A Musical Fusion, In The Heights, 50s Music, A One-Woman Show, And More
A Special Event: MTC in Norwalk is teaming up with the Norwalk Symphony to present a Chamber Series of contemporary works that are described as a magical fusion of music, dance, and theatre. The first is Igor Stravinsky’s “Soldier’s Tale” which was written as a response to World War I. It will be presented on Friday evening, Nov. 1 and Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2. For tickets, you can contact MusicTheatreOfCT.com
In the Heights: The Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport is presenting Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning musical, In the Heights, from Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 24. In New York City’s Washington Heights, Usnavi, a bodega owner, and his friends dream, hope and work for a better future. Tickets and information are available at DTCab.com.
If You Love ‘50s Music: Unchained Melodies–The Doo Wop Musical is at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury from Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 24. According to the press material, “Under the streetlamps of East Coast cities, doo-wop emerged bringing tight harmonies to the soundtrack of the 1950s.The show beginning with groups like The Drifters and The Platters, Unchained Melodies celebrates the swingin’ harmonies of the ‘50s and ‘60s, featuring songs like “Blue Moon,” “16 Candles,” “Save the Last Dance,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Charlie Brown,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “On Broadway,” and “Working My Way Back to You.” Tickets are available at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.
One-Woman Show: Playhouse on Park in West Hartford is presenting Melinda Buckley’s one woman show, Mother (and Me) on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3. The award-winning solo show recounts her relationship with her mother, described as a Hungarian Mama Rose, as her mother slides into dementia. The play is about stepping up and into your own light. For tickets, contact PlayhouseOnPark.org.
Building Endowment: Hartford Stage has started an ambitious fundraising campaign that will not only provide funding for artistic and educational programs but will also build the company’s endowment. Hartford Stage, which just opened its 61st season, is seeking to raise $20 million dollars; $9 million has already been pledged. The endowment will sustain the theater long term. As Melia Bensussen, the artistic director wrote: “When the theater was founded in 1964, there was a strong belief in this art form and this community. We continue to believe in its promise and importance and want to safeguard this theater for it to outlive each of us individually, as theaters have outlived and guided generations before us.”
Auditions: Goodspeed will hold auditions for local Equity actors on Saturday, Nov. 10. Auditions for local children will be held at another time. The auditions are by appointment only. For information and appointments, actors should call 860-873-0021.
Kiss Me, Kate: The hit London revival of this Cole Porter musical may have closed but you can see it close to home. The show which stars Stephanie J. Block, who won a Tony playing Cher, was filmed. It will be shown at the Cinemark Theatre at the Connecticut Post Mall, Milford, on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 and Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30. You can get tickets at KissMeKateCinema.com.
Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident. To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.wordpress.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association.