is captured on every page of “Sense and Sensibility,” “Emma,” "Persuasion,” "Pride and Prejudice,"“Northanger Abbey" and “ Mansfield Park“. Thanks to a trio of talented actors - Charlotte Northeast, Brittany Onukwugha and Shannon Michael Wamser - the words and deeds of Jane’s unique personalities burst into life with spirit and affection, in the drawing room, at balls, with dance and music, and with laughter and tears. Courtships are lost and rekindled, inheritances are won and lost, friendships are cemented and crushed, and we learn again and again that love is not a game and men don’t want wives who are silly.

Jane’s lesser known works are not forgotten even though they are not as thoroughly examined. Even when our heroine is threatened with financial ruin, Jane manages to rescue them from their dreadful state. Johann Fitzpatrick’s lovely set is an inviting place for all the action to occur.

For tickets, call Playhouse on Park, 247 Park Road, West Hartford at 860- 523-5900 ext. 10 or online at playhouseonpark.org/web2/tickets.html. Performances areTuesday at 2 p.m., Wednesday 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 talkback. A Young Professionals Night will be held Thursday, October 12 with a reception at 6 pm and show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for ages 21 to 35.

Brush up on any and all of these still popular novels, many of which are now films, and enjoy the writing talents of Jane Austen. Come early and glory in the lobby that is stuffed with books, games, and memorabilia of this era in time and even pause to color a poster devoted to Jane’s imagination. Hold on to your lace bonnet and black silk top hat for this 80 minute romp into Victorian England with the no-nonsense Jane as your guide.