An Interview with Rebecca Goodheart of Elm Shakespeare Company – by Kimolee Eryn

Rebecca Kemper Goodheart has been a director, actor, and teacher specializing in Shakespeare and Voice for over 25 years. She is a designated Linklater Voice teacher who has directed over 30 professional and 50 educational productions. Currently serving as the Producing Director of Elm Shakespeare Company in New Haven, CT, she has worked with a dozen Shakespeare theaters around the world, and is a proud lifetime member of the Shakespeare Theater Association who chaired the global 2016 Celebration of Shakespeare’s Legacy. Other leadership positions have included Director of Training at SF Shakespeare Festival, Producing Artistic Director for Maryland Shakespeare Festival… read more

Comparing the Book and Musical of “The Great American Mousical” – by Nancy Sasso Janis

After reviewing the Legacy Theatre’s recent production of “The Great American Mousical,” I was inspired to read the novel for young readers published in 2006 that inspired the musical version. The novel for young readers was written by Julie Andrews Edwards and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. The black and white illustrations throughout the pages were drawn by Tony Walton. The book is part of The Julie Andrews Collection. The Legacy Theatre production was directed in Branford, CT by the iconic Dame Julie Andrews. From the book jacket: “In this loving spoof of life in the theater, we join a… read more

CT Critics Give “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “42nd Street” Top Honors at 31st Awards Ceremony

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HARTFORD — A powerful production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” at the Yale Repertory Theatre and an exuberant production of “42nd Street” at Goodspeed Musicals took top honors at the 31st annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards (ctcritics.org) held on Monday, June 26. The event, which celebrates the work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2022 – 2023 season, was held at TheaterWorks Hartford in downtown Hartford. This year the awards were spread out to many productions throughout the state, though Goodspeed Musicals’ “42nd Street” earned the most taking five for best musical, outstanding choreography, best featured actor, costumes… read more

Connecticut Critics Give ‘Walden,’ ‘Falsettoland’ Top Honors

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NEW HAVEN — The U.S. premiere of “Walden” at TheaterWorks Hartford and an impactful, moving production of “Falsettoland” at the Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) took top honors at the Monday, June 27 Connecticut Critics Circle Awards (ctcritics.org). The event, which celebrates the work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2021 – 2022 season, was held at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. This year the awards were spread out to many productions throughout the state, though TheaterWork Hartford’s “Walden” earned the most taking five for best play, outstanding director, sound, set and lighting. Awards for outstanding actor… read more

30th Annual CT Critics Awards Ceremony

We’re back! After a three-year hiatus, the Connecticut Critics Circle Annual Awards Ceremony will be held in-person on Monday, June 27 at the Long Wharf Theatre from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. We hope you will join us in helping the Connecticut Critics Circle, a not-for-profit organization, celebrate theater in Connecticut, honor the artists who make it happen and help us create opportunities for a new generation of theater enthusiasts. You are invited to the Awards Ceremony, which is FREE to attend. Click here to RSVP to the CEREMONY. The annual awards show is the only event in the state which… read more

Playhouse on Park Announces 2022 – 2023 Season

Playhouse on Park, the award-winning theater in West Hartford, has announced the shows for Season 14. Opening the season is LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL by Lanie Robertson. The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances, given four months before her death. In Robertson’s Tony award-winning play, Holiday engages the audience with salty, often humorous reminiscences of her troubled life as a traveling performer in a segregated south. With the help of her piano man, Jimmy Powers, she lets music tell her… read more

Bushnell Announces 2022 – 2023 Season

The Bushnell will be offering seven productions that will comprise its 2022-2023 Broadway Series season. Starting this fall, The Bushnell will bring seven exciting titles to Hartford as part of the series: Disney’s ALADDIN, SIX, TOOTSIE, TINA – Tina Turner Musical, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, AIN’T TOO PROUD, and Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. The 2022-2023 Bushnell Broadway Series is once again co-sponsored by Travelers and Aetna. The Bushnell’s CEO David Fay states, “Our audience’s reception of our current season illustrates how excited we all are to gather again and enjoy the best of Broadway. The 2022-2023 season truly has… read more

Waitress Coming to CT – by Bonnie Goldberg

Serving customers at a restaurant can be a fun or frustrating situation, depending on who is taking your order. Whether you desire a fancy five-course dinner or just a slice of blueberry pie with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, your pleasure in your meal depends often as much on the server who brings it as it does on the food itself. If you are lucky, you might have Jenna wait on you and if you truly fortunate you might be feasting on a generous slice of one of her perfectly baked pies. Jenna has the reputation to… read more

Interview with Matthew Lopez by CT Critics Member Bessy Reyna

For many years, Matthew Lopez has been a Latino playwright whose many plays were produced in Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks. Each time one of his plays is presented, he has been generous enough with his time to grant me an interview or to meet with me. Hartford, in particular, has nurtured his talent, not only producing his plays but also having received the support of the Aetna Playwrights program in 2012, providing him with a residency to continue working on his plays. Both the Aetna Playwrights program in 2012, and productions of his play, have, according to Lopez, given him… read more

Young Critics Mentor Program – Nancy Sasso Janis (reprinted from The Waterbury-Republican)

The program is structured to train college students to become theater critics. It partners a current member of the Critics Circle with a college student who is interested in learning to write professional-quality theater reviews. Mentoring young critics was the brainchild of Dr. Brooks Appelbaum, a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle since 2015, who now teaches in the First Year Writing Program, the First Year Seminar Program and the Drama Program at Quinnipiac University. She graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and earned her Ph.D. in English literature from Cornell. Two purposes of the program are to usher… read more

CT Critics Circle 2021-2022 Mentor Program

The purpose of this program is to: 1. bring young perspectives and voices into the CCC 2. bring in young critics from a broad range of ethnicities and backgrounds. Criteria to apply: Applicants must be currently matriculated undergraduates at a Connecticut college/university. Applicants need to have some experience writing reviews or essays, which could include theater-related writing, a book review or critical essay, a piece on popular culture, or music (concert or album review). 1. The CCC Mentor program is structured to train currently matriculated college students to become theater critics. Interested students complete the attached application, with June 1st… read more

New Theatre to Open in Branford – Article by Karen Isaacs

A new theater is about to open in the Stony Creek section of Branford. Legacy Theatre has been in the works since 2011 when Keely Baisden Knudsen and Stephanie Stiefel Williams incorporated the Legacy Theatre. But it wasn’t until 2013 that it purchased what is usually referred to as the Puppet House Theatre in Stony Creek. Now, the new theater is about to open its doors, though it has been offering some limited productions and presentations at other venues. Of course, in the midst of the construction, Covid 19 arrived. According to Knudsen, who is the artistic director, there was… read more

Bushnell Sets Dates for 10 B’way Shows

Spring is in the air and vaccination shots are in the arm. Could this mean a touch of normalcy is in the offing? Yes, as Hartford’s Bushnell Theater Broadway series has just announced a season of shows starting this fall. “Escape to Margaritaville” – To shake off the dust of quarantine, what better medicine could you get than a visit to the Caribbean sunshine with that tropical favorite Jimmy Buffett and his enticing “Escape to Margaritaville” from October 12 to 17, 2021. Don a flowered shirt and flip-flops and dip your margarita glass in rainbow sprinkles, orange zest and sugar,… read more

What Plays and Musicals Would You Like to See Revived in CT

This month’s Connecticut Critics Roundtable, asked the critics two questions: Which five plays would you like to see a Connecticut theater revive? Which five musicals would you like to see a Connecticut theater revive? Participants were: Brooks Applebaum, Stuart Brown, Bonnie Goldberg, Tom Holehan, Karen Isaacs, Nancy Sasso Janis, Tim Leininger, Zander Opper, Frank Rizzo. Which five plays would you like to see a Connecticut theater revive? Nancy Sasso Janis The Night of the Iguana Our Town Othello The Tempest A View From the Bridge Frank Rizzo Luv – by Murray Schisgal I saw the original production. Reread it. Holds… read more

Which production of a play and a musical do you remember best ?

Critics’ Roundtable We asked members of the CT Critics Circle to talk what production of a play or musical they remember best..” Below are the edited responses Karen Isaacs: So many to choose from. High on the list would be the original cast of Camelot and The Boy From Oz with Hugh Jackman – the show isn’t great BUT his performance was and the energy was electric. The City Center’s Encores production of Chicago, which went to Broadway was another amazing show. Plus, Come from Away. In Connecticut, high on the list would be A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and… read more

A Festival of New Ten Minute Plays & Musicals

The historic Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, CT has launched a festival of new ten minute plays and musicals: Sharon Playhouse Writers Playground. The Writers Playground is committed to giving the talented writers, performers, directors and technicians in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut as well as the neighboring communities in New York and Massachusetts a platform to showcase their talents in their own backyard and see their visions realized. The Playhouse also hopes to empower all people of any age and background to use their voice to tell diverse stories of self-expression and creativity. Submissions will be accepted from writers in… read more

What are Our Critic’s Favorite Shows?

Critics’ Roundtable We asked members of the CT Critics Circle to talk about their most memorable night in a Connecticut theatre and what production of a play or musical they remember best. Below are the edited responses. What was the most memorable night in a Connecticut theater for you? Why was it so memorable? Stuart Brown: 1996 Goodspeed production of Sweeney Todd. When Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway to commercial and critical success, it had, I believe, the largest set every to grace a Broadway stage.  How, then, could this show go from mammoth staging to the picture postcard sized… read more

By Sofa, by Car, or Outdoors in the Fresh Air, Here’s How to Have a Happy Holiday

By Karen Isaacs Sofa? Car? Or outdoors, socially-distanced? These are the options for enjoying holiday entertainment and attractions in Connecticut and New York City. All of us have our comfort zones when it comes to what we are willing to do, or not, during this pandemic. And, the reality is that the pandemic is still very much with us and health experts are urging us to celebrate the holidays in way that keeps us safe for us, and for everyone. Happily for us, that still leaves lots of room for fun. Read on to find out how to make sure… read more

CT Critics Circle Mentor Program

Kanthalina Andreus is part of the Connecticut Critics Circle mentorship program for college students. She is a student at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy, a streaming co-production of TheaterWorks in Hartford, TheaterSquared in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and in association with The Civilians, premiered on October 20 at 7:30 p.m. Unusual times call for unusual measures and filming entire productions while socially distanced is one many people are attempting. Written by Sarah Gancher, Russian Troll Farm is identified as a workplace comedy, but only one of those names fit. While it was going for funny office… read more

What Will Theater Look Like in 2021? – Karen Isaacs

As the pandemic tightened its grip on Connecticut earlier this year, many of the rest of us took the time at home to hone our bread baking skills, kill time on social media, or catch up on that Netflix series we had been hearing about. Not Marc Deaton, of Madison Lyric Stage. Instead, he sat down and wrote a searing memoir, which he then presented to a group of friends and supporters at a barn in his backyard in early fall. Deaton performed the play with three other performers to an appreciative and enthusiastic audience and has plans to present… read more

Connecticut Theaters Taking Different Approaches to Their Seasons – Karen Isaacs

Theaters are anxious to resume, and most artistic directors say that people want to see theater, but safely. Right now, several theaters in Connecticut are trying different approaches to fulfilling these needs. Those that are doing so are relying on digital streaming of productions or a combination of live performances with a limited audience and streaming. Music Theatre of Connecticut, or MTC as it is usually called, is a small established theater in Norwalk. It was one of only three theaters in the east (and maybe nationwide) to receive permission from Actor’s Equity to resume productions. According to artistic director… read more

CT Critics Circle Mentor Program

Two years ago, the Connecticut Critics Circle created a Mentor Program so that undergraduate college students could train to become theater critics. One of the 2020-2021 mentees is Sydney Reynolds of Quinnipiac University. She is a Media Studies major, Film minor, and will be pursuing her Master’s in Journalism next year. She is currently part of the Communications Honors Society with a 3.93 GPA. At just six years old, Sydney was already becoming involved in community theater as an actress and would continue this passion throughout her whole life. She is now heavily involved in Quinnipiac University’s television station, Q30,… read more

Welcome Back Live Theater

NORWALK — After six months live indoor professional theater has returned to Connecticut with Music Theatre of Connecticut’s production of Becky Mode’s “Fully Committed,” running through Sept. 27. The evening was going to be an enjoyable, if unique, experience. Music Theatre of Connecticut, or MTC, is one of three theaters in the country that has been approved by their state, the CDC, and the stage actors’ union Actors Equity Association. The other two being Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, New Hampshire, and Northern Stage in White River Junction, Vermont. Traditionally, MTC would sit 110 people, but with current COVID-19 restrictions for… read more

CT Theaters Slowly Open

The Music Theatre of Connecticut has been designated by Equity as one of three theaters in the country to hold live, in-person productions. The show, the one-man play, “Fully Committed,” runs through September 27, 2020. There are restrictions such as only 23 in-person tickets and 78 live stream tickets. Critics from the CT Critics Circle were invited to the opening and their reviews will be posted on our website. Simply click on the “Reviews” tab. read more

David Rosenberg

David Arlen Rosenberg, 90, of 14 – Acre Pond, Norwalk, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Norwalk Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, NY on April 24, 1930; he was the son of the late Joseph and Ruth Rosenberg. Covering theatre and opera productions in Connecticut, Broadway, off-Broadway and London, he was an acknowledged award-winning theatre and arts critic who wrote reviews and feature articles for The Norwalk Hour, Hearst Media of Connecticut; Back Stage in New York; as well as magazines in Greenwich, Westport and New Canaan. He was co-founder of the Connecticut Critics Circle and was an active member affiliated… read more

CT Critics Honor Artists of 2019-20 Theater Season

The Connecticut Critics Circle (CCC) announced it is honoring more than two dozen theater artists whose work was presented during the 2019-2020 season, which was shortened mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group of theater critics and writers annually salute outstanding work by artists among the state’s professional theaters. The annual ceremony, originally scheduled this year for June 29 at New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre, was cancelled. An on-line ceremony is planned to be held later this summer. “We wanted to recognize outstanding productions and performers during the abbreviated season,” says Stuart Brown, president of the CCC. “Instead of… read more

‘Adversity Engenders Creativity’ – Karen Isaacs

Someday this current health related crisis will be under control. With all of the uncertainty and havoc it’s created, one of many questions that remains unclear is what Connecticut theater will look like once it’s safe to gather in crowds again. Will all our professional companies survive? No one knows. Theaters struggle for money; the ticket purchases cover a relatively small percentage of costs for productions. Theaters depend on donations and grants to pay the bills. The coronavirus crisis has jeopardized the financial health of many Connecticut theaters. Some already were facing economic difficulties, but now these are more severe… read more

CT Critics Circle Mentor Program

The Connecticut Critics Circle (CCC), a statewide organization of theater critics, is launching a Young Critics Mentor Program. The application deadline has been extended to May 1, 2020. The program will run from July 1, 2020 through June 1, 2021. Our purpose is to bring young perspectives and voices from a broad range of ethnicities and backgrounds into the CCC and mentor these young people as they learn to write professional-quality theater reviews. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: Brooks.Appelbaum@quinnipiac.edu. Most sincerely, Brooks Appelbaum Dr. Brooks C. Appelbaum Chair, Young Critics Committee Member, Connecticut… read more

Explaining Asperger’s Through “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”

This column was originally posted on the blog, Stu on Broadway. A production of the show will be playing at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre in Storrs, CT from February 27 – March 8. In the new Broadway show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a 15-year-old boy with Asperger’s is thrust into a journey of self-discovery and an examination of relationships with his mother and father, teachers, and others. Audience members are given a window into the mind of an individual with this Austism Spectrum Disorder, thanks to the brilliance of the creative team and director, Marianne… read more

With ‘Homeland’ ending, Mandy Patinkin hits the concert trail

Reprinted from Hartford Magazine with permission from Frank Rizzo. Mandy Patinkin was not allowing any length of time to be saddened by the eighth and final season of the Showtime series “Homeland,” in which he stars with Claire Danes. The 12-episode season begins Feb. 9. As soon as the filming ended last fall, the Emmy and Tony award-winning actor released his latest album of songs and launched a concert tour to 30 cities, including New Haven where he will perform at the Shubert Theatre on Jan 25. In “Homeland” Patinkin plays Saul Berenson, the no-nonsense, battle-scarred mentor and father-figure to… read more

Preview of I Am My Own Wife, Long Wharf Theatre – Donald Brown

It was an unusual gathering on Long Wharf Theatre’s Stage II last Friday. Assembled to discuss Long Wharf’s production of Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife, which started previews this week and opens next Wednesday, was the entire creative team for the show, led in discussion by Patrick J. Dunn, Executive Director of New Haven Pride Center. In addition to Rebecca Martínez, the show’s director, and its star, Mason Alexander Park, the discussion included set designer Britton Mauk, costume designer Daniel Tyler Mathews, lighting designer Jennifer Fok, sound designer and original music composer Kimberly S. O’Loughlin, assistant director Kevin… read more

Ivoryton Playhouse’s Women Playwrights Initiative – Bonnie Goldberg

Plays for and about women, written by women and starring women, will be celebrated at the Ivoryton Playhouse on Saturday February 22 at 2 p.m. and continuing at 7 p.m. For the fourth year, the Women Playwrights Initiative will serve as an incubator to foster new works that view women in a quartet of unique situations, ones that will engender laughter and tears, and stimulate conversations and networking possibilities. From 170 submitted works, four will be highlighted. The four playwrights hail from the state of Washington, California, Indiana and Maryland and will each receive the Ellie Award and a $500… read more

Connecticut Theater Offerings Will Encourage You to Get Out of Your House – Karen Isaacs

Resist the urge to hibernate during the dark, cold wintery days. If you do, you will miss many promising theater productions and events. Right now, East Haddam is buzzing with activity. In January, with Goodspeed’s spring production still months away, you might think it would be quiet on the Goodspeed campus. Yet it is alive with actors, directors, composers, lyricists and book writers. As soon as it becomes January, rehearsals start for the Festival of New Musicals, which is entering its 15th year. The purpose is let the creative people behind new musicals see their works performed in front of… read more

Theater Reviewing Workshop

Arts criticism is changing rapidly, and the internet has created more opportunities for people to get involved in the field, but success means more than just posting an opinion. Theater critic Lauren Yarger will run a five-week “Everyone’s a Critic” theater reviewing workshop at the Storyteller’s Cottage on Thursdays, starting Jan. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Storyteller’s Cottage is located at 750 Hopmeadow St. For more information, call 860-877-6099. The class will also attend a performance of Pride & Prejudice at Playhouse on Park on Feb. 20. Visit https://www.storytellerscottage.com/ to reserve a spot for $180, which includes admission… read more

Connecticut Production Company Launches Inaugrual Show at Ivoryton Playhouse

Brief Cameo Productions is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its inaugural production: Ragtime the Musical in Concert. Written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once on This Island, Seussical and Lucky Stiff), musical direction by Jill Brunelle, directed by Connecticut native Jim Clark and based on E.L. Doctorow’s distinguished novel, Ragtime is a truly unique and powerful portrait of America that is sure to inspire actors and audiences alike. Ragtime will run for one night only on January 11, 2020 at the Ivoryton Playhouse. The performance is at 7:00 p.m. and doors open… read more

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS ABOUNDS IN AREA THEATERS – Bonnie Goldberg

“Tis the season to celebrate the holidays and area theatres are busy with jolly, entertaining and heartwarming productions. Start off visiting that energetic and enthusiastic elf Buddy who is in residence at Waterbury’s Seven Angels Theatre until Sunday, December 22. Jimmy Donohue plays the boy who crawls into Santa’s bag and ends up at the North Pole believing he is one of Santa’s helpers. Growing big and afraid he is a failure as a toy maker leads him to discover he is human. Buddy sets off for New York City to find his father. This musical adventure “Elf” is a… read more

Goodspeed’s Costume Warehouse Keeps Expanding, It’s Education Programs – Karen Isaacs

Glenn Close’s iconic gown from Sunset Boulevard, one of Annie’s dresses from Annie, Dolly’s famous red gown from Hello, Dolly!, Alex Baldwin’s suit from A Streetcar Named Desire and much, much more. In fact, nearly 250,000 costumes and accessories are stored at Goodspeed’s costume collection warehouse in East Haddam. It began in the 1980s when the theater began purchasing costumes from Broadway shows and tours that were closing. It has grown since then to include not just costumes from Broadway but also from Opera productions. It includes everything from hates, gloves, purses, shoes, gowns, suits, shirts and even pantaloons are… read more

CT Critics Circle Awards Set For June 29th

Save the date of Monday, June 29, 2020 for the annual Connecticut Critics Circle awards ceremony to be held at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. Long Wharf is no stranger to hosting the Connecticut Critics Circle awards, having been the locale in 2013. Previous hosts include TheaterWorks/Hartford Stage, Yale Repertory, Westport Country Playhouse, and Goodspeed Opera House. Celebrating the 30th year of the awards ceremony, the Connecticut Critics Circle has made it its goal to honor the actors, directors, designers and others who help produce outstanding professional theater in the stage. The Critic Circle’s current roster of 26 critics… read more

The Numbers Tell the Story for Fall Connecticut Theater – Karen Isaacs

One, two, three, six and 22. A math puzzle? No – just a list of what happening in Connecticut theaters through the start of the holiday season. Here’s what the numbers all mean. One – A renovated theater reopens. TheaterWorks in Hartford which has produced three shows at the Hartford Atheneum will show off its renovated home on Pearl Street in October. The lobby has been enlarged, better and more convenient restrooms, an elevator, new seating and lots of improvements backstage will greet theatergoers and performers. Two – Two new artistic directors are taking the helm at two of our… read more

Bill Berloni is champion for animal actors – Brooks Appelbaum

Bill Berloni has kind eyes, a steady presence and a calm voice. It isn’t difficult to imagine a shy or traumatized dog, large or small, trusting him at first sight. Berloni is a nationally-known humane trainer of animals used on stage, television and in film. His business, William Berloni Theatrical Animals, has been successful for 30 years, and he is the only trainer to earn a special Tony award. Berloni’s latest project is “Because of Winn Dixie,” directed by John Rando and running at Goodspeed Musicals through Sept. 5. The production stars Bowdie as the titular gentle giant (“a poodle… read more

Yale Summer Cabaret is Full “Swing” – Bonnie Goldberg

Danilo Gambini is part of a triumvirate that includes Jecamiah M. Ybanez and Estefani Castro, the three fearless leaders, the trio of Artistic Directors, who are responsible for this summer’s Yale Cabaret. Titled ”Verano,” which means summer in Spanish, they have fashioned a four part line up of shows where they encourage you, the audience, to laugh, to cry and to fall in love. Now, at the half way mark in the season, you are invited to join a playground in the park to romp on a swing with the animal characters in Brazilian writer Jorge Amado’s whimsical children’s novel… read more

The Narrative of Disabled Performers Needs to Change by Noah Golden

On June 9th, Ali Stroker won a Tony Award, making her the first wheelchair-user to win a prize at the top event for honoring Broadway talent. She is only one of a handful of disabled actors to win a major acting award in the US across any media (following Phyllis Frelich, Marlee Matlin, Harold Russell, and Christopher Reeve). She was also the first person in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway, making her debut in the 2015 “Spring Awakening” revival. Her Tony win is, of course, not just a huge personal achievement for the 32-year-old performer but a win for… read more

Great Theater Doesn’t Take a Vacation in Connecticut by Karen Isaacs

Connecticut theater doesn’t take a summer vacation. While some of the major companies – Yale Rep, Long Wharf and Hartford Stage take a summer break, others go on all year and still others present a summer only season. Long gone are the days of the “straw hat circuit” of productions that toured a variety of summer theaters in New England offering light comedies often starring B-list or aging Hollywood and TV names. Now you can see world premieres with leading performers as well as classic musicals, dramas and plays. You can sit outdoors or under a covering or in traditional… read more

Connecticut Critics Give ‘A Flea in Her Ear,’ ‘Music Man’ Top Honors

EAST HADDAM — The classic French farce “A Flea in Her Ear” at the Westport Country Playhouse and a nostalgic revival of “The Music Man” at Goodspeed Musicals took top honors at the Monday, June 3rd Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. The event, which celebrates the work from the state’s professional theaters during the ’18-’19 season, was held at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. This year the awards were spread out to many productions throughout the state, though Hartford Stage’s “The Engagement Party” earned the most taking four for outstanding director, actor, set and lighting. Awards for outstanding actor… read more

Michael Yeargan Named 2019 Tom Killen Award Recipient

Michael Yeargan, two-time Tony Award-winning set designer and co-chair of the design program at Yale School of Drama, will be the 2019 recipient of the Connecticut Critics Circle’s annual Tom Killen Award, recognizing his long service and achievement to theater in the state, New York and internationally. The award will be presented June 3 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam at the 29th annual event celebrating and honoring the state’s outstanding professional theater. The event, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. Yeargan is professor in the practice of design at the… read more

falcon girls – Review by Marlene S. Gaylinn

“Falcon Girls,” is a semi-autobiographical play by Hilary Bettis. This production is also a World Premiere that was further developed by Yale Repertory Theatre. Falcon, Colorado is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. For those unfamiliar with this rural area, it contains numerous horse ranches and small farms. Many of its people still carry the mentality of the “Wild West.” Everyone seems to own a pick-up truck, a gun, and likes to go hunting. However, many will agree that no matter where you live, it’s mostly the women who like to care for horses and other animals. It… read more

Pipe Dream – Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical at Berkshire Theatre Company – Karen Isaacs

Musical aficionados and Rodgers & Hammerstein fans should plan a trip to see the production of Pipe Dream at the Berkshire Theatre Company’s Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge through Saturday, Aug. 31. Pipe Dream was one of the team’s less successful shows, though it ran for nearly 300 performances (or until the huge advance sale ran out). If you read the show’s history, it seems that every decision the team made turned out to be a mistake, from changes to the source material to casting. Yet the show has some marvelous songs. I wish I could say that this production redeems… read more

Berkshire Stages Kick-Off Summer Season – by Tom Holehan

A weekend trip to the Berkshires, under two hours from Stratford, is not only scenic but a cultural oasis! I was delighted with a recent trip to Massachusetts where the Berkshires’ professional theatre companies are up and running. There’s a clever high concept play currently at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield where “A Tender Thing” by Ben Power is in residence through July 20. What would happen if Romeo and Juliet did not die and moved into old age together? That’s the basic premise in Power’s intriguing work performed in just under 90 minutes without intermission. The playwright utilizes iambic… read more

Broadway Comes to Southern Connecticut

NEW CANAAN, CT: Your favorite local theatre is dark because it’s summer. New York City is hot and sweaty, not to mention tickets are still overpriced. Yet, you yearn for theatre. Something fresh, affordable, fun and air conditioned. We have the solution! Come to New Canaan instead! See seven new world premieres by seven new playwrights, curated and presented at the intimate Powerhouse Theatre in bucolic Waveny Park, courtesy of former-New York-based theatre festival, Broadway Bound Theatre Festival. “We’re looking for enthusiastic theatregoers to collaborate with our artists and offer their feedback to these artists from across the country,” BBTF… read more

CT Critics Give “A View From the Bridge” and “Summer Stock” Top Honors at 32nd Awards Ceremony

New Haven — A innovative production of Arthur Miller’s “A View From the Bridge” at Long Wharf Theatre and a high-spirited, buoyant production of “Summer Stock” at Goodspeed Musicals took top honors at the 32nd annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards (ctcritics.org) held on Monday, June 24. The event, which celebrates the work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2023 – 2024 season, was held at the Iseman Theater, part of Yale Repertory Theatre, in downtown New Haven. This year the awards were spread out to many productions throughout the state, with Goodspeed Musicals’ “Summer Stock” and “Private Jones” earning… read more

“A View From the Bridge?” and “Kinky Boots” Top 2024 Connecticut Critics Circle Nominations

Long Wharf Theatre’s innovative staging of the Arthur Miller classic, “A View From the Bridge” and A Contemporary Theatre’s (ACT of CT) rousing production of “Kinky Boots” lead the shows nominated for the 32nd annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. The awards event, which celebrates the best in professional theater in the state, will be held Monday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Yale Repertory Theater’s Iseman Theatre in downtown New Haven. “A View From the Bridge” earned nine nominations, including outstanding play production, director, and best actor. “Kinky Boots” received eight nods, including outstanding musical production, director, choreographer, leading actor… read more

“Women of Will” by Elm Shakespeare

Have you ever lost sleep pondering the fate of The Bard’s female characters? If so, you have a treat in store for you as Elm Shakespeare has a new and novel show designed with you in mind. Tonight, May 16 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. Southern CT State University’s Blackbox Theatre, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven will be alive with Tina Packer’s unique production of “Women of Will,” an intimate look at the females who populate Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies with humor, passion,… read more

32nd Annual CT Critics Awards Ceremony

The 32nd Annual Connecticut Critics Circle (CCC) Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Yale Repertory Theatre, Iseman Theater from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. The event is open to the public. CLICK ON THE “READ MORE” BUTTON for the link – To RSVP to the event. We hope you will join us in helping the Connecticut Critics Circle, a not-for-profit organization, celebrate theater in Connecticut, honor the artists who make it happen and help us create opportunities for a new generation of theater enthusiasts. CLICK ON THE “READ MORE” BUTTON for the link – for information… read more