UPSTAGED!: “THE PLAY’S THE THING” BY STUART BROWN SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026, PALACE THEATER

WATERBURY, CT – On Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m., West Hartford theater critic and playwright Stuart Brown will share his ideas on how to structure a 10-minute play for the stage and how inspiration plays a key role in the writing process. Following Brown’s presentation, actors Cheyenne Walent and Dan Willey will perform two of his works. There will be a talkback afterward to help audience members better understand the creative process and the craft of writing for the stage. “Stuart Brown has a remarkable ability to distill human experience into powerful, compact storytelling,” said Sheree Marcucci, Palace Theater’s Director of Special Projects & Curated Programs. “His work exemplifies what the Upstaged! series is all about—intimate, thoughtful theater that sparks conversation and invites audiences inside the creative journey.” Brown’s 10-minute plays have been praised for their emotional clarity, sharp observation, and understated humor. Audiences and critics alike have noted his skill in creating fully realized narratives within a compressed format, often highlighting his ability to balance warmth and wit while exploring deeply personal moments. His work has been described as accessible yet resonant, offering insight without excess and leaving a lasting impression well beyond its brief runtime. Tickets are $15 and available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited seating. For tickets and information, visit palacetheaterct.org or call 203-346-2000. This performance is made possible through the generous support of Mary Ellen & Tim Rourke and Thomaston Savings Bank. About Stuart Brown Stuart Brown, who retired after 32 years as Director of Student Services at UConn Waterbury, began writing 10-minute plays in 2023. His works are rooted in personal experience and observation, often infused with humor. Each 10-minute play features a fully realized arc with a beginning, middle, and end—mirroring the structure of a full-length play. Brown has also written three one-act plays. His play Lady Jigsaw was presented at the Chestnut Street Playhouse New Playwrights Festival in September 2025. He is an active member of the CT Critics Circle and is a member of the Outer Critics Circle. Brown also produces the online radio program ”Sounds of Broadway (SoundsofBroadway.com). About the Upstaged! series Part of the Palace Theater’s Spotlight Series, Upstaged! is an eclectic collection of theatrical experiences presented in an intimate setting. Each performance centers on the art of storytelling, inviting audiences to engage, connect, and explore. About the Palace Theater Located in Downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, the Palace Theater is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit performing arts center with a mission “to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.” The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support for the Spotlight Series by the Connecticut Community Foundation, Mary Ellen & Tim Rourke, The United Way of Greater Waterbury, Thomaston Savings Bank, The Village at East Farms, and Bluebird Counseling. For more information, visit: www.palacetheaterct.org. # # #