The Bijou Theatre to Host First Summer Showcase, 7/17

The Bijou Theatre is proud to announce its first annual Summer Showcase for young performers ages 8-25 on July 17 at 7pm. The cast of upcoming shows "In the Heights" and "Willy Wonka Jr" will team up in an "open mic" format to present their many talents. Acts will include solo and group songs, monologues, comedy acts, scenes, juggling, and much more.

The Bijou Summer Showcase will act as a fundraiser in support of the theatre's two summer programs featuring kids, teens, and young adults from the greater Bridgeport area. Many of the students participating in the youth summer program benefit from scholarships and payment plans, in an effort by The Bijou to give back to the theatre community that has supported its large role in the recent Renaissance in Downtown Bridgeport.

The evening will feature these young talents on The Bijou stage, as well as an appropriately themed Spanish food potluck served by the cast of "In the Heights," which opens the week before on July 11. For dessert, the "Willy Wonka" cast will provide a selection of treats and sweets for purchase in the lobby. Both of these special projects are organized and created by the casts in hopes of raising additional funds for their shows.

The Bijou Film Society, which produces both Summer Programs, is a 501©3 organization operating exclusively for charitable, religious, education, or scientific purposes. All contributions towards The Bijou's Summer Program for kids 8-14 and Summer Stock for young adults 15-25 are tax deductible and go entirely towards the two productions taking place later in July.

The Bijou Summer Showcase will take place on Thursday, July 17 at 7pm. Tickets are on sale for $10 at thebijoutheatre.com. "Willy Wonka Jr" will perform on Friday, July 25 at 8pm, and "In the Heights" performs July 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8pm, July 13 at 6pm, and July 19 at 2pm. Tickets to both "Willy Wonka Jr" and "In the Heights" are $19 for theatre seats, $24 for tables and high tops, and $15 for seniors and students, and can be purchased at thebijoutheatre.com.

The Bijou Theatre, one of the oldest buildings in the country used as a movie house, reopened its doors in 2011. In addition to continuing its historic character of showing movies, the Theatre offers a full repertoire of live music, comedy, theater and dance, which can be enjoyed in either theater seating or cabaret style. The Bijou Theatre is a multi-functional venue with integrity and an open-minded philosophy. A symposium for film, theatre, art, comedy and music. The Bijou Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The Bijou Performing Arts Center offers educational programs in Dance though New England Ballet, Music & Theatre, as well as special events and live theatre performances. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the Bijou Arts Center, which is located at 275 Fairfield Avenue in Downtown Bridgeport. For further information, call (203) 332-3228 or visit thebijoutheatre.com.