Connecticut Repertory Theatre Announces Nutmeg Summer Series

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT), the professional producing arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, is offering four productions in the Nutmeg Summer Series between May 27 and July 4, 2010 - its first full summer season since 2002. Two musicals defined by distinct and remarkable eras of rock and roll, Rent and Smokey Joe's Café, are matched with All in the Timing, a comedic collection of six one-act plays, and these three productions are available as a subscription. The fourth production is a world premiere play presented by movement theatre artists, Split Knuckle Theatre, and is available as an "add on" to the subscription package.

"CRT audiences were begging us to bring back a summer season for the six years since we last presented the Nutmeg Summer Series", said Frank Mack, managing director of Connecticut Repertory Theatre. "Last summer we did a production of a play with a lots of great music called Crowns, and based on tremendous response to that, we made the decision to offer a full schedule in 2010. We‘re doing four productions back to back between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, and using both the Jorgensen and the Katter theatres - so the new, full season will have the fun and variety of a theatre festival," Mack commented.

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION
Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Subscription package options range from $36.00 to $84.00. Single ticket prices range from $6 to $37. The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre and the Nafe Katter Theatre are located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Both venues offer air-conditioned comfort and convenient free parking. Subscribers also have the option of pre-purchasing dinner at the Nathan Hale Inn and ice cream dessert at the UConn Dairy Bar with their subscription packages. Please call 860.486.4226 for tickets and additional information. Please call the box office or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change. CRT's Community Partners for the Nutmeg Summer Series include Hamilton Sundstrand, Leyland Alliance, the Nathan Hale Inn, the UConn Dairy Bar and the Mansfield Community Center.

Nutmeg Summer Series ~ 2010 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Rent
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
May 27 - June 6
Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre

Its unforgettable songs, including "Seasons of Love," "No Day but Today" and "One Song Glory," propelled Rent to become one of the ten longest running shows on Broadway! Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Rent's rock opera is the story of struggling young artists - based on Puccini's La Boheme but set in modern-day New York City.

All in the Timing
By David Ives
June 10 - 20
Nafe Katter Theatre

Described by Ben Brantley of the New York Times as "a wild slice of cerebral vaudeville . . . six utterly delightful one-act plays" make for one great evening of hilarious theatre! Uproarious and smartly written, this is comedy that will tickle your brain and touch your heart!

Smokey Joe's Café
Words & Music by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
June 24 - July 4
Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre

The Nutmeg Summer Series revives one of its most Popular Productions and one of Broadway's smash hits! Featuring the legendary songs of Leiber and Stoller, Smokey Joe's Café features stunning song and dance performances of show-stopping tunes such as "Yakkety Yak," "Charlie Brown," "Hound Dog," "Love Potion #9," "Jailhouse Rock" and many more.

CRT's "Uncommon Sense Series" presents the World Premiere of the Split Knuckle Theatre Production of Endurance
Written by Nick Ryan in Collaboration with Split Knuckle Theatre
June 24 - 27
Nafe Katter Theatre

Office gymnastics meets daring Antarctic exploration in the unlikely setting of a Hartford insurance office in this inventive and funny piece. Masters of movement, Split Knuckle Theatre, have performed their original, fascinating works internationally and will bring the World Premiere of Endurance to Storrs this summer. Subscribers are invited to add this unique, interesting and wonderful 75-minute theatrical delight to their three play subscription!

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. Not all productions are suitable for young children; please call 860.486.1629 for more information. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.4226. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change.

Nutmeg Summer Series ~ 2010 Subscription Dining Options

DINING-THEATRE OPTION
Subscribers can enjoy a delicious, three-course meal at the Nathan Hale Inn before the performance (evening or matinee) at a specially discounted price of only $20 per show (a 30% discount off menu prices). Each meal includes soup or salad, entrée, dessert and soft drink. Subscribers will have a reservation before each show in their series with full exchange privileges. Gratuities are not included; reservations are required (please call 860.427.7888); this offer is not combinable with other offers and is available only to Nutmeg Summer Series subscribers; dining vouchers will be mailed with tickets in advance; this option is not available for performances of Endurance.

DAIRY BAR DESSERT OPTION
Top off a cool afternoon or evening of hot summer theatre with whipped cream and a cherry! Subscriber may add vouchers for three ice cream sundaes at the world famous UConn Dairy Bar to each subscription for an additional $12. The UConn Dairy bar is open before evening performances, and before and after matinees; daily hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vouchers can be redeemed anytime before the expiration date of July 4, 2010.

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