TAKE A MUSICAL "SLEIGH!" RIDE WITH THE CT GAY MEN'S CHORUS

Santa Claus is currently circling Connecticut with a magical gift for you to unwrap for the memorable holiday of Christmas. The Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus is all dressed up in its green, red and gold finery, they’ve rehearsed an advent calendar full of preparation and their sense of humor is bubbling to the rafters as “Sleigh!” comes merrily to town.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook is all aglow in its Christmas best for three performances on Saturday, December 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. while the Sacred Heart University Theatre in Fairfield is set to explode in fur and frolic on Saturday, December 16 at 8 p.m.

Rafters will surely ring with the joy filed music of the season as these talented men “slay” the dickens out of Santa’s special day. What would the day be without their unique blend of tunes spiced with their adorable sense of humor. Your favorites are sure to be on their nice, not naughty list, courtesy of Artistic Director Greg McMahon.

For tickets ($35), go online at www.ctgmc.org. Help celebrate 35 years of standing up tall for inclusion, activism, and diversity.

It’s not too early to plan for a sparkling spring happening when these clever guys perform “Pure Imagination: A Magical Musical Journey” at the Kate on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Take a delightful dose of a delicious Christmas prescription, thanks to the CTGMC. You’ll feel all the better for the experience.

GET SET FOR "A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS" AT THE PALACE IN WATERBURY

Forget the tinsel, the gingerbread houses and the stockings hanging on the fireplace mantle. Put down the tumbler of egg nog and the Christmas tree shaped butter cookies. It’s time for a mystical introduction to the holiday that your family has never experienced before when “A Magical Cirque Christmas” flies into the Palace Theater in Waterbury for one sparkling and spectacular night, Tuesday, November 28 at 7 p.m.

Imagine Santa Claus on his gift-filled sleigh dropping off a bevy of high flying performers, like a circus dressed up for the holiday in awe-inspiring splendor. You won’t know where to look first as acrobats, high wire acts, dancers and singers astonish you with their talents. Spin your spirits to new heights, juggle your joy to new levels of fun. This is an incredible marriage of Christmas and circus designed to dazzle like you’ve never imagined before and you will find yourself enchanted by every jaw-dropping moment. What a wonderful gift for the whole family to celebrate during this season of happiness.

For tickets ($39-86), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at https://www.palacetheaterct.org.

Wrap yourself in amazing splendor as you kick off the glorious holiday season with a hearty dose of magic and merriment.

LONG WHARF THEATRE PRESENTS A MOVING"THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING"

Tragedy doesn’t always give a warning when it is about to disrupt your life. Even if your partner has been ill for fourteen years, his death will still bea shock. The only way to prepare for these eventualities is to cherish every day, to balance the precious with the precarious, to feel gratitude for the moment and to live in the present…to not postpone joy.

Unthinkable things happen to people, even good people, like car crashes, chronic illnesses, and, the inevitable worst case scenario, death. Joan Didion, journalist, essayist and novelist, was all too familiar with the curses and tragedies of life as she received a double dose of devastation that was a painful reality in the two years from 2003 to 2005. Her husband and writing partner of forty years, John Gregory Dunne, died suddenly and her daughter, Quintana Roo, 39, died after an extended illness.

>p>To work through her grief, Didion penned a book “The Year of Magical Thinking,” which won the National Book Award and which she adapted into a one woman play. From now until Sunday, December 10, Long Wharf Theatre will be presenting this personal, poignant and powerful tale starring the legendary Kathleen Chalfant.

Didion, who has been hailed as “the finest woman prose stylist writing in English today” by novelist and poet James Dickey, used the written word as therapy to try and understand what went wrong in her world. This is a cautionary tale, as she wanted the audience to be aware that what happened to her could happen to you.

When her novelist, screenwriter and literary critic husband died unexpectedly on December 30, 2003 of a heart attack, at the same moment her beloved daughter was in an induced coma suffering from septic shock, Didion found that life can change in an instant, that grief has its place but also its limits, and that the writer’s instincts to constantly “revise” work unfortunately don’t apply to life. She wanted a “do over,” a new ending, so that even as she went through the rituals of a funeral she was preparing for John to return. She couldn’t give away his shoes because he would need them when he came back.

In an intimate setting, as if she is talking directly to you, Kathleen Chalfant is wonderfully convincing as she takes you through that unimaginable time when she tried to “see it straight,” when the sea went silent, when she attempted to correct the reversible error. Artistic director, who conceived the show through Keen Company, Jonathan Silverstein keeps a taut and sensitive hold on the personal, intensely familiar and internal exploration of feelings.

For tickets (free for students, at libraries, pay-it-forward, up to $125 at individual homes), go online to longwharf.org/shows-events/the-year-of-magical-thinking/ for the play’s performance dates and locations in and around New Haven in homes, gathering spaces and libraries.

Learn how Joan Didion used “magical thinking” to survive a time when everyone of importance in her life was snatched away in an instant. That she survives is a testament to her strength and resilience.

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAY WITH "MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS" AT IVORYTON

Do you need a little inspiration and motivation to get ready for the December 25th holiday that is just around the red, gold and green corner? Might you like to enthusiastically greet Santa Claus and even Rudolph? If you answered yes, then Ivoryton Playhouse has just the perfect solution for your energy and burst of excitement: “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” lighting up the playhouse until Sunday, December 17. Wow, is it wonderful!

Are you still proud that your music tastes are stuck decades back in the 1950's? Do you delight in singers with singing guitars, champions of the ivory keys, swivel hips and wild gyrations? Is yesterday your favorite place for your listening and dancing pleasures? If so, then do I have a musical marathon designed just for you. The date is December 4, 1956 and the sacred place is Memphis, Tennessee at a small recording studio named Sun Records run by Sam Phillips. On that memorable day four icons of the music world wander in and Mr. Phillips, the Father of Rock 'n Roll, realizes the significance of that event.

Ivoryton Playhouse invites you to be front and center at Colin Escott's "Million Dollar Quartet Christmas" rocking the rafters when Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley perform an impromptu jam session, one that was smokin' hot and unforgettable. "Million Dollar Quartet Christmas" recreates that one and only legendary day in the history of rock 'n roll, this time around moving it seamlessly and memorably to the final days leading up to December 25.

Think of it as a personal playlist of your favorite holiday hits as these great tunes come tumbling out. Listen to “Home for the Holidays,” "Blue Christmas,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” “Santa Baby,” “Ring of Fire,” “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Run, Rudolph, Run” and so many more. Even when the show seems to be over, these guys return for a special additional Christmas concert, all dressed up in their holiday finest.

Carl Perkins (Sam Sherwoodl) had come to Sun Records that day with his brother Jay (Mark Gehret) and Fluke (Dakota Singerline) as back up and Sam Phillips, (Ben Hope) the owner of Sun, added Jerry Lee Lewis, (JP Coletta) a recent acquisition, to the mix as pianist. When Elvis Presley (Daniel Durston) dropped by with his girlfriend Dyanne (Margaret Dudasik), he added his voice to the kettle and it was the final arrival of Johnny Cash (Scott Moreau) that made the spicy cider's brew complete.

These phenomenally talented guys, all at different stages of musical success, sat down and stood up and sang like a group of old friends, without rehearsals or formal plans, and Cowboy Jack Clement, the engineer, was smart enough to record it. There were a few jealousies and recriminations among the four, but music was the uniting element that made the day so memorable. It happened that day and never again. Mixed in to the great music were the memories each had of the holiday, going way back to their childhoods, when getting an orange in their stocking was a blessing.

Country music, rockabilly and rock 'n roll merge and marry as these fellows sing just for the pure pleasure of the sound. For Sam Phillips, these four men were like his four sons and this show reveals a lot about their relationships, where they came from and where they were going. Sam gave each of them their chance and then promoted them to fame and success. On this day he even gives them each a personal gift. It is a sensational staged recreation of the actual event. Director Katie Barton wraps the excitement like a sacred Christmas present, with Ben Hope providing musical direction, on a realistic studio set designed by Martin Scott Marchitto. Jonathan White's sound rocks everything up to the star on the Christmas tree.

For tickets ($60, seniors $55, students and children $25), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at www.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.

Prepare for an explosion and fireworks as this quartet hits all the right notes, with fancy flying fingers on guitars, bass, drums and piano, and voices close to heaven. Come and enjoy every perfect sound. You will surely be ready to embrace that December holiday with happiness and joy and no one will ask you if you’ve been naughty or nice.

ENTER THE MAGICAL WORLD OF THE "MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL" AT THE BUSHNELL

Get ready for fantastic splashes of vibrant color, lavish costumes and sets, awe inspiring romance, an explosion of carnival proportions and a world where glamour and glitz are magically married. Whether you are an aristocrat or an up and coming Bohemian, you will glory in the extravagance and passion that abounds in the three rings of splendor erupting before your unbelieving eyes.

The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford will present “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” in all its dramatic splendor from Tuesday, November 21 to Sunday, December 3. Think of a gigantic kaleidoscope that explodes in brilliant hues. Think Paris, the can-can, the Eiffel Tower, and so much more. Follow the tale of Satine, the featured performer of the Moulin Rouge and a much desired courtesan. While she falls madly in love with an Englishman Christian, a poor poet, the club’s owner Harold Zidler, a master showman, has different plans. With his beloved club in danger of closing, he has planned to have a wealthy Duke fund his next season by forming a love match with Satine. Not aware of the Duke’s violent temper, Harold bravely puts his business saving plan in motion.

French for Red Windmill, Moulin Rouge encapsulates everything you could want in a musical with splendiferous acting, singing and choreography, not to mention drama and delectable puckers of love. With nods to Baz Luhrmann’s artistic film production, this gem with music from the Rolling Stones, Beyonce, Elton John, Queen, Madonna, and The Beatles focuses on freedom, love, truth and beauty as you’ve never experienced them before.

Plan an exciting visit to Montmartre where artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec delighted in painting the Bohemian life style he so adored in the early 1900’s. For tickets ($43 and up), call the Bushnell, 166 Capital Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday (not Thanksgiving) at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Get set for an exciting evening of romance and tragedy as you experience the grand epic that is the Moulin Rouge.

SQUARE ONE THEATRE HOSTS A TIMELY "THANKSGIVING PLAY"

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday when the family gathers to give prayers and gratitude for all the blessings we are thankful for enjoying. A golden glazed turkey with cranberry sauce and buttery mashed potatoes are followed by pumpkin pie and a televised football game or two. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts and all the guests present are generally in a jovial mood. What could possibly go wrong?

Square One Theatre in Stratford is investigating what could possibly occur in the holiday happening in Larissa FastHorse’s probing satire "The Thanksgiving Day” weekends until Sunday, November 19 at the Stratford Academy. The playwright is the first Native American woman to bring a show to Broadway, as she pokes fun of how history and theater can get lost in the translation as Lillian Garcia’s Logan is challenged to create a forty-five minute holiday play for third graders that doesn’t offend anyone.

Logan enlists the aid of David Victor's Jaxton, J. Kevin Smith’s Caden and Lynnette Victoria’s Alicia to aid her with this thorny cornucopia of a problem. With this quartet of theatrical people in hand, why should it prove so problematic to improvise a script? Logan is afraid she will alienate all the generous donors who provided grants for the school project. Caden has come equipped with a set of possible scenarios that go back way before the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock. Jaxton enjoys a special relationship with Logan and they use yoga and meditation to inspire their movements while Alicia, the professional actress, has confidence she can play any role that is presented to her. Meanwhile at the center of the conumdrum are the indigenous people that they are trying to honor and not denigrate. What could possibly be a problem with four white clueless adults in charge?

For tickets ($22, students and seniors $20, reserved front row $25), call the Square One Theater Company, 719 Birdeye Street, Stratford at 203-375-8778 or online at squareonetheatre.com. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. A discussion of the play will take place at the Stratford Library in the Lovell Room on Tuesday, November 27 at noon.

Come see “The Thanksgiving Play,” one of the ten most produced plays in America this season, where you won’t find a new recipe for stuffing but where you might find some thought provoking ideas about Native Americans and their history.

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO CONNECTICUT WITH ILLEANA DOUGLAS AT THE KATE

Do you ever mention Hollywood and Connecticut in the same sentence? Is it possible that the two divergent places could ever be connected, not only once but hundreds of times? With the encouraging and energetic help of film historian and celebrated actress Illeana Douglas who was born and raised in the Nutmeg state and intimately knows the celebrated California location, who better to marry the two places in one revelatory and fascinating book?

On Wednesday, November 15 at 7 p.m, the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center will invite the author to reveal the fantastic stories of Connecticut being the birthplace of noted film making: "Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia." Starting with the black and white world of silent movies, Illeana will guide us on the road to meet Sherlock Holmes, Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet.

Then its off for lighter fare, with comedies like “Bringing Up Baby.” The beauty of Connecticut under a snowy landscape is soon evident in such films as “Holiday Inn” and a whole stocking full of Christmas selections thanks to Hallmark, starting as early as mid-July for their festive offerings. The suburbs are covered with dream houses built by Mr. Blandings as well as sexier comedies disquised in tunnels of love and secret lives, not to mention mysterious goings on. In addition, films about Connecticut Yankees visiting King Arthur’s Court, the dramas of Eugene O’Neill and so many more to examine and explore through Illeana Douglas’s eyes and words. Colin McEnroe of Public Radio Show fame will lead the conversation and interview.

For tickets ($40, including a signed copy of her book), call the Kate, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook at 860-510-0473 or online at thekate.org.

Get ready for a fascinating focus on Lights, Camera, Action with Illeana Douglas in the director’s chair.

"ABSOLUTE QUEEN" IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST AT BRIDGEPORT'S DOWNTOWN CABARET

In 1970 four young musicians, Freddie, Brian, Roger and John, met in London to form a band, a band that would guarantee them royalty status one day. Their early work landed them on a throne of hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal, which led later to arena and pop rock. You might know the guys better as Queen, led on vocals and piano by Freddie Mercury. He teamed up with Brian May on guitar and vocals and Roger Taylor on drums and vocals, finally being completed with John Deacon on bass. They gained international success with their album “A Night at the Opera,” which had a catchy little number called “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Years later that would be the title of a movie focusing on Queen’s formative beginnings, leading up to the celebrated 1985 Live Aid concert where Queen dominated the stage with all the other great rockers.

Now you have the unique opportunity to celebrate Queen and their music when Absolute Queen comes to Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret for two performances at 3:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 11 for your listening and rafter-raising pleasure. Be prepared to relive the ecstatic joy of the 1980’s as lead singer Martyn Jenkins from Wales sets the bar as high as the castle walls. Jenkins toured Europe for years as front man for the European Touring Queen Show “Night at the Opera.” With Chris Kinder on percussion, he adds his extensive experience touring, playing and recording music for Jon Oliva as the genius behind the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This tribute band totals six members, with Jenkins inserting stories along with the music. Absolute Queen can also morph into a quartet of other tribute concert makers!

With attention to detail paramount, Absolute Queen has invested hundreds of hours in the studio perfecting their multitude of harmonies, producing incredible audience experiences.

For tickets ($48), call Downtown Cabaret, 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport at 203-576-1636 or online at dtcab.com/show/absolute-queen/. Remember this is cabaret so bring your favorite foods and snacks.

Absolute Queen promises to perform every song from the film, including more like “We Are the Champions,” “Play the Game” and “Keep Yourself Alive.” Come hit the high notes and honor your loyalty with their royalty. They will definitely, positively, and absolutely Rock You!

EXPLORE THE TIME CHANGES OF LIFE AT "CLYBOURNE PARK"

A lot can happen to a neighborhood and the houses in it over five decades. Through the passage of time, changes can improve or decimate a community, making it unrecognizable to its former inhabitants.

Such is the case with the Chicago neighborhood at the center of Bruce Norris' Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play "Clybourne Park" now gracing the stage of Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk until Sunday, November 19.

In 1959, Clybourne Park is a desirable white enclave that is visibly frightened by the prospect of a black family moving in to its sacred territory. While Bev (Susan Hefner) and Russ (Frank Matron) are eagerly awaiting their move to a new home, their neighbors are alarmed. Do they know who is purchasing #406? Bev and Russ are moving to escape their home's bad memories, for it is here their son Kenneth, a Korean War veteran, committed suicide.

Now close to moving day, and Russ' new job, their home has a revolving door policy. Jim (Matt Mancuso) drops in to offer some spiritual advice, Karl (Nick Roesler) and his deaf, very pregnant wife Betsy (Allie Seibold) arrive to question the suitability of the prospective new owners and the effect on the neighborhood, while Albert (SJ Hannah) stops by to pick up his wife Francine (Rae Jane) who has worked for years for the family. Albert and Francine are quickly called upon to offer their perspective as the only African-Americans present.

The turmoil and questions of 1959 are turned on their head fifty years later in 2009 when a white family dares to foray into what has become a clearly black neighborhood. Lindsey (Allie Seibold) and Steve (Nick Roesler) have grand architectural plans for #406 and they are meeting at their perspective new home to address a housing permit with friends and associates. With sharp witticisms and biting commentary, the thin veneer of civility is stripped from the racial questions not far from the surface. When Lena (Rae Janeil) introduces the subject of a suicide here fifty years before and a construction worker (Frank Mastrone) uncovers a footlocker buried in the backyard, all the suspicions and mistrust quickly surface. Pamela Hill directs this talented cast in this thought provoking exploration of racial prejudices with a truly skilled perspective.

For tickets ($45-60), call Music Theatre of CT, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at 203-454-3883 or online at musictheatreofct.com. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Pick up the story where "A Raisin in the Sun" leaves off, as the Younger family prepares to move to their first real home, and bear witness to the racial and cultural clashes that can ensue over a prized piece of real estate.

TAKE AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY WITH "PRIVATE JONES"

Veteran’s Day is a deeply moving time to thank the selfless men and women who sacrifice so much, often life and limb, to protect us and our many freedoms. How fitting, therefore, to see the touching and emotional new musical “Private Jones” that just debuted at the Terris Theatre in Chester to great applause at this moment. We are all too aware of wars and conflict, the enormous toll they take on families and communities, and the disastrous truth that we do not learn from our mistakes and are destined to repeat them again and again throughout the ages.

“Private Jones” is a new musical written and directed by Marshall Pailet with Alexandria Wailes, Director of Artistic Sign Language. Come meet Johnny Link as Gomer Jones, a young and eager lad from Wales who wants desperately to help defend England in World War I. At his father’s knee he learned to shoot a rifle, even though it pained him to kill the feral dogs that ate the family’s livelihood of sheep.

When Gomer loses his hearing, he lies about his age and tries to enlist. Passing the physical without benefit of his ears is impossible the first time, but he is not easily discouraged. Once he succeeds, he is determined to be an excellent sniper as the rousing tune “Bastards” joyously illustrates. Training with his new comrades, he is able to hide his disability at first but ultimately Leanne Antonio’s Gwenolyn, a helpful nurse, and a fellow soldier, Claire Neumann’s King, discover his secret and work to protect him. Ultimately he is betrayed by Vincent Kempski’s Edmund from his home town and Gomer is slated to be disgraced and dismissed.

The realities of war and the cruelty of the fighting are portrayed with elaborate choreography by Misha Shields and dramatic musical direction by Myrna Cohn, with both American and British Sign Language sprinkled liberally within the action. Illusions to Gomer’s beloved home of Breconshire in Wales punctuate his conflicts, while Nicholas Mahon’s sweet dog puppet touches the heart.

“Private Jones” is moving in February 2024 to the Signature Theater in Virginia from theTerris. Watch how Gomer Jones takes all his years of practice with a rifle on the farm with his dad and transforms himself into a “bastard killer” against the Krauts, with honor and courage against all odds. His journey is well worth acknowledging as this “deaf as a dormouse” soldier defends all that is dear to him.

ELLA FITZGERALD IS BEING FETED IN STORY AND SONG AT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE

Ella Fitzgerald was an iconic songstress who was at the top of her game when she sang like a songbird on stage. Ella was, is, and will forever be the “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella” as well as “First Lady of Song” to the world. You have the unique opportunity to hear another mighty tribute to her powers when the Westport Country Playhouse presents the musical magic of Cherise Coaches until Sunday, November 5.

In a jazzy concert salute with sassy swing and juicy joy, you are invited to relax to the rhythms as “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald” captures her style and scats. Cherise will reveal how after almost six decades of performing, Ella Fitzgerald established herself as a master of improvisation, perfect phasing and timing, with a pure tone, expert diction, and especially scat singing. Her childhood was marked by obstacles, with singing and dancing in church as well as performing for her classmates at lunchtime and on the way to school a welcome respite. She loved the jazz records her mom brought home to play, until a car accident took her mother away when Ella was only a teenager. Her step father is thought to have abused her.

Her jobs as a numbers runner and a lookout at a bordelo caused her to skip school and her good grades suffered. She spent time in an orphanage and reform school and later earned a living singing on Harlem streets. A talent show at the Apollo where she won first prize changed her future. Cherise Coaches will be up close and personal about Ella’s life. An Artists Lounge Live production, written and directed by Angela Ingersoll, with musical direction by Wiliam Kurk with his band Runere Brooks, Ryan Bennett, and Jay Flat, presents Cherise as she takes the audience on a lively and unique journey into her heroine Ella’s heart and soul. Along the way, Cherise adds touches about how her own life as a singer shares interesting similarities.

With personality plus, Cherise sings such favorites as “Summertime,” “The Lay Is a Tramp,” “A-Tisket A-Tasket,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Mack the Knife,” ”Our Love Is Here to Stay” and “It’s Too Darn Hot,” plus many others.

For tickets ($35 and up), call the Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off route 1 in Westport at 203-227-4177 or 888-927-7529 or online at www.westportplayhouse.org. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Let Cherise take you from Ella’s childhood all the way to Carnegie Hall, and warbling with her outstanding songs all along the fascinating way.