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Afghanistan, Tony Awards, Live Music, and More

Afghanistan on Stage: It may seem odd to have a play about Afghanistan described as a comedy, but Two Jews Walk into a War is such a play. It’s described as a modern vaudeville with schtick, sorrow, and survival about the last remaining two Jews in the country. They may share a mission to repopulate the Jewish community in Kabul, but they also hate each other. It’s at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford through Sunday, Oct. 10. For tickets, visit PlayhouseOnPark.org.

Tony Awards: The Tony Awards for productions that opened in 2019 and 2020 (until Broadway shut down) will be presented, finally. If you want to actually see the awards presented on Sunday, Sept. 26, you need access to Paramount+ streaming service. Later that evening, CBS will present a special concert celebrating Broadway’s return. Performances from some of the best musical nominees will be included as well as many Broadway stars.

Music Returning to East Haddam: Goodspeed will open its doors to live audiences on Friday, Sept. 24 with a gala evening celebrating the first on-stage performance with an audience, since 2019. A Grand Night for Singing: A Celebration of Rodgers and Hammerstein will run through Sunday, Nov. 28. The review of songs by the famous composer/lyricist team will feature a cast of five directed by Rob Ruggiero with choreography by Lainie Sakakura. Goodspeed requires proof of vaccination with exemptions handled on a case-by-case basis. Masks must be worn. In addition, seats will be left vacant between parties. As it has in the past, Goodspeed has a variety of special events and evenings that offer reduced ticket prices or extras. These include a Teacher Night Out, Veterans Day Discounts, Teen Nights, and more. For information and tickets, visit Goodspeed.org.

Another Outstanding Archived Production: Westport Country Playhouse is streaming its 2008 critically acclaimed production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men through Sunday, Sept. 26. This story of George and Lennie, two migrant workers during the depression, was directed by Mark Lamos and won acclaim when it was first produced. For information and tickets, visit WestportPlayhouse.org.

First National Tour: Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is the first national tour to visit the Bushnell in Hartford. It will open on Tuesday, Oct. 12 and play through Sunday, Oct. 17. The show features well-loved songs and some new ones. Several members of the original cast are returning to their roles. Tickets are only available online at Bushnell.org.

Off-Broadway Notes: Shows are opening and at least one musical broke a box office record on its first night back. In addition, more shows are being announced. Off-Broadway the star-studded revival of Sondheim’s Assassins at the Classic Stage Company is back on. It will begin previews on Nov. 2. A world premiere musical version of the play Kimberly Akimbo featuring Broadway luminaries Victoria Clark and Steven Boyer with music by Jeanine Tesori begins performances Nov. 5 at the Atlantic Theater Company. The Irish Rep is welcoming in-person audiences for Autumn Royal from Friday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Nov. 21. Also upcoming is the Gingold Theatrical Group’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession, which will feature Karen Ziemba and Robert Cuccioli. It begins performances Tuesday, Oct. 12 at Theater Row.

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.