Author: Tara Kennedy

How do you keep a hyena clean? Very carefully, laughs Gregory Young, wardrobe supervisor for the 350 costumes that travel with the tour of The Lion King, which plays Hartford’s Bushnell Aug. 1-19. Half the costumes can be washed, he says, but for the unique fabrics and materials of the other costumes designed by director Julie Taymor, he turns to a local dry cleaner, French Cleaners of West Hartford. (And because the tour has played Hartford several times before, the cleaner is well versed in his costume challenges.) “This is the most unique show I’ve worked on,” Young says. “With other… read more

STORRS. Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Bradford and Managing Director Matthew J. Pugliese have announced the theatre’s 2018-19 Season.  Subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are on sale now at crt.uconn.edu or by calling 860-486-2113. Connecticut Repertory Theatre is the professional producing arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. CRT productions are directed, designed by, and cast with visiting professional artists, including Equity actors, faculty members, and the department’s most advanced student artists. The synergy between professional and advanced student artists creates extraordinary theatre and a unique learning environment.… read more

When Nick LaMedica first played the lead character of the anxiety-ridden Jason in Robert Askins’ Hand to God, his co-star, Tyrone, would often steal scenes. But LaMedica really couldn’t complain because he was the one manipulating Tyrone, a hand-rod, Elmo-like puppet and the dangerously irreverent character in the Christian Puppet Ministry. “There’s no opportunity to blame your scene partner for letting you down,” he says of his dual duties, adding “from a technical point of view, it’s great because I can rehearse whenever I want.” Now he’s returning to the role in a production that Tracy Brigden will return to again direct at… read more

Donald Corren remembers his first professional musical when, at the age of 10, his Uncle Ira took him to see a touring production of Oliver! in San Francisco, near his hometown of Stockton. “Watching a bunch of young boys sing and dance and having a great time, it was my ‘I want to do that’ moment,” Corren says. He subsequently played the musical’s Artful Dodger in a high school production and now he has the lead as Fagin in Goodspeed Musical’s Oliver! which plays through Sept. 8. “You have to love him,” he says of his rogue character that teaches… read more

WEST HARTFORD – Select guests arrived to Playhouse on Park for an exclusive event recently announcing Season Ten at the non-profit professional theater that was founded by Executive Director Tracy Flater and Co-Artistic Directors Sean Harris and Darlene Zoller. “It’s amazing to us that there are all of these other theaters that you could spend your nights with, and the fact that you’re here tonight means a ton, so thank you,” remarked Harris, who joined Flater and Zoller on the Playhouse stage via Skype. Regarding Season Ten, Harris remarked: “We think about our space, and these shows that we’re passionate… read more

Semina De Laurentis, Artistic Director at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, has announced their 2018-19 Mainstage Season. She stated, “It’s all about the audience enjoying great plays, comedies, and musicals. We put a great equity season together that all ages will enjoy. Stop by and see us!” The 28th Mainstage Season starts with Altar Boyz on September 26. All show performances run Thursday through Sunday with matinees at 2 PM and evenings at 8 PM. Doors and Devil’s Corner Bar open one hour before curtain. Discounted season subscriptions are available now through August 31. Special free food and drink nights… read more

MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT – The Little Theatre of Manchester (LTM) announced today its 2019 season. Beginning in February, LTM will produce five popular titles: Ken Ludwig’s THE GAME’S AFOOT, a murderously funny mystery; the Tony and Grammy award-winning musical sensation DREAMGIRLS; the searing Tony award-winning drama THE NORMAL HEART; and THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB, a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships. The final title is international sensation MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. LTM Executive Director Dwayne Harris said of the lineup, “I’m thrilled that LTM’s Artistic Board has again put together an exciting and… read more

Terrence Man is a true Renaissance Man (no pun intended). Actor, singer, dancer, director, producer, teacher — you name it, he’s done it — film, television, and of course, theatre. Terry graciously took time out of his busy schedule as Artistic Director of Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s 2018 Nutmeg Summer Series where he is soon to be starring in Sweeney Todd (and later directing Jesus Christ Superstar) to chat with us about “show business” as well as “the business of show.” read more

By Bonnie Goldberg The New Haven community is blessed with a two week event unique in the country:  THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND IDEAS. From Saturday, June 9 to Saturday, June 23, the city of New Haven is opening its arms wide in welcome for friends, families, neighbors and visitors to discover the arts in all their glory, from all corners of the globe. If you are into music, plan to bring a chair or blanket and a meal to the New Haven Green for a FREE concert, most starting at 6 p.m.  Come hear Elan Troman and Rohn… read more

Someday Productions LLC and Pillow Talking are pleased to present the following interview with multi-talented actor, director, playwright, producer, acting coach JACK PLOTNICK Approximately 26 years ago, a young actor walked into an audition for a major lead in crazy spoof about Hollywood. The part called for an incredibly talented, versatile performer with impeccable comedic timing and who was adept at improv. His name was Jack Plotnick and he was booked on the spot. As life has a way of coming full circle, that film was mine (Wayne Keeley’s) — and we all knew at the time that this guy… read more