BY MELODY MEITROTT LIBONATI
July marks the middle of Summer Theatre of New Canaan”™s 11th season. This year has proven to be a winning formula of great Broadway hits, entertaining and quality theater for young audience productions and a new weekly “Under the Stars New Artist”™s Theatre Works” series, which platforms new and original works by established Broadway and regional directors, writers, composers and songwriters.
While staging professional theatrical productions is our primary goal, children and educational programs are the heart of our efforts. This season we are presenting a world premier children”™s musical, “Merrilee Mannerly” and also “Charlotte”™s Web,” using puppets and masked performers to introduce the next generation of theatergoers to the excitement of live theater. Last month, the DramaRamas, our performance group for students with special needs, performed a production of “Hairspray Jr.” For the past five years, our team of professional actors, creative staff and college interns mentor each DramaRama child to help them interpret and perform their roles. Our Junior Company, for middle school students, works with our professional actors and staff to present a musical each season.
In “Hairspray,” the story of plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad and her efforts to integrate the popular Corny Collins show have resonated with audiences since opening on Broadway in 2002, winning the Tony for Best Musical. Our professional production of “Hairspray” opened to strong audiences and excellent reviews June 28 and continues performances through Aug. 3.
This Wednesday, July 23, the “Under the Stars, New Summer Theatre Works,” series presents “Guns, A Cabaret.” Liz Swados, the director of the hit Broadway show “Runaways,” collaborated with NYU Tisch School musical theater graduates to present a dynamic, poignant musical narrative on gun issues that touches us all. A pre-show reception is hosted by CAGV (Connecticut Against Gun Violence).
The final “Under the Stars” presentation, “Little Island of Joy,” takes the stage Wednesday, July 30. This new play by Christopher Carlson examines one of the most remarkable women of her time, Helen Keller and the secret love of her life.
Tickets for “Hairspray” and all shows are available online at stonc.org or by calling the STONC box office at 203-966-4634.
Melody Meitrott Libonati is the artistic director of Summer Theatre of New Canaan, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
