Connecticut Theatre + Broadway News

The Opera House Players Will Present BROADWAY AND THE BLUES, 6/1

(5/21/2013) - The Opera House Players will present 'Broadway and the Blues,' a summer Cabaret-style show on Saturday, June 1 at 8pm at the Broad Brook Opera House, 107 Main Street, Broad Brook, CT.

Ridgefield Theatre Barn to Open I DO! I DO!, May 31

(5/20/2013) - From the creators of The Fantasticks! comes this fun musical comedy about the ups and downs of marriage - and you don't want to miss it! With Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones and Music by Harvey Schmidt, based on the play Fourposter by Jan de Hartog, I DO! I DO! is directed by Richard Grasso with musical direction by John Rose. Produced by Cheryl Boyd.

BWW TV: She's Lookin' Swell! Klea Blackhurst and Cast of Goodspeed's HELLO DOLLY Meets the Press; Plus a Performance Preview!

(5/20/2013) - Dolly looks swell as ever as Goodspeed Musicals brings everyone's favorite meddlesome matchmaker to its main stage. Hello, Dolly! will run from June 28 - September 8 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn. Official Press Opening will be July 17, 2013.Leading the cast in the role of Dolly Levi will be cabaret diva Klea Blackhurst. Ms. Blackhurst is best known for her award-winning tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything the Traffic Will Allow, which she has performed in venues across the U.S. and in London. She was most recently seen in Happy Huntingat The York Theatre. She also created the role of Miss Lemon in the new musical The Nutty Professor, which premiered this past summer in Nashville. The cast and creative team met the press earlier today and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with the whole gang. Check out what they had to say and catch a performance preview below!

Photo Coverage: Klea Blackhurst, Ashley Brown & Cast of Goodspeed's HELLO DOLLY! Meets the Press

(5/20/2013) - Dolly looks swell as ever as Goodspeed Musicals brings everyone's favorite meddlesome matchmaker to its main stage. Hello, Dolly! will run from June 28 - September 8 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn. Official Press Opening will be July 17, 2013.Leading the cast in the role of Dolly Levi will be cabaret diva Klea Blackhurst. Ms. Blackhurst is best known for her award-winning tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything the Traffic Will Allow, which she has performed in venues across the U.S. and in London. She was most recently seen in Happy Huntingat The York Theatre. She also created the role of Miss Lemon in the new musical The Nutty Professor, which premiered this past summer in Nashville. The cast and creative team met the press earlier today and you can check out complete photo coverage from the festivities below!

Westport Country Playhouse's THE SHOW OFF Begins 6/11

(5/20/2013) - Westport Country Playhouse will stage the classic comedy, "The Show-Off," described as a funny, surprising, and moving story of a family in upheaval when their youngest daughter becomes engaged to a brash loudmouth, playing from June 11 through June 29. Cast in principal roles are 2013 Drama Desk Award winner Jayne Houdyshell as the imperious Mrs. Fisher, and Drama Desk nominee Will Rogers as Aubrey Piper, the show-off of the title.

The Hartt School Welcomes Javon Jackson as Associate Professor of Jazz

(5/20/2013) - The Hartt School will welcome acclaimed tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson as Associate Professor of Jazz and Chair of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. Jackson, who's appointment begins in August, will serve as the educational and administrative leader for the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, and will teach, work with ensembles, assist in recruitment and development efforts, and represent the Institute and The Hartt School both internally and externally.

Now Playing Onstage in Connecticut - Week of 5/19/2013

(5/19/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/19/2013 for Connecticut

BWW Reviews: Bipolar Disorder Drives the Beat in a NEXT TO NORMAL Household

(5/18/2013) - Kitt's score and Brian Yorgey's book and lyrics combine for one of the deepest and moving shows to hit a Broadway stage. It's not the typical subject matter for a musical (the theater suggests that it is appropriate for children 16 and up), but you should take advantage of an opportunity to see this excellent rock musical, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. That sandwich-making scene in the opening act is terrific as directed by Janine Molinari with De Laurentis skillfully portraying the frenzied breakdown as Diana tries to cope.

BWW Reviews: Racism Takes Up Residence in CLYBOURNE PARK

(5/18/2013) - Have you heard the one about a little white man thrown in a jail cell with a big black guy? If not, you can catch this, and a few other offensive jokes over at Long Wharf Theatre, where they pepper the dialogue in Bruce Norris' CLYBOURNE PARK, the Pulitzer-Prize winning play that explores themes of racism, gentrification and the way Americans relate to each other.

BWW Reviews: POTTED POTTER at The Bushnell is Mischief Mangled

(5/18/2013) - POTTED POTTER has critic taking Dolores Umbridge.

BWW Reviews: Hole in the Wall Theatre's HOUSE OF A YES is a Definite Maybe

(5/18/2013) - Dark and twisted, Hole in the Wall's HOUSE OF YES is Jackie O No!

Long Wharf Theatre Partners with New Haven Public Library for CLYBOURNE PARK Talks, May 2013

(5/18/2013) - Long Wharf Theatre and the New Haven Free Public Library announce a series of community conversations taking place in May about the complex issues of race and real estate in the city of New Haven.

Newington Mainstage Opens THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS & GOWNS Tonight

(5/18/2013) - Having maintained the set, costumes and cast - Newington Mainstage is very excited to be re-mounting the production - for TWO performances only - tonight, May 18 at 8pm and Sunday, May 19 at 2pm.

Hartford Stage Opens TWELFTH NIGHT Tonight

(5/18/2013) - Hartford Stage, under the leadership of Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak and Managing Director Michael Stotts, presents Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, directed by Tresnjak, on stage from tonight, May 18 through June 16.

Ridgefield Theater Barn Hosts FUNDAMENTALS OF IMPROV Teen Workshop, Now thru 6/29

(5/18/2013) - The Ridgefield Theater Barn has introduced a new workshop for teens, The Fundamentals of Improv class taught by Rick Hodder, the director of the wildly successful in-house improv comedy troupe, the Role in the Hay Players.

POTTED POTTER Brings Magic to The Bushnell Tonight

(5/17/2013) - Starvox Entertainment and Potted Productions' hit off-Broadway show, Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff is coming to the Belding Theater at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts for two weekends in May: tonight, May 17-19, 2013 and May 24-26, 2013.

MTC School of Performing Arts Begins LUCKY STIFF Tonight

(5/17/2013) - Music Theatre of Connecticut School of Performing Arts presents 'Lucky Stiff,' a zany, offbeat, and very funny murder mystery farce from the creators of 'Ragtime' and 'Once on This Island' tonight, May 17 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 18 at 2pm at the Theatre Artists Workshop, 5 Gregory Blvd in Norwalk, CT.

The Midtown Men Play The Palace Tonight

(5/17/2013) - THE MIDTOWN MEN, which features Four Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys, make a stop on their nation-wide tour at Stamford's Palace Theatre tonight, May 17th at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.SCAlive.org. THE MIDTOWN MEN is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Next Health LLC and sponsor First County Bank.

Square One Theatre Presents A.R. Gurney's BLACK TIE, Now thru 6/1

(5/17/2013) - The final production of Square One Theatre's 23rd Season is the gentle comedy, Black Tie, by the prolific contemporary American playwright A.R. ('Pete') Gurney. Black Tie opens tonight, May 17 and continues todays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Saturday, June 1 (2013) at Square One's home base, the Stratford Theatre, located at 2422 Main Streetin Stratford, Connecticut.

Joe Calarco, Gabriel Barre, Saheem Ali to Direct at O'Neill's 2013 National Music Theater Conference, June-July 2013

(5/16/2013) - Paulette Haupt, Artistic Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Music Theater Conference, today announced directors of the three projects selected for development at the 2013 Conference, as well as a Composer in Residence.

Photo Flash: First Look at Alice Ripley, Daniel Jenkins and More in Long Wharf's CLYBOURNE PARK

(5/15/2013) - Long Wharf Theatre concludes its 2012-13 season with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Clybourne Park, by Bruce Norris, and directed by Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. The play is now playing on The Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from through June 2, 2013. Tickets are $40-$70. The press opening is May 15, 2013 at 7:30 pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below!

Long Wharf Theatre Announces Upcoming Plays: Steve Martin's THE UNDERPANTS, FENCES and More

(5/14/2013) - Long Wharf Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, announces the slate of plays for its 49th season.

Phylicia Rashad-Helmed FENCES, World Premiere of SHADOW OF THE HUMMINGBIRD and More Set for Long Wharf Theatre's 2013-14 Season

(5/13/2013) - Long Wharf Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, announces the slate of plays for its 49th season.

The Windham Theatre Guild Presents LEND ME A TENOR, Beginning 5/31

(5/13/2013) - A world famous tenor, about to perform as "Othello", accidentally overdoses and is believed dead by Max, the opera company's assistant manager. Should Max get into costume and try to fool the audience? Find out when the Windham Theatre Guild presents Ken Ludwig's award winning comedy Lend Me A Tenor, running May 31st through June 9th at the Burton Leavitt Theatre.

Now Playing Onstage in Connecticut - Week of 5/12/2013

(5/12/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/12/2013 for Connecticut

Ridgefield Theater Barn to Host FUNDAMENTALS OF IMPROV Teen Workshop, 5/18-6/29

(5/11/2013) - The Ridgefield Theater Barn has introduced a new workshop for teens, The Fundamentals of Improv class taught by Rick Hodder, the director of the wildly successful in-house improv comedy troupe, the Role in the Hay Players.

BWW Reviews: IN A YEAR WITH 13 MOONS Puzzles Audience -- and Critic

(5/10/2013) - As a critic, my first obligation is to be honest, so my readers will trust me when reporting on my experiences in the theater. After seeing the world premiere of In a Year With 13 Moons at Yale Rep, I have to tell you the truth. I didn't get it.

Debra Jo Rupp to Star in BECOMING DR. RUTH at TheaterWorks, 5/31-7/7

(5/10/2013) - Debra Jo Rupp stars in Becoming Dr. Ruth at TheaterWorks in Downtown Hartford. The comedy will run May 31 through July 7, 2013.

BWW Reviews: It's a Recording Session from Hell When the Star Gets LOOPED

(5/10/2013) - A single line of dialogue is the catalyst for Matthew Lombardo's multi-layered and laugh-filled play LOOPED making a tour stop this week at The Bushnell in Hartford.

MTC School of Performing Arts Opens DOCTOR DOLITTLE Tonight

(5/10/2013) - Music Theatre of Connecticut School of Performing Arts presents 'Doctor Dolittle.' MTC's own original adaptation captures the magic of the original tale while adding a few contemporary twists to keep the story fresh for today's audiences. The show will run Today, May 10 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 11 at 2pm. at Long Lots School, 13 Hyde Lane in Westport, CT.

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Danny Rutigliano, D.C. Anderson and More in Goodspeed's THE FABULOUS LIPITONES

(5/9/2013) - Goodspeed Musicals, the first two-time Tony Award winning theatre in the country, is happy to present The Fabulous Lipitones, a new musical about a not-so-traditional barbershop quartet. This engaging musical comedy will run from tonight, May 9 to June 2 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., Goodspeed's home for developing new works. Check out the photos below!

Danny Rutigliano and More Star in Goodspeed's THE FABULOUS LIPITONES, Beg. Tonight

(5/9/2013) - Goodspeed Musicals, the first two-time Tony Award winning theatre in the country, is happy to present The Fabulous Lipitones, a new musical about a not-so-traditional barbershop quartet. This engaging musical comedy will run from tonight, May 9 to June 2 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., Goodspeed's home for developing new works.

Ivoryton Playhouse to Stage I'M CONNECTICUT, 6/5-23

(5/8/2013) - A brand new play from one of the writers of The Simpsons, I'm Connecticut - opening at the Ivoryton Playhouse on June 5th - is a wacky, fast-paced, sweet, romantic comedy about Marc, a Connecticut native who struggles with relationships and feelings of inadequacy - why? Because he comes from Connecticut - land of steady habits, sanity and politeness. A must-see comedy for anybody from the Nutmeg State!

The Warner Theatre Welcomes ANYTHING GOES This Weekend

(5/8/2013) - The Warner Stage Company will present Cole Porter's six time Tony Award-Winning Musical Anything Goes this weekend at the Warner.

MTC School of Performing Arts Presents LUCKY STIFF, 5/17 & 18

(5/8/2013) - Music Theatre of Connecticut School of the Performing Arts presents 'Lucky Stiff' on Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18. Performances areon Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm at Theatre Artists Workshop, 5 Gregory Blvd. in Norwalk, CT.

Jimmy Davis, Lucy Owen and More Set for Long Wharf Theatre's CLYBOURNE PARK, Beg. Tonight

(5/8/2013) - Long Wharf Theatre concludes its 2012-13 season with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Clybourne Park, by Bruce Norris, and directed by Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. The play will take place on The Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from tonight, May 8, 2013 through June 2, 2013.

Westport Country Playhouse Adds 5/19 Performance of THE DINING ROOM

(5/7/2013) - Westport Country Playhouse announces that due to ticket demand for its current production of A. R. Gurney's 'The Dining Room,' an extra performance has been added on Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. The witty and heartfelt story of the American family and its vanishing traditions is directed by Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.

HOGWARTS AFTER HARRY, FOLKTALES and Other Classes Set for Long Wharf Theatre, Summer 2013

(5/7/2013) - Wizards, Vikings, dragons and superheroes will be taking over Long Wharf Theatre this summer. Long Wharf Theatre's education department, now celebrating its 30th year, is offering classes for students ages 7 to 13. These inventive classes, using pop culture to interest children in all aspects of performance. They also give students another option aside from traditional summer camp for enrichment and a good time.

Hartford Stage Announces Full Cast, Creative Team for TWELFTH NIGHT

(5/7/2013) - Hartford Stage, under the leadership of Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak and Managing Director Michael Stotts, today announced the full creative team, cast and events for Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, directed by Tresnjak, on stage from May 18 through June 16.

Comix At Foxwoods Presents 'You Know What Dude' Weekend with Robert Kelly Beginning June 27

(5/7/2013) - Boston native Robert Kelly will return to his hometown roots, with a weekend of performances at Comix At Foxwoods scheduled for June 27 through June 29. His first three performances will take place nightly at 8 p.m., following the theme of his popular "You Know What Dude" podcast, while fans are welcomed to witness a "Nasty Show with Robert Kelly" during his final uproarious performance on June 29 at 10:30 p.m.