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05/09/2024 03:45 PMA Production You Shouldn’t Miss: The current production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at Hartford Stage through Sunday, May 5, should not be missed. It’s amazing how Miller created an absorbing drama while also exploring issues that will resonate in today’s world. Overall, the production is excellent. Visit HartfordStage.org for tickets.
Shakespeare & Wilson: Hartford Stage’s 2024-‘25 season features productions of August Wilson’s Two Training Running (Jan. 23 to Feb. 16), and Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet (April 17 to May 18). The season opens with Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (Oct. 10 to Nov. 3). After a break for A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas (Nov. 23 to Dec. 29), and the Wilson play, Laughs in Spanish (March 6 to 30) is next, and concludes with Hurricane Diane (June 5 to 29). For subscriptions or information, visit HartfordStage.org.
Comedy, Musicals & Drama: MTC in Norwalk has announced its 2024-‘25 season. It opens with the drama Master Class (Sept. 13 to 29), followed by Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – Musical (Dec. 5 to 22). The new year begins with the farce Moon Over Buffalo (Feb. 7 to 23), and the season concludes with the Jerry Herman musical La Cage aux Folles (April 4 to 19). For information and subscriptions, visit MusicTheatreOfCT.com.
Three Productions & More: Long Wharf’s 2024-‘25 season begins with the musical She Loves Me (Nov. 30-Dec. 15), followed by El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom (Jan. 25 to Feb. 16) and concludes with Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny, from May 15, 2025, to June 8, 2025. More information is on the LongWharf.org website.
Hits & Misses: Shows hoping for Tony nominations had to open by April 24. My calendar has been crowded with dramas and musicals. Lempicka is a new musical about Tamara Lempicka, an artist in the first half of the 20th century. Yes, she lived an interesting life. Yes, she was well known in her time (and has had a renewed interest recently). But overall the show is interesting but not terrific. Except for the set, nothing stands out. On the other hand, Suffs has made a successful transition from off-Broadway to Broadway. This show is well worth seeing. You may be confused by the title; it refers to the Suffragettes (they preferred Suffragists) who fought for the right for women to vote in the years leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment (1920). This show is not only historically quite accurate, but it features a number of terrific performances, including Shaina Taub as Alice Paul and Jenn Colella as Carrie Chapman Catt. But the entire cast is wonderful, and you will tap your toes at some of the music. Of course, you will be outraged at how these women were treated.
Nominations: The NYC City award season is upon us. The Outer Critics Circle (I am a member) has announced nominations for both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Multiple nominations went to Days of Wine and Roses, Suffs, The Who’s Tommy, An Enemy of the People, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, Mother’s Play: A Play in Five Evictions, Patriots, Jajas African Hair Braiding, and Illinoise. Some notable shows that received few or no nominations include Cabaret, Back to the Future, The Great Gatsby, Hell’s Kitchen, The Heart of Rock ‘n Roll, The Wiz, and The Notebook.
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.
Editor’s Note: The names of some of the Tony Award-nominated plays were corrected on May 9.