Lauren Yarger News

Summer is on its way out, but Connecticut theaters are heating up with some exciting offerings this fall. Theater lovers have the best of both worlds here in the Nutmeg State: Broadway is just down the road, but we never even have to leave home to see exceptional theater thanks to the bevy of professional theaters that call Connecticut home too. This season looks particularly exciting and I'll share with you what I am most looking forward to reviewing this fall. There are other great shows scheduled this fall as well as through the 2016 season, but in the interest of space, I will concentrate on top picks for this fall.

The wildly engaging and lively production of HAIR at Playhouse on Park has produced such a positive response from critics and patrons alike, resulting in a special offer. Tickets for this matinee performance on Tuesday, June 30 at 2:00 pm, are now on sale! All seats are being offered at one low price of $32.50.

Connecticut authors Katy Lee and Nan Rossiter will be on hand for an intimate lunch gathering where fans can hear them chat about writing the love stories you love to read noon today, Feb. 13. 2015 at the Mark Twain House and Museum.

The 60th Annual Drama Desk Awards will be presented on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 8pm at Town Hall (123 W. 43rd St), it was announced today.

Connecticut authors Katy Lee and Nan Rossiter will be on hand for an intimate lunch gathering where fans can hear them chat about writing the love stories you love to read noon Friday, Feb. 13. 2015 at the Mark Twain House and Museum.

Charles Wright, long-time Drama Desk member, has been elected the new President of the Drama Desk by its membership voting electronically in approval of the projected Officers and Board of Director slate for 2014-2015.] He assumed the Presidency at this evening's annual membership meeting, held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Travel Inn, 515 West 42nd Street. Mr. Wright was introduced as the incoming President by outgoing President Isa Goldberg, who was elected to remain on the Board as a Member-at-Large.

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Director Rob Ruggiero changes the focus for the production running over at Goodspeed, which has been extended through Sept. 12.

History is being made over at the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre on the UConn campus as Leslie Uggams becomes the first African-American actress to star as Rose in an Equity production with a mixed race cast for the musical Gypsy.

More impressive than two good actors doing what they do best, however, is how Ruiz, pictured right with Kline, fits perfectly in to the mix. He has stood out in roles at CT Rep's My Fair Lady, The Music Man and Man of LaMancha as well as in Yale Rep'sAmerican Night, but really shines here. He conveys real affection for his uncle, admiration for Al and somehow manages to be engaging without getting in the way of the veterans.

Connecticut's theater season heats up during the summer with regular and summer series offerings. Some of the top picks I am looking forward to:

A reception at 6:30 precedes the ceremony, which will begin at 7:30. All are welcome to attend the free event, which is fast becoming the theater-networking event in the state.

Maxwell Williams directs a talented ensemble to tell the story of three very different siblings gathering at their home, where quoting Chekhov, throwing coffee cups at the wall and channeling Maggie Smith are not considered strange.

Presenters and musical performances have been announced for the 59th Annual Drama Desk Awards, taking place Sunday, June 1st at The Town Hall. Presenters and performers for this year's Drama Desk Awards include: Christian Borle, Michael C. Hall, Toni Collette, Sutton Foster, Laura Osnes, Billy Porter, Julie Halston, Tracey Letts, Judy Kuhn, Marge Champion, Liz Larsen, Diane Paulus, John Cameron Mitchell, Stephen Trask, Jane Greenwood, David Korins, Marin Ireland, Sam Gold, Oliver Butler, Joe Masteroff, David Byrne, Leigh Silverman, Joshua Henry, Rachael Bay Jones, Sydney Lucas, Jessie Mueller, Steven Pasquale, and Kyle Riabko.

As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

A talented cast of four playsy 20 characters in ten sketches about love at its best and not-so-best set at "7:30 pm on different Friday evenings, Spring through Winter in an alternate suburban reality."

Strong performances highlight this production. Beach, who created the role of Henry in The Great American Mousical at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre in 2012 is a comic genius (loved him in the original Urinetown on Broadway). He's sleazy enough to be believable as the devil, yet sarcastic enough to be likable.

The stage directions for the musical don't say that it should be performed at Music Theatre of Connecticut's 45-seat theater in Westport, but maybe they should. The intimate space and wonderful circus-tent-themed backdrop by scenic designer Carl Tallent are the perfect setting for the one-piano musical.

Take one of his classic comedies, throw in a Fab Four group sort of like the Beatles and let Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong (AMERICAN IDIOT) write the music and presto: you have a modern, interesting show called THESE PAPER BULLETS.