Summer Theatre of New Canaan Presents The CLASSIC ADVENTURE SERIES 6/12

The stage is set for a summer of adventures called the "Classic Adventure Series" under an open-air tent theater in Waveny Park beginning June 12, from the Summer Theatre Of New Canaan (STONC), a professional nonprofit theatre company.

The season opener is a free, high-energy, modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry IV following the adventures of Prince Hal and the notorious Falstaff. Opening along with Free Shakespeare is the Theater for Young Audience whimsical musical production of Seussical, featuring the Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, and capturing Dr. Seuss' many crazy but heart-felt adventures. The season finale is the Tony-award winning mythical musical Big River, based on Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, long considered one of America's most treasured novels, featuring a classic, knee-slapping hoe-down score by Roger Miller. As always, STONC's trademark Shakespeare for Kids is offered during H4's run, where children can experience the excitement of Shakespeare adapted just for them.

FREE Books of Season's Stories

This year, you can take the adventures home with you, with free books of Henry IV and The Adventure's of Huck Finn being offered by STONC and available at the New Canaan Library. The books are available free while they last, one per customer. "We're thrilled that the generosity of our sponsors makes this offer available to area residents," said Melody Libonati, STONC artistic director. ‘These are classic stories, to be read by all, and the opportunity to read the book and then see a live production is a wonderful cultural and educational experience."

H4 (June 12 - July 3)

The innovative adaptation of Henry IV is staged as a modern-day thriller - perfect for today's media-driven audience! This quick-paced suspense thriller conveys the timeless genius of Shakespeare. Offered free to the public, this engaging drama is an original adaptation of Shakespeare's popular play depicting a span of history ruled by King Henry IV of England, the brewing rebellion that threatens his reign and some of Shakespeare's most popular characters including Falstaff and Prince Hal.
"The writing, plots and characters are just as fresh today as when they were written," said Melody Libonati, artistic director. "We'll stage the production with 10 actors who will perform multiple roles set in the present day. If you like Fox TV's hit series"24," you'll want to see our adaptation - H4 !"

This free Shakespeare production is being made possible by the support of foundations, patrons and the Town of New Canaan. There is a suggested donation of $20 per person. STONC also will hold a select group of theater house seats for patrons who wish to ensure reserved seating for any performance with donations of $45. Presented Wednesdays-Sundays at 7:45pm.

Big River (July 10 - August 1)

This seven Tony-award winning musical is an endearing mythic adventure down the Mississippi River where you meet not only Huck Finn, but Mark Twain's well known characters Tom Sawyer, Jim the runaway slave, the notorious bumbling Duke and King and more as Huck is forced to fake his own death and joins up with Jim in the search for freedom. Critics have called Big River "a dazzling, heart-warming slice of musical Americana and the final crowning achievement of Roger Miller, one of country music's most celebrated songwriters." Presented Wednesdays-Sundays at 7:45pm.

Seussical (June 19 - July 18)

Dr. Seuss may be the best fantastical storyteller ever. Seussical captures some of his most colorful and zany characters, and the crazy but heart-felt adventures they take on.

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, the story weaves together his most famous tales and characters as we follow the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust. Presented by STONC and produced by Chicago's Filament Theatre ensemble, the show will have audiences dancing and singing along with the cast. Seussical is presented 10AM Friday and Saturday, and 11AM on Sunday.

Shakespeare for Kids (June 19 - July 3)

Now in its fourth season, STONC's Shakespeare for Kids is a popular, audience interactive one-hour version of the current Shakespeare production that introduces Shakespeare in a fun and engaging way to a younger audience. Perfect for young children, the show is presented in a relaxed yet exciting open-air tent, and birthday parties and groups are welcome. Presented Saturdays, June 19, 26 and July 3, at 2pm.

STONC's Theater

The Summer Theatre Of New Canaan's professional productions have been hailed by local audiences and critics for its imaginative, high-energy and high quality in its unique setting in Waveny Park. Often compared to Broadway productions, STONC is on critics' lists of ‘best theater in CT.' Performances are offered rain or shine in Waveny Park, with over 200 protected seats under a state-of-the-art open-air tent. The venue allows for hundreds more to enjoy open field seating and picnics, with convenient parking adjacent to theater. Open field seating begins at 6 PM. Tent seating begins at 7:15, and all evening shows begin at 7:45 PM.

For more information, reserved seating and tickets visit www.stonc.org or call the box office at 203-966-4634.

About The Summer Theatre Of New Canaan

Now in its seventh season, The Summer Theatre Of New Canaan (STONC) enriches local communities with a professionally produced theatre experience, providing exciting performances for multigenerational audiences as well as learning opportunities for many of the region's talented performers and technicians who work along side professional performers and production staff. Founded by Melody and Edward Libonati, professional actor and producer respectively, the company offers a strong educational experience for all actors and a highly entertaining Theatrical ensemble for all patrons. Through the generosity of hundreds of supporters, the Summer Theatre Of New Canaan is able to create extraordinary productions and programs that challenge, provide educational programs for young people throughout the extended communities, and hold-down ticket prices at a level accessible to all theatergoers. STONC is a 501 c3 non profit professional theater company.

 

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