A NEW MUSICAL OF LOVE IN THE TIME OF HIV/AIDS

Love is a genuine emotion that has survived, even flourished, over the ages, as in Columbian Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel “Love in the Time of Cholera.”  Now Dawson Atkin, a third year music composition student at The Hartt School in Hartford has focused his new musical on love in the time of HIV/AIDS in the mid 1980’s to the early 1990’s. His work began as a ten minute school project and has blossomed over time into a full forty-five minute piece that will be featured in the Hartford Fringe Festival from October 9 to November 9 as a film online.

 

The Hartford Fringe Festival in its second year is all virtual, on Vimeo.  Go to  https://vimeo.com.ondemand/2020hartfordfringe.

All of the more than a dozen films about clowns and circuses, play companies, psychological problems, magic, love relationships, 

are $10 each or $99 for the series.

 

The first Fringe Festival was in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947.  Those theaters not invited to participate created their own “happening” on the outskirts or fringe of town, with out of the envelope works that boldly craved attention. Their popularity out sparked the original and now America is home to more fringe festivals than any other country. While this year Edinburgh will not take place due to the pandemic, just a short two years ago it boasted 55 performances of 3548 different shows in 317 venues over 25 days.

 

For Dawson Atkin, this Fringe Festival in Hartford is a wonderful way to showcase his new work, with lyricist N.J. Collay, a Brandeis student, featuring Sam Vana, a Hartt student.  Sam plays an unnamed character who watches his life partner be diagnosed with and eventually die from HIV/AIDS.  The musical that features such works as  

“Your Hand Is Mine,” “Eulogies” and ”Coming Back ” is entitled “Notes on You and Me.”    It depicts what it means to live through a deeply personal tragedy, trying to balance the national need for political activism with the crushing obligation to be present in the grim reality of love and illness and loss.

 

While Dawson was not old enough to remember this historic moment in time, he embraces the grief elements and is “really proud of the results.”  He feels Sam took the material and really ran with it, singing out and acting and playing his guitar.  Being virtual gave Dawson the opportunity to do film editing but he hopes to develop the work further and create a live version.

 

He feels strongly that “once people are gone, we’re less able to tell their stories, but we must.  How can you describe a fire, if all that is left are ashes?” The music he composed to tell his story falls in two genres:  folk and the musical theatre, with inspiration from writers like  William Finn.  At the end of the day, it is memories that keep loved ones alive.  With HIV/AIDS,  the crime is that it was ignored too long  and so many did not need to lose their lives. 

 

It remains to be seen what impact the recent announcement by Pope Francis in support of same-sex civil unions will have on the Roman Catholic Church.

Stating that gay people are children of God could open a dialogue of change with far reaching consequences.  It may provide Dawson Atkin with enough new material to compose another musical about love in the time of Covid.

.

 

ENTER THE POLITICAL ARENA IN A THEATRICAL MEETING WITH “RFK”

 

Without a doubt, the citizens of the United States, if not all the world, are focused on the upcoming presidential election taking place on November 3^rd. Our fate and our soul may be in question. Imagine you could turn the clock back to a different era and explore the psyche of another political figure and gain understandings from that encounter.

 

Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk is offering you such an opportunity. MTC is only one of three theaters with permission to perform live, as well as to stream, and the experience is awesome. Until November 8, come see Chris Manuel as Robert F. Kennedy in Jack Holmes’ absorbing drama “RFK.” Growing up in the shadow of his older brothers, Joe who was killed in the war and Jack who became the first Catholic president, it was not easy.

 

Chris Manuel opens his heart and soul as he shares his unique story, in the years 1964-1968, as he reconciles his political future with what the country demands of him. He is open and honest about the impact of Jack’s death as he speaks at the gravesite to ”Johnny,” seeking his advice. Should he run for office against Lyndon Johnson or retire to his home at Hickory Hill and enjoy life with his wife Ethel and their eleven children?

 

He wants to end the war in Vietnam, to curb poverty, to fight for racial justice, to make the world a better place.

He was afraid if he ran, he would split the Democratic party. Despite this crisis of conscience, he decides to campaign for the presidency. Tragically he is killed by an assassin on the night of his California primary victory at the age of 42.

 

Come witness this personal and intimate journey thanks to the direction of Kevin Connors, the stage management of Jim Schilling, the scenic design of Jessie Lizotte, the lighting of RJ Romeo and the sound design of Will Atkin. With masks and social distancing, attend in person by calling the theater, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at 203-454-3883 or get a stream link for $25. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

 

Mark your calendars now for a live radio play,”It’s a Wonderful Life,” coming December 11-20.

 

Let RFK reveal his character, with all its flaws, as he genuinely tries to become the leader the country needs and deserves.

LIFE LESSONS IN THE TIME OF COVID

 I FINALLY FIGURED OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CURRENT LIFE:  I AM IN A PERPETUAL INTERMISSION.  THE ACTION HAS CEASED AND I MUST LEARN PATIENCE BEFORE THE CURTAIN RISES UP AGAIN.  HOW LONG THIS INTERMISSION WILL LAST IS A QUESTION THAT CANNOT BE ANSWERED TODAY OR ANY TIME IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I MUST BE PATIENT AND LEARN ACCEPTANCE . UNCERTAINTY IS MY NEW MIDDLE NAME .

 

WHAT LESSONS CAN I TAKE FROM THIS NEW UNWELCOME STATE OF AFFAIRS?

1.  I CAN TRY TO CONTROL MY RESPONSE TO CHANGE. AND ACCEPT THAT UNCERTAINTY IS MY NEW CONSTANT. 

2.  UNTIL I’M DEAD, I DON’T HAVE TO ACT AS IF I’M DYING.

3.  I CAN LOOK AT WHAT I CAN DO AND NOT FOCUS ON WHAT I CAN’T DO.

4.  I HAVE TO STOP FEARING THE WORST AND RATHER CONCENTRATE ON THE BETTER TO GENERATE HOPE.

5.  I NEED TO CULTIVATE GRATITUDE AND LOOK FOR THE GOOD, TO GROW THROUGH THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.

6.  MY CHOICE IS NOT TO SIT IN FEAR BUT TO REACH OUT AND HELP OTHERS.

7.  POSITIVE EMOTIONS CAN BE CONTAGIOUS.

8.  WE NEED TO BUILD ONE GREAT BIG COLLECTIVE SUPPORT GROUP.

9.  WE NEED TO DEVELOP RESILIENCE.

10.              WE NEED TO THRIVE TO SURVIVE.

11.              WE NEED TO EMBRACE JOY AND ACCOMPLISH WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR LIVES.

12.              THE WORDS WE USE MATTER.  WE NEED TO LOVE OURSELVES FIRST.

13.              CLEAN YOUR MIND AND GET RID OF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.

14.              FOCUS ON GRATITUDE ON A DAILY BASIS, EITHER FIRST THING IN THE MORNING OR LAST THING AT NIGHT, OR BOTH.

15.              BELIEVE IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.

16.              USE YOUR TIME TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE EVEN IF YOU ARE ONLY ONE VOICE.

17.              BELIEVE THAT SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THE QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY SAYING “I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW.”

18.              SOMEDAY IS NOT A DAY OF THE WEEK.

19.              EVERYTHING YOU’VE EVER WANTED IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR.

20.              REMEMBER THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT DAYS OF YOUR LIFE, ACCORDING TO MARK TWAIN, ARE THE DAY YOU ARE BORN AND THE DAY YOU FIND OUT WHY.

COME SHAKE THE BLUES AWAY COURTESY OF GOODSPEED MUSICALS

 

 

 

Have you been starved for the magic of a musical or the excitement of theater? Than have I got a date for you! Goodspeed Musicals is planning a unique virtual gala for Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. when Broadway comes to East Haddam. A showboat of stars who have made their mark on the Goodspeed stage will return to create new productions rather than  their previous roles in such hits as “Hello, Dolly!,” “Holiday Inn,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Oklahoma!,” “Anything Goes,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and many more.

 

The action will be on the Goodspeed stage as well as a variety of original spaces throughout the historic Opera House. Song and dance will resonate from all areas as stars like Klea Blackhurst, Bryan Thomas Hunt, Gizel Jimenez, Rashidra Scott, Kelly Sheehan, James Snyder, Alysha Umphress and Nicholas Ward will strut their incredible stuff in sensational scenes. Acclaimed choreographer Kelli Barclay will use her magic for a special number while Resident Music Director Adam Souza will craft all the orchestrations.

 

The evening will be a fundraiser for this iconic stage, a virtual gala to support Goodspeed until it can re-open for more glorious performances. Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts will match all tickets purchased and gifts made, dollar for dollar.SFFEA’s Founding Partner Linda Marshall said “The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts has been thrilledto partner with Goodspeed on their impactful annual arts education programs. This fall, while we wait for all arts organizations, including Goodspeed, to re-open, we encourage donors to recognize the importance of Goodspeed in our community by joining us in making a generous gift during this exciting event.”

 Unlike previous gala celebrations, there is no limit on attendees for Shakin' the Blues Away—thousands of Goodspeed members and musical theatre lovers from around the world can participate in this exciting event from their own homes. There are a few ways to enjoy the gala performance. New and renewing Goodspeed Members who sign up by October 23 will receive a free ticket for their household to watch Shakin’ the Blues Away: A Virtual Gala Concert for Goodspeedfrom the comfort of home. For all others, tickets for this one-of-a-kind musical experience are $25. This fundraising event is vital to the future of Goodspeed Musicals and is offered as a beacon of musical theatre hope and joy during the pandemic. 

 

For those who wish to savor the event but can’t watch on October 29, Shakin' the Blues Awaywill be available for ticket holders to watch for an entire week after it premieres.

 

For memberships, tickets, event information and more aboutShakin’ the Blues Away: A Virtual Gala Concert for Goodspeed, please visit www.Goodspeed.org/gala. 

Help preserve the proud legacy of the Goodspeed by participating in this gala event, one guaranteed to shake and sweep the blues away.

 

 

DAVID ARROW STARS IN HIS OWN WORK ON ROBERT F. KENNEDY

 

 

AFTER ACTOR AND WRITER DAVID ARROW WAS INVITED TO PLAY ROBERT KENNEDY IN A PLAY “RFK “ BY JACK HOLMES, HE DID EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, READING AT LEAST FORTY BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT.  HE DECIDED TO PEN HIS OWN VERSION OF THE POLITICIAN, FOCUSING ON THE PIVOTAL YEAR 1968

WHEN HE RAN FOR PRESIDENT.  THE RESULT IS “KENNEDY:  BOBBY’S LAST CRUSADE” SHOWCASED AND STREAMED BY WEST HARTFORD’S PLAYHOUSE ON PARK RECENTLY. 

 

THIS ONE MAN SHOW THAT DAVID ARRROW TACKLES BRILLIANTLY IS BASED ON THE LAST THREE MONTHS OF RFK’S LIFE, BEFORE HE IS TRAGICALLY ASSASSINATED MOMENTS AFTER VICTORIOUSLY WINNING THE CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY AGAINST EUGENE MCCARTY AT THE AMBASSADOR HOTAL IN LOS ANGELES.

 

DAVID ARROW BEARS A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE TO THIS “FOLK HERO” IN PERSONA AND VOICE, WITH A STRONG BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS ACCENT.  HE PORTRAYS JOHN F. KENNEDY’S YOUNGER BROTHER, SO OFTEN IN JFK’S SHADOW, HERE HE ASSERTS HIMSELF AS A CHAMPION OF THE PEOPLE, THE POOR AND DISENFRANCISED,  AN OPPONENT OF THE VIETNAM WAR AND A LEADER AGAINST DIVISION AND VIOLENCE.  HE QUESTIONED WHETHER HE WAS THE MAN TO DEFEAT LYNDON JOHNSON AND GENE MCCARTHY AND IF HE HAD ENTERED THE RACE TOO LATE?

 

RFK BELIEVED THE COUNTRY WAS ON THE WRONG COURSE AND HE WANTED TO USE HIS CAREER AS A LAWYER AND AS ATTORNEY GENERAL TO MAKE MUCH NEEDED CHANGES. THOUGH HE HATED MAKING SPEECHES, HE IS BUSY CROSSING THE COUNTRY TO PLEAD HIS CASE TO BUILD AMERICA FOR THE FUTURE, VISITING 12 STATES IN 2 WEEKS.  THEN TWO EVENTS GALVANIZE HIM:  LBJ DECLARES HE WILL NOT RUN FOR REELECTION AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. IS KILLED BY AN ASSASSIN IN MEMPHIS.

 

RFK KNEW THERE WOULD BE GUNS BETWEEN HIM AND THE WHITE HOUSE.   HE FELT THE MILITARY COULD NOT SAVE AMERICA.  ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, HE FELT PEOPLE NEEDED TO SEE AND HEAR HIM AND KNOW HE WAS GENUINE.  AT THAT MOMENT IN TIME, HAVING WON THE CALIFORNIA PRIMARY, HE KNEW THE PEOPLE WERE THERE FOR HIM, WANTING HIM TO RIGHT THE COUNTRY’S WRONGS.  WE WILL NEVER KNOW IF HE COULD HAVE SUCCEEDED IN THAT IMPOSSIBLE QUEST.

 

RFK WAS A SYMBOL OF “MODERN AMERICAN LIBERALISM” WHO ADVOCATED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND USED HIS IMPERFECTIONS TO CRAFT A CAMPAIGN FOR A BETTER AMERICA.  ERIC NIGHTINGALE DIRECTS THIS SLICE OF REALISM WITH A STRONG HAND. THE PLAY CAN BE STEAMED UNTIL OCTOBER 4 FOR $20 BY CALLING PLAYHOUSE ON PARK AT 860-523-5900 EXT.10. THE PLAY WILL BE SCREENED AT DUNKIN’ DONUTS PARK ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AND AT

INGERSOL POP-UP DRIVE-IN ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4.  FUTURE PLAYS WILL BE “ALL IS CALM” SET IN 1914 AT CHRISTMAS AND  “CHILDREN OF PARADISE” SET IN HEAVEN.  THE THEME FOR THE PLAYHOUSE’S TWELTH SEASON IS, APPROPRIATELY, HOPE.

THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, FROM 3-4 P.M. PLAYHOUSE ON PARK WILL HOST A PANEL DISCUSSION ON ZOOM WITH CHUCK COURSEY, FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER AS MODERATOR, AND  PANELISTS  PLAYWRIGHT AND ACTOR DAVID ARROW, MICHAEL DEVORKIN ATTORNEY, BURKE DOAR ATTORNEY AND JUDGE BARRY STEVENS, SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE. You must register in advance in order to watch the live Zoom Webinar. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rXJp2Mr2Sp-SmRLdWOf8Bg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. This conversation will be recorded and uploaded to the WHCi YouTube channel for future viewings. Can’t join us live? Visit the WHCi YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzpHKCsl6ag

RESERVE YOUR SEAT BEFORE EVERY ONE IS “FULLY COMMITTED”

 

If ever there were a person who could effectively use the eight arms of an octopus, it would be Sam the out- of- work actor who takes the tedious job of reservation agent at a trendy Manhattan restaurant. It’s the Christmas season and everyone and anyone wants a coveted table for themselves to see and be seen. Sam, played effectively and convincingly by the talented Matt Densky, has the dubious honor of fielding the requests as to who is worthy of a chair and table.

This is a one man show where the lead actor plays somewhere between thirty and forty roles, all delightfully, from the bombastic chef to the numerous actors, V.I.P.s, tourists, even Mafia dons who call incessantly wanting to dine. A hearty welcome back to Music Theater of Connecticut of Norwalk for being one of the first locations to offer live theater during the pandemic. Hallelujah!

You have the unique and pleasurable opportunity to witness this event first hand in Becky Mode’s challenging comedy “Fully Committed.” 

Of course, the smaller the portions the bigger the price tag and the more unusual the offerings created daily by the Chef, who is temperamental to the extreme, the more desirable they seem. Sam has to be a master juggler to answer the multiple phones and confess the eatery is booked at least three months in advance, hence the comment about being “fully committed.”

Playwright Becky Mode has nailed with pinpoint accuracy the craziness and caginess of the customers who seek a reserved table at the current hot spot. Densky plays them all, insiders like the egotistical chef and snide maitre ‘d and outsiders like Gwyneth Paltrow’s fawning assistant and demanding Mafia men who are willing to pay extravagantly to get a table. Densky assumes all the mannerisms and accents as he balances family, friends, acting competitors and wannabe customers of the chichi global fusion cuisine his restaurant specializes in serving.

Sam fields phone calls like a pro, handles messy emergencies without breaking too much of a sweat and ends up satisfying most of his contacts as the jolly Christmas spirit adds a little more urgency to his multi-tasking. Kevin Connors directs this behind the scenes romp into restaurant ramekins and rigors, on a detailed restaurant basement set designed by Jessie Lizotte, while Jim Schilling serves as stage manager.

For tickets ($35-65), call Music Theater of CT, 509 Westport Avenue, Route 1, Norwalk at 203-454-3883. Performances are weekends until September 27, Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in a safe socially distanced environment. If you prefer, you can watch the performance from your home by streaming, for $25. Now is the time to plan to see a dramatic play about Robert Kennedy, the years 1964-68, “RFK,” October 23-November 8 and, just in time for the holidays, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” December 11-20.

Reserve a V. I. P. seat for this hectic holiday hilarity as Sam the man tries to fill requests from the sublime to the ridiculous.

      

THE HILL-STEAD MUSEUM SHINES ITS THEATRICAL LIGHTS THIS SUMMER

As the sun sets on a warm summer afternoon, when you want to celebrate the season and settle outdoors for an evening of entertainment, when you want to forget the state of the world during the time of Covid, what better place to head

than the lovely pastoral setting at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.  On such a recent evening, I took my chair, my mask and a friend and we sat on the lawn, on one of the museum’s 152 lush green acres, to enjoy an evening of

Cabaret songs courtesy of the singing group The Falsetti Four.  Under the auspices of West Hartford’s intimate Playhouse on Park, with the generous support of the Hill-Stead Museum, the entire summer has been dotted with many

sparkling opportunities to bring a treasured moment of music or theater to life. This was just such an evening.

Safe in our little pod, with food to nibble and drinks to imbibe, we watched the sun go down as the Falsetti Four gloriously sang show tunes. With a following from their Friday Night performances at BlueBack Square in West Hartford, the troupe included 

Rick Fountain, Amanda Forker, Carolyn Burke, Hillary Ekwall and young, talented high schooler Stephanie Reuning-Scherer whose dad Jonathan was there flashing the keyboards to every number.  Tunes ranged from show biz favorites like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to

cute numbers about the mistake of dying your hair blue only to have it turn green to a one woman birthday party celebration.  Whether sentimental or sassy, the performances were Broadway level enjoyable.

The Hill-Stead is also entertaining benefit dinners on the lawn,”Theodate & Tyler,” as farm-to-table experiences into September  Other events include a Playhouse on Park Dance Party with Darlene Zoller on Wednesday, September 16 and a

 Playwrights Reading Series on Wednesday, September 23.  Other entertainment performances are the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Stage, a Concert Among the Acres, a Painting Class run by the Museum and the Sonia Plumb Dance Company

in September and in October the Hartford Stage and the Farmington Land Trust Raptor Program.  Visit https://www.hillstead.org/ for dates, times and prices.

  The Museum is now open for guided tours from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Treat yourself to an evening outdoors as the sunshine turns to star shine and you get to remember why you love theater.