IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE BRINGS A WORLD PREMIERE FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

All the usual suspects, well mostly, and a few new ones, haunted ones if you will, are taking up residency for Christmas this holiday season at the more than one hundred year old Ivoryton Playhouse and you are cordially invited to join the festivities, even if they are serving pizza rather than Yorkshire pudding. Until Sunday, December 15, Jacqueline Hubbard, the Playhouse’s Artistic Director, has written a world premiere English inspired pantomime from her homeland and is directing it to welcome the season, with songs sung by her Nana and mother, and comic moments from her life, all wrapped with a big red bow around a traditional tale of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol," combining casts from two worlds, one from Ivoryton itself and the other from the world of ghosts. The results are amusing and humorous and touching, with a compelling message about compassion, understanding and love.

When a bad storm knocks out the electric power at the playhouse, just after the cast has finished a performance about Scrooge and Marley, the reality that the theatrical troupe is suffering financially and is in trouble becomes apparent. Suddenly this group of actors from 2024 is joined by another troupe, this time ghosts who performed the same show but long ago on every Christmas Eve as this is their favorite show. Why are they here and what do they want? To Arthur Cavendish who runs their group, they are royalty. He believes this is his last and only time to take on the role of Scrooge, a part he has long coveted, but he feels his son Eddie has ruined his chances. The animosity between the father and son is unfortunate, as Arthur will not accept Eddie’s sexual identity and fights him on his life choices.

Eventually the two casts bond, Arthur learns that Eddie must be true to himself, love comes to the forefront and a message of acceptance rises to the surface and instead of a few “bah humbugs” the hope that “God bless us, everyone!” rings true. The best song of the production is the rousing folk tune “Mrs. Moore, don’t have any more, Mrs. Moore.” Kudos to the lively cast who bring the show to life so convincingly: Michael Barra, Victoria Bundonis, R. Bruce Connelly, Olivia Fenton, Sam Given, Miles Hanna, Johanna Regan Milani, Emma Needleman, Dan Noble and Vivianna Velasquez. Mark Ceppetelli is in charge of music direction and arrangements, Francesca Webster, choreography, Martin Scott Marchitto, scenic design and Elizabeth Saylor, costume design.

For tickets ($60, seniors $55, students $25-if available Thursday last minute after 6 pm 50% off ), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m,, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Watch for the thousands of Christmas lights that are hung every year.

Let the flavor of England invade your senses this holiday season as Jacqueline Hubbard brings a taste of her homeland to Ivoryton for a merry menu of British and American joy.

COME TO GOODSPEED MUSICALS FOR A DELIGHTFUL HOLIDAY TREAT: "A CHRISTMAS STORY"

Forget Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch. Don't invite Clara and her Nutcracker friends. Let Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer take a well deserved snooze. Now it is time to concentrate all your efforts on one good little boy, well mostly good, named Ralphie Parker. He has set his heart and his mind on only one present to make his Christmas holiday complete. Ralph wants an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action-200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle, a BB gun if you will. One that has his mother fearing he will shoot his eye out.

Come to East Haddam’s Goodspeed Musicals for that classic tale of childhood desires "A Christmas Story: The Musical" by Bert Pasek and Justin Paul for music and lyrics, based on that perennial favorite movie of 1983, with book by Joseph Robinette.

Ralphie, an adorable and focused Christopher Riley, is nine years old and a determined little son of a gun (pun intended). He is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that he will find what he desires under the Christmas tree. Clearly he doesn't want socks or an Erector set, a toy train or underwear. His list to Santa is short and sweet and has only one item. If he has to scheme and finagle getting it, he is up for the challenge. With his glasses firmly lodged on his nose, he has his eye on the prize and his dad, Jim Stanek, and his mom, Jenn Gambatese, have to decide if the rewards are worth the risks. His little brother Randy, Camilo Velasquez Escamilla, is busy trying to put on and take off his snow suit while the class bullies Oliver Logue and Jack Casey are busy double and triple daring everyone in sight and their teacher Miss Shields, an enthusiastic Rashidra Scott, may hold Ralphie’s fate in her capable hands. John Scherer does a lovely job narrating the action.

Stuffed like a Christmas stocking with musical numbers and tap dancing routines like "It All Comes Down to Christmas," "Ralphie to the Rescue," "Parker Family Singalong," "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" and "A Christmas Story," this family show will be one big giant gift wrapped present for young and old alike.

Get the tinsel ready, look out for the infamous pink bunny pajamas (what kind of gift is that for a boy?), the quirky lamp that resembles a lady's leg and a dare that involves a frozen flagpole. If you meet a Santa Claus, Ian Knauer, who is cranky, you'll know you're in the right place. Come cheer Ralph on in his quest for the best (or the worst) holiday ever. hunter Foster directs this merry marry-go-round of a holiday treat, with scenic design by David L. Arsenault, choreography by Mara Newberry Greer and music direction by Adam Souza.

For tickets ($37 and up), call the Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, East Haddam at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.org. Performances are Wednesday and 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.

It's Indiana in 1940 and the Parker family has set a place for you at the kitchen table. Plan to come for a feast of guaranteed holiday delights. Don't for a moment try to resist the banquet coming your way. Watch for the Old Man’s prize winning lamp, the mischievous dogs, Gus and Jethro, the roasted turkey, and the childhood fun of dreams and wish fulfillment.

"DISNEY'S THE LION KING" STRUTS MAJESTICALLY TO THE BUSHNELL FOR THREE WEEKS

Since 1997, "Disney’s The Lion King” has presented an ode to the animals of Africa, in intense story and lyrical song, magnificent parades of puppetry, creativity of costuming, making the savannah come alive in your imagination, winning a slew of awards and thrilling millions of viewers. Now, thanks to the Hartford’s Bushnell Center for the Arts, you can be present at the incredible journey of one small lion cub Simba as he learns what his purpose is in life: to ascend the throne at Pride Rock and be King. For three weeks, until Sunday, December 1, you can witness the beauty of this tale as only Disney can tell it.

The intriguing role of the young lion prince is shared by Bryce Christian Thompson and Julian Villela, rambunctious as a young pup as each tries on the mantle of leadership and tests his limitations. The role of Simba’s best friend Nala is shared by Ritisha Chakraborty and Jaxyn Damasco, as each investigate their own adventure into forbidden territory, the land in the dark shadows in the elephant graveyard, lured there by Simba’s menacing and jealous uncle Scar, a diabolical Peter Hargrave. As brother of the King Mufasa, a caring Darnell Abraham, Scar is on a mission to destroy Mufasa, and also Simba, so he can ascend Pride Rock as ruler.

This incredible musical extravaganza is stuffed with color and creativity. The masks, costumes and puppetry have to be seen to be believed as the aisles and the stage are filled with elephants, giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, flying birds, a rhinoceros, hyenas, lions and even a lovable warthog named Pumbaa created by Danny Grumich and his best pal Timon created by Nick Cordileone. A lot of the humor can be found in the opinionated Zazu, a bird feathered well in the hands of Nick LaMedica.

After a frightening incident orchestrated by Scar, the young Simba runs away, meets Pumbaa and Timon, and returns as a fully grown adult lion, strongly created by Erick D. Patrick. He is reunited with his childhood pal Nala, now grown into the lovely Thembelihle Cele who convinces Simba to challenge Scar for his rightful place as monarch. Elton John and Tim Rice deserve credit for music and lyrics, with book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. Julie Taymor is responsible for much of the costume and puppetry magic as well as directing this fantastic feast of fur and feathers. The incredible choreography is due to the talents of Garth Fagan.

For tickets ($41 and up ), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at www.bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

You will feel the love tonight as you join the circle of life and let Mukelisiwe Goba’s Rafiki guide you into this mysterious and magical world where the kingdom of magnificent African animals roam free. From buffalo to baboons, antelopes to aardvarks, hyenas and hawks, wildebeests to warthogs, hippos and hornbills and giraffes to gazelles, listen for the chirps, bleats, bellows, brays, roars, chatters, laughs and trumpeting in a memorable happening you will not soon forget. After all, the message is: Hakuna Matata, No Worries, No Troubles. Remember this is the place where you definitely feel the love tonight and all afterward.

SEVEN ANGELS OFFERS A LESSON IN DOO-WOP MUSIC IN "UNCHAINED MELODIES"

In the late 1940’s in America, a new genre of music, originating in rhythm and blues, jazz and gospel, emerged. It was created by African American artists but soon gained popularity with white performers and audiences. It became known as doo-wop, and such groups as the Drifters, the Platters. the Temptations and singers like the Mills Brothers, the Ink Spots and the Moonglows encouraged its growth and popularity. This unique style of harmony, identified by a series of nonsense words like tutti fruit, be-bop-a-lula, ooby dooby, drip drop, rama lama ding dong, ooh-poo-pah-doo, ting-a-ling and da-doo ron ron, are ready to entertain you thanks to a quartet of guys eager to share their musical skills in “Unchained Melodies” at Waterbury's Seven Angels Theatre until Sunday, November 24.

Come welcome local boys Joseph Torello, Michael Ricciardone, Raul Calderon and Tanner Sperry to the stage as they offer an interesting historical and musical view of the era, inserting tidbits about the performers and their place in the journey as they happily warble all the great tunes that mark this time. Wonderfully nostalgic are the parade of songs they offer for the audience’s enjoyment, songs that were made popular in New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

You will soon find yourself humming and tapping along to such hits as “Life Could Be a Dream,” “Blue Moon,” Yes, I’m the Great Pretender,” “Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love?,” “Little Darlin', “ “Charlie Brown,” “Dance With Me” and “My Mother Told Me You’d Better Look Around.” These were songs of first love, lost love, the perils of dating, the songs of Kander and Ebb, the music of Lieber and Stoller, the influences of the Beach Boys and the Beetles, the changes instigated by the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli and how each curve and turn took place along the way. It’s like a historical music class where there are no final exams, just listening pleasure.

“Unchained Melodies” was written by Rebecca Hopkins,Richard Hopkins and Jim Prosser, directed by Russel Garrett, musically directed by Mike Wilkins on Keyboard, with Dan Kraszewski on bass and Mark Ryan and Bob Nolte on percussion. For tickets ($30 for those under 40, or $45, call Seven Angels Theatre, Plank Road, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Flex passes for prescriptions are now available. Watch for specialty food nights. Also canned goods for Thanksgiving are requested by St. Vincent DePaul for donation.

Remember the past as you travel down the highway musically with this foursome who are anxious to entertain you the sweetest way they know how in their New England premiere.

TRAVEL "IN THE HEIGHTS" FOR A WONDERFUL MUSICAL ADVENTURE AT THE DOWNTOWN CABARET

Lin-Manuel Miranda, long before his stunning success with “Hamilton,” crafted an enthusiastic and energetic musical tale of a community thriving in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, in New York City.

Written while he was a student at Middletown’s Wesleyan University, with book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, “In the Heights” speaks to diversity and cooperation in the Washington Heights section of the city, where people from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Latino nations live together in hope, filled with dreams, and prepare for change.

At the Downtown Cabaret of Bridgeport weekends until Sunday, November 24, this musical speaks to people helping people and the common goals of improving the way of life for everyone. At the center of the community is the bodega, or grocery store, run by Usnavi, a caring but unsatisfied Manny Gonzalez. He has dreams but they are unfulfilled. Will he win the heart of Vanessa (Juliana Rivera)? How can he best protect Abuela Claudia (Jane Prieto) who is like a grandmother to him? Should he return to his homeland to find what his present life is missing?

Around Usnavi swirl the stories of Nina (Olivia Rivera) whose parents (Cintia Maio and Martin Garcia) will sacrifice everything to guarantee their daughter get a college education, Benny (Everton Ricketts) who works for her parents and loves Nina, his cousin Sonny (Nick Nunez) who helps in the bodega but wants more, and Piragua Guy (Jay Reyes) who sells iced drinks to the neighborhood. Who can predict how his sweet grandmother, who is exceptional in the role, will have the good fortune enough and power to change all their lives.

On the fourth of July when a blackout occurs, change is poised on the horizon. With energized dancing choreographed by Olivia Rivera, the gifted director Ben Tostado, as well as songs like “In the Heights,” “Breathe,” “Sunrise,” and “Alabanza,” the heartfelt message of the people speaks to their joy, led by music director Mark Ceppetelli. The colorful set by David Klevit is the launchpad for the story.

For tickets ($30.50 and up), call the Downtown Cabaret, Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport at 203-576-1636 or online at www.dtcab.com. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3:30 p.m.and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.This is cabaret so don’t forget to bring tasty food and drink to share at your table or plan to visit the concession stand.

Come celebrate with this wonderful and passionate cast the vibrant life of a community where preserving the past is equally as important as laying the groundwork for the future, all thanks to the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda as he was just getting started in his adventurous and powerful ways.

START THE HOLIDAY SEASON RIGHT AND BRIGHT WITH THE CTGMC

What would the Christmas holidays be without a joy filed musical concert from the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus to light up your spirits and ignite your heartstrings? The Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus promises not to disappoint by offering a quartet of golden opportunities for celebration: the Sacred Heart Community Theater, 1420 Post Road, Fairfield on Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m., and three invitations to the Katharine Hepburn Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook on Saturday, December 14 at 8:30 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.

As the world hungers for hope and stability, what better way to grab a stocking full than to take family and friends to a traditional present to yourself with “Just Believe.” This troupe of merry man will be primed and ready to set their glad tidings aflame and offer up old and new holiday favorites. Expect the unexpected with surprises and holiday treats marrying the traditional with the unusual and original gems these talented men are so famous for finding.

For tickets ($38), fair warning they’re going fast like hotcakes fast, so go online to www.ctgmc.org. Don’t forget the monthly fundraising bingo games, like Saturday, November 16, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. You buy your cards for the games, this time it’s with Kiki Lucia in “Baste My Butterballs BingoMania!”.The fun takes place at The Annex Y M A Club, 554 Woodward Avenue, New Haven.

Mark your calendars for the fun, frolic and festivities that the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus promises to produce with tinsel, toys, and talent as only they can. Since 1986, the CTGMC has been a center as a choral arts organization and an agent for social change, led by spirited conductor Greg McMahan. Support their good works by celebrating Christmas in their welcoming membership. Just believe!

OPEN THE LYRICAL LETTERS IN "DEAR ELIZABETH" AT NEW HAVEN THEATER COMPANY

When playwright Sarah Ruhl was on bed-rest, pregnant with twins, she received a book of poetry and letters, “Words in Air,” chronologing a thirty year friendship and deeply personal relationship between the poets Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop. That book would profoundly change Ruhl’s life as the more than 450 letters dramatically and lyrically channel the course of their lives, when they were together but even more so when they endured long separations.

Sarah Ruhl’s play “Dear Elizabeth” is being given a lovely airing at the New Haven Theater Company until November 16 at the EBM Vintage Market at 839 Chapel Street in New Haven and if you are a devotee of poetry and love a sensitive story of enduring friendship, do not miss this offering. In today's world, letter writing is a lost art, where few take a pen to paper and put words on heavy vanilla cream vellum. In a rush to communicate, we now rely on instant messaging, emails, tweets and texts, abbreviating our thoughts to send them swiftly and succinctly. Not so Robert and Elizabeth. They indulge their feelings, relishing in the written word and they are masters at their craft. Both are gifted in their own right, he having won a Guggenheim Fellowship, National Book Award and both earning a Pulitzer and both serving as the equivalent of what would be Poet Laureate today. Their paths crossed often but more likely they were at opposite sides of the globe. He suffered from bi-polar depression and she from alcoholism, asthma and depression.

Over the years they sent each other letters, postcards, manuscripts, telegrams, hundreds of which survive, They met in 1947 and continued their correspondence until Lowell died of a heart attack in 1977. At one point they almost married. Ralph Buonocore and Sandra E. Rodriguez bring Robert and Elizabeth to sensitive life, with Abby Klein as Brigit acting as a facilitator, under J.Kevin Smith’s sterling direction.

For tickets ($25), contact the theater at newhaventheatercompany.com. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m , Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Follow their tender memories, their tragic losses, as they mastered the art of communication, establishing an enduring friendship, hinting at what might have been and securing what was to be all they ultimately had.

"PAUL ANKA ALL THE HITS - HIS WAY" AT WARNER THEATRE NOVEMBER 13

For a young teenage heartthrob, look no further than singer/songwriter Paul Anka who is still, at the tender age of 83, just as swoon worthy as he was as a confident lad with big dreams. He admits he was “pretty precocious, a pretty aggressive kid. I think my parents knew they had an unusual child.” He honed his big charismatic personality as he worked the crowds at his father's Canadian restaurant, the Locanda, helping out in the kitchen and kibitzing with the politicians, businessmen and journalists who frequented it.

At the age of 15, he set his sights on Los Angeles, with $100 in his pocket, with the goal of making his name as a singer, staying with his uncle at the time. Before long, he wanted to try for New York City. His father agreed on one condition: he had to return to Ottawa if he didn’t succeed. The rest, as they say, is history. Only days later, his father was singing a contract at ABC/Paramount Records, as Paul was too young to sign it himself.

To catch up with all the years in-between then and now, bop on over to the Warner Theatre in Torrington on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m to get up close and personal with ”Paul Anka All the Hits - His Way.”

As a mere 16 year old, Anka wrote a song for a hometown girl he had a crush on, a little tune called “Diana” that would launch his career, selling more than 20 million copies and become the number one song in the world. Soon the whole globe was dancing to hits like “Lonely Boy,” (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings,” and “Put Your Head on my Shoulder,” and he hadn’t even hit the big 2-0 yet.

When the world of music changed, Anka adapted himself into a “Rat Pack-style writer,” composing little successes like the theme song to Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show, “My Way” his tribute to Frank Sinatra and the Tom Jones’s hit “She’s a Lady.” It’s reported the royalties from Jones’s hit alone earned him close to a million dollars in one year.

In collaboration or alone he has written about 900 songs, appeared in films and on television, toured across the globe, released more than 120 albums, placing singles in the Top 50 in five different decades and he is still going strong.

For tickets ($69-109), call the Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, Torrington at 860-489-7180 or online at warner theatre.org.

For Paul Albert Anka, he has always done it “his way,” living a life that is full. Come discover that exciting life for yourself. Watch for the world premiere of “Paul Anka: His Way,“ a documentary of his incredible career as “one of Canada’s most successful exports."