Category: News

Back to the Future – the Musical has been a big hit in London. The show opened last month in New York to mixed reviews. However, everyone – from critics to audience members – agrees that the star of the show is the flying DeLorean. That got me thinking about other shows where an automobile was one of the stars. Here are a few. How many have you seen? Which musicals would you add? Grease – opened on February 14, 1972 My first Broadway show without parental accompaniment. Grease is still one of my all-time favorite shows and cast recordings.… read more

Maybe I’m just a pushover for a gentle romance., but I was delighted with On Cedar Street. You will hear more of the new musical On Cedar Street, which is having its world premiere at the Berkshire Theatre Company through Sept. 2 Why? First of all, because it has top-notch people involved, the book is by Emily Mann, a Tony Award winner; music by composers Lucy Simon (The Secret Garden), co-composer Carmel Dean (music director for multiple Broadway shows); and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam, Working). It’s directed by Susan H. Schulman, whose list of Broadway musical credits… read more

War is never easy or, in many opinions, a necessary solution to problems. Fighting over a little red truck in a sand box is a far cry from countries amassing guns, tanks and weapons of mass destruction. Yet at this moment in time there are conflicts from drug wars in Mexico and Columbia to terrorist attacks from Algeria and Nigeria to Chad and Sudan to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And when war is finally over, the returning soldiers find life has changed irrevocably since they left. To enter the minds and hearts of the soldiers returning home from World War… read more

Summer once meant shows performed in actual barns by talented and young kids. Or tours led by well-known movie and TV stars whose popularity had diminished. Not anymore. Today, you can choose from musicals, plays, and comedies, Theater in Connecticut doesn’t slow down when summer begins. Would you like to be outside under the stars? In a tent? Or would you prefer an air-conditioned space? Close to home or exploring the countryside? Connecticut theaters let you choose. In addition, you can easily combine your theatergoing with concerts and day or overnight trips that let you enjoy our beautiful state. Want… read more

The movie-to-stage-musical phenomena hasn’t experienced unbridled success. For every hit like “Hairspray” or “The Producers”, you have losers like “Rocky”, “Ghost”, “Almost Famous” and “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Add to that motley crew of titles “9 to 5”, the 1980 film comedy starring Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin and Dolly Parton that became a Broadway musical in 2008. With book by Patricia Resnick (slavishly following the film script she co-wrote with Collin Higgins) and music/lyrics by Parton, this is truly a musical that never had to be. But there it is now at Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theatre where the crowd on opening night… read more

By some theatrical twist of fate I’ve seen no less than three world premiere plays in less than a month. One we won’t discuss further (looking at you Legacy Theatre!), one was a real find (Barrington Stage Company’s “The Happiest Man on Earth”) and the latest is Jacqueline Bircher’s provocative “Webster’s Bitch”, currently finishing out its debut at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford. While far from a perfect work, this workplace dramedy has something on its mind and doesn’t mind saying it. Set in the Stamford, Connecticut offices of Webster’s Dictionary, a pair of diligent lexicographers, Gwen (Mia Wurgaft)… read more

Click here on the READ MORE link below to RSVP to the CT Critics Award Ceremony. It is open and free to the public. Yale Repertory Theatre’s staging of the Edward Albee classic, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and Goodspeed Opera House’s spirited production of “42nd Street” lead the shows nominated for the 31st annual Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. The awards event, which celebrates the best in professional theater in the state, will be held Monday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at TheaterWorks Hartford in downtown Hartford. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” earned six nominations, including outstanding play production, director,… read more

William “Bill” Berloni will be the 2023 recipient of the Connecticut Critics Circle’s annual Tom Killen Award. This special award recognizes Berloni’s long service and achievement to theater in the state and on Broadway. The award will be presented on Monday, June 26 at the 31st Connecticut Critics Circle Awards Ceremony at Theaterworks Hartford, 233 Pearl St. in Hartford. The annual event celebrates and honors the state’s outstanding professional theater. The event is scheduled for 7:30-9:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Berloni’s career began as a 20-year-old apprentice at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.… read more

The 2023 International Festival of Arts & Ideas returns to pre-pandemic levels of talks, concerts, theater, dance, and family activities emphasizing connections, creativity, exploration, and involvement. The majority of the festival runs from Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 25. Exceptions include the neighborhood days that began in early May and will conclude with West Hills/West Rock Festival (Sunday, May 28) and the Dixwell Festival (Saturday, June 3). Also, the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica will perform Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3 at the Shubert Theatre. There will be events geared towards adults, teens, and kids; talks… read more