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

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

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