Photo Flash: 110 IN THE SHADE And THE FANTASTICKS At The Hartt School

Based on Nash's 1954 play The Rainmaker, with Book/lyrics by Tom Jones; music by Harvey Schmidt, 110 in the Shade focuses on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living on a ranch in the American southwest, and her relationships with local sheriff File, a cautious divorcé who fears being hurt again, and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area. Sarah Killough of Duluth, MN (pictured), stars as Lizzy Curry. Directed by Alan Rust, 110 in the Shade plays on Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, April 26 at 2 PM.

The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world, and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time. A moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature and meaningful love, is punctuated by a bountiful series of memorable songs such as "Try to Remember", many of which have become standards. Hartt senior Ardis Barrow (pictured) of Lenox, MA, stars as Luisa. With book/lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, The Fantasticks is directed by Michael John McGann, and plays on Friday, April 24 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 25 at 2 PM, and Sunday, April 26 7:30 PM.

The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford that offers innovative degree programs in music, dance, and theatre. With more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, master classes, dance performances, and musical theatre productions a year, performance is central to Hartt's curriculum. For more information on The Hartt School, visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.