Music Theatre of Connecticut to Feature NEXT TO NORMAL, COLE PORTER PROJECT, and More in 2012-13

Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, Fairfield County's Award-Winning Professional Theatre Company, is pleased to announce the 2012/2013 MainStage Season. Between October 2012 and May 2013, MTCMainStage will present three fully-staged professional productions, each running for three weeks: "Next to Normal," "Ancestral Voices" and "The Cole Porter Project."

Performances will take place in the one-of-a-kind Off-Broadway-style 50-seat studio, providing the audience with an intimate theatregoing experience, and each performance is followed by a complimentary wine and cheese reception. MTC MainStage is located at 246 Post Road East in ColoniAl Green (Lower Level) in Westport, CT.

"MTC MainStage feels a strong commitment to provide theatre to lifelong fans as well as the next generation," says Artistic Director Kevin Connors. "Last season was such a success with our reimagined take on the classic American musical "Cabaret," our critically-acclaimed production of the romantic comedy "Almost, Maine," and the record-breaking sell-out smash "I Left My Heart: A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett." Please join the MTC MainStage family for the three stunning productions of our 2012/2013 Season... we're saving a seat just for you!"

Opening the season and running October 19-November 4, 2012 is "Next to Normal," the Pulitzer-Prize winning rock musical. With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, "Next to Normal" explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. "Next to Normal" tells the story of a mother, Diane Goodman, who struggles with bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. This contemporary musical is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life. With provocative lyrics and a thrilling score, this musical shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.

The second production of the season, running February 1-17, 2013, is "Ancestral Voices," a play by A.R. Gurney, author of the international phenomenon "Love Letters." Set in Buffalo, New York in the 1940s, "Ancestral Voices" is a bittersweet story, perceived through the eyes of young Eddie, whose family is turned inside out when his grandmother unexpectedly divorces his grandfather in order to marry his grandfather's best friend. Simultaneously, the outside world is undergoing temporal changes and we follow the family through the ensuing decades of war and social upheaval.

The season finale, running April 19-May 5, 2013, is "The Cole Porter Project,". This glittering musical tribute celebrates the life and work of the great American songwriter Cole Porter, who brought style, wit and sophistication to Broadway and Hollywood. Bubbling with songs that have become international standards, from such classic shows and movies as "Anything Goes," Kiss Me, Kate," High Society" and "Can-Can" among others.

MTC MainStage 2012/2013 Season performances take place Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm and Sundays at 3pm at MTC MainStage Studio Theatre 246 Post Road East (ColoniAl Green, Lower Level) in Westport, CT. Season subscriptions, with tickets for all three productions, start at $60. Single tickets for each production are also currently on sale.

For tickets and more information on the MTC MainStage 2012/2013 Season and the benefits of subscribing and/or becoming a member, call 203.454.3883 or visit www.musictheatreofct.com

The Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage 2012/2013 Season

October 19 -November 4, 2012:
"Next to Normal"
A Musical with Music by Tom Kitt and Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical.

February 1-17, 2013:
"Ancestral Voices"
A Play by A.R. Gurney
A touching, funny and warm story of family from the playwright of "Love Letters."

April 19 - May 5, 2013:
"The Cole Porter Project"
A Musical Revue with Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
The music and life of one of America’s greatest composers.

 

Music Theatre of Connecticut was founded in 1987 by Directors Kevin Connors and Jim Schilling. MTC’s professional mainstage company has presented 25 seasons of critically-acclaimed productions, including new works and buried treasures of the American musical theatre. MTC is recipient of the Connecticut Critics' Circle's highest honor, the Tom Killen Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Connecticut Professional Theatre and was presented with a Connecticut State Legislative Citation to commemorate this award. Productions presented at MTC have been nominated for Best Musical of the Connecticut theatre season and several others have gone on to have successful productions in New York and at other regional houses. MTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization.