2012 Season
Put On a Happy Face!
Musicals at Richter's 28th Season Under the Stars Continues
with Bye Bye Birdie July 26 August 11
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 28th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues its 2012 summer season with Lee Adams and Charles Strouse’s “Bye Bye Birdie,” a vibrant and comic ode to life in the golden age of rock-and-roll, playing July 26 through August 11. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, August 11, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, July 26 and an added performance Thursday, August 9.
With a book by Michael Stewart and a score by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, "Bye, Bye, Birdie" is a musical satire set in the late 1950s that centers around an Elvis Presley-type singing sensation (Conrad Birdie) who is drafted into the Army. His agent and song writer (Albert Peterson) and Albert's secretary and love interest (Rosie Alvarez) plan a televised farewell performance for Birdie on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they hope will provide the publicity to sell his new song "One Last Kiss" and bring Albert's company out of debt. At the conclusion of the performance, Birdie will give a real kiss to a lucky girl from his fan club.
The lucky girl selected is Kim MacAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio, president of the local Conrad Birdie fan club. There is much excitement, but once Albert, Rosie and Birdie arrive in Ohio to prepare for the television appearance, Kim and the residents of Sweet Apple are never the same! The upbeat and tuneful score includes such favorites as “Put On a Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” “Kids,” and “The Telephone Hour.”
The original Tony Award-winning Broadway production opened on April 14, 1960 at the Martin Beck Theatre and ran for 607 performances. Directed and choreographed by the legendary Gower Champion, the original cast included Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera, Paul Lynde, Dick Gautier, Susan Watson, Kay Medford and Charles Nelson Reilly.
“Bye Bye Birdie” was adapted for film in 1963, with Dick Van Dyke reprising his stage role as a slightly rewritten Albert Peterson, Maureen Stapleton as Mama Mae Peterson, Janet Leigh as Rosie, Paul Lynde reprising his stage role as Mr. MacAfee, Bobby Rydell as Hugo Peabody, and Ann-Margret as Kim MacAfee.
Directed and staged for Musicals at Richter by Donald Birely of New York City, the Richter production features a cast of more than 40 from 15 area towns. Damian Long (Norwalk) portrays Albert and Lauren Sherwood (Norwalk) plays the long-suffering Rosie. Matthew Wilcox (Brookfield) is teen idol Conrad Birdie and Beth Bria (Bethel) is Albert’s meddlesome mother Mae.
Christy Coco (New Canaan) is featured as Kim MacAfee and Luke Newman (Bethel) plays her boyfriend Hugo. Chuck Stango (Middlebury) and Laura Kennedy (Danbury) are Kim’s parents; Evan Smolin (Ridgefield) and Tyler Altomari (Poughquag, NY) alternate in the role of Randolph, Kim’s younger brother.
Kaitlin Cunningham (Ridgefield) and Dominique Altomari (Poughquag, NY) share the role of Ursula, Kim’s friend, and Margaret Buzak plays Gloria Rasputin, Mae’s choice for Albert’s affections.
Produced for Musicals at Richter by Sammy Panzarino of Danbury, the “Birdie” creative team also features Tina Marie Lorusso of Waterbury as musical director and Matthew Farina of Danbury as choreographer. Janice Gabriel of Brewster, NY stage manages.
“Bye Bye Birdie” concludes Musicals at Richter’s 2012 main stage musical season, underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission. Following “Birdie,” MAR’s Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop will present a fully-staged student production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” August 16-18.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for “Bye Bye Birdie” are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates available on Sunday evenings and Thursday, August 9. All tickets for the Thursday, July 26 preview are $10. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 28th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 75 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
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Come Ye to the Fair!
Musicals at Richter’s 28th Season Under the Stars Continues
with “Brigadoon” July 5- 21
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 28th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues its 2012 summer season with Lerner and Loewe’s enchanting and romantic musical “Brigadoon,” running July 5-21. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, July 21, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, July 5.
It tells the story of a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every hundred years, though to the villagers, the passing of each century seems no longer than one night. The enchantment is viewed by them as a blessing rather than a curse, for it saved the village from destruction. According to their covenant with God, no one from Brigadoon may ever leave, or the enchantment will be broken and the site and all its inhabitants will disappear into the mist forever. Two American tourists, lost in the Scottish Highlands, stumble upon the village just as a wedding is about to be celebrated, and their arrival has serious implications for the village's inhabitants.
The score features musical theater standards such as “Almost Like Being in Love,” “Come to Me, Bend to Me,” “Heather on the Hill,” “There But for You Go I,” “From This Day On,” and “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean.”
The original production, featuring choreography by Agnes DeMille, opened on Broadway in 1947 and ran for 581 performances. Brigadoon then received a West End production opening in 1949 that ran for 685 performances, and many revivals followed. A 1954 film version starred Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. A 1966 television version starred Robert Goulet and Peter Falk.
Directed and staged by Donald Birely of New York City, the Richter production features a number of newcomers and MAR veterans. Caitlin Mandracchia of Sherman (formerly of Ridgefield) portrays the leading role of Fiona MacLaren opposite her real-life husband Nathan Mandracchia, who plays Tommy, one of the two Americans who happens upon Brigadoon. Dianna Waller of Brewster, NY is the feisty Meg Brockie and Ted Schwartz of Brookfield portrays Tommy’s slightly jaded traveling companion Jeff.
Pat Spaulding of New Fairfield is Mr. Lundie, the town sage and keeper of Brigadoon’s secrets. Brian Bremer of Wilton and Danielle Alfredo of Prospect are young lovers Charlie Dalrymple and Jean MacLaren, with Ben Bisogno of Brewster, NY as Jean’s spurned suitor Harry Beaton. Larry Berger of Carmel, NY portrays Fiona and Jean’s father, Andrew MacLaren.
The ensemble includes: Steven Taliaferro (Bethel); Maria McArdle (Brookfield); Olivia Cotter, Haley Cronin, Rachel Hesse, Tori Kuffler, Amelia McNeil-Maddox, Olivia Minor, Kieran Minor, Priscilla Squiers, Andrea Stock and Kate Valiska (Danbury); Kelly Renna (Fairfield); Kate Franqueira (New Fairfield); Mike Lozier and Jessica Bowe (New Milford); Caitlin Roberts (Norwalk); Clara Blackwell (Redding); Alexandra Aug, Katie Cummings, Olivia Koziol and Juliana Koziol (Sandy Hook); Spencer Hauspurg (Sherman); and Aran Abilock Clemmons (Wilton).
Cast members from New York State include Janice Gabriel and Carly Phypers (Brewster); Emma Burke-Covitz (Carmel); Christina Fuschetto (Hopewell Junction); Morgan Kate Watson, Marley Roche, Marygrace Orfanella and Erin Vaughn (Patterson); and Linsday Miller (Hopewell Junction).
Production choreography is by Jeri Kansas of Danbury, with musical direction by Tina Marie LoRusso of Waterbury. Elizabeth Cotter of Danbury produces.
Musicals at Richter’s 2012 main stage musical season, underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, concludes with Adams and Strouse’s “Bye Bye Birdie” (July 26 - August 11), also directed by Mr. Birely.
For the younger set, the popular children’s theater series “Fairy Tale Theater” celebrates its 14th season of Saturday morning offerings July 7 - 28 rain or shine at Wooster School in Danbury. Longtime Danbury area performer and educator Elyse Jasensky directs an ensemble of young performers in hour-long adaptations of classic tales such as “Aladdin” (July 7), “Rapunzel”/”The Peddler (Caps for Sale)” (July 14), “The Pied Piper” (July 21) and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (July 28). All Fairy Tale Theater tickets are $5.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for “Brigadoon” are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates available on Sunday, July 8 and 15. All tickets for the Thursday, July 5 preview are $10. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking,
with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 28th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 75 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
It’s Habit Forming!
Musicals at Richter’s 28th Season Under the Stars Opens with
“Nunsense: The Megamusical” June 14- June 30
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 28th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, kicks off the 2012 summer season with Dan Goggin’s hilarious musical romp “Nunsense: The Megamusical,” running June 14 through June 30. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, June 30, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, June 14 and an added performance Thursday, June 28.
An expanded cast version of the beloved off-Broadway favorite, “Nunsense: The Megamusical” follows the misadventures of the Little Sisters of Hoboken, a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony on an island south of France. When the sisters discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise while they were off playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls, the surviving nuns initially raise money for the burials by creating a successful line of greeting cards. Thinking there is plenty of money, Reverend Mother buys a home entertainment system for the convent, leaving the order without money for the last four burials. With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, they decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen's School auditorium to raise the necessary amount.
Participating in the project are Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer who cannot not resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Mistress of Novices Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world's first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. The crowd-pleasing entertainment that they present includes solo star turns, madcap dance routines and an audience quiz.
Winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including best off-Broadway musical, best book and best music, the original production of “Nunsense,” directed by Goggin, opened on December 12, 1985 at the off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre, moving to the Douglas Fairbanks Theater for the majority of its ten-year run. It ran for 3,672 performances, becoming the second-longest running off-Broadway show in history (after “The Fantasticks”). By the time it closed, it had become an international phenomenon translated into at least 26 languages with more than 8,000 productions worldwide. More than 25,000 women have played in “Nunsense” productions around the globe, including Edie Adams, Kaye Ballard, Pat Carroll, Peggy Cass, Phyllis Diller, Sally Struthers and JoAnne Worley.
Co-directed and staged by Donald Birely and Christopher Gladysz, both of New York City, the Richter production features a number of newcomers and MAR veterans. Cat Heidel of Southbury portrays Sister Mary Regina, the Mother Superior, with Meredith Walker of Stamford as her sidekick, Sister Mary Hubert. Janice Gabriel and Jody Bayer, both of Danbury, play Sister Robert Anne and Sister Mary Amnesia respectively and Carly Phypers is featured as Sister Mary Leo.
Joining the sidesplitting proceedings in various roles are Cristina Balsama (Bethel); Paul Stein (Brewster, NY); Dolly Conner, Barbara Kessler and Tara Llewellyn (Danbury); Keenan Martin (New Fairfield); Mary Shuldman (Ridgefield); Caitlin Mandracchia (Sherman); and Lindsay Miller (Wappingers Falls, NY).
Produced for Musicals at Richter by Kate Valiska of Danbury, the creative team also features Dan Koch of Millbrook, NY as musical director.
Musicals at Richter’s 2012 main stage musical season, underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, continues with Lerner and Loewe’s romantic “Brigadoon” (July 5 - 21) and Adams and Strouse’s “Bye Bye Birdie” (July 26 - August 11), both directed by Mr. Birely.
For the younger set, the popular children’s theater series “Fairy Tale Theater” celebrates its 14th season of Saturday morning offerings July 7 - 28 rain or shine at Wooster School in Danbury. Longtime Danbury area performer and educator Elyse Jasensky directs an ensemble of young performers in hour-long adaptations of classic tales such as “Aladdin” (July 7), “Rapunzel”/”The Peddler (Caps for Sale)” (July 14), “The Pied Piper” (July 21) and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (July 28). All Fairy Tale Theater tickets are $5.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for “Nunsense” are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates available on Sunday, June 17 and 24 and Thursday, June 28. All tickets for the Thursday, June 14 preview are $10. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 28th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 75 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
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2011 Season
Consider Yourself at Home!
Musicals at Richter’s 27th Season under the Stars Concludes with
“Oliver!” July 28 – August 13
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 27th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, concludes the 2011 season with “Oliver!,” Lionel Bart’s beloved Tony Award-winning musical about a spirited young orphan boy, playing July 28 through August 13. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, August 13, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, July 28.
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, “Oliver!” brings the story’s colorful characters to brilliant life in Victorian London. Plucky orphan Oliver Twist is sold to a Dunstable undertaker after asking for more dinner at the orphanage. Escaping to London, he is taken in by aging master thief Fagin to join his gang of child pickpockets, and is tutored by Fagin’s young protégé, Artful Dodger. When Oliver is wrongly accused of a theft, he meets the kindly Mr. Brownlow, who takes him in, much to the concern of one of Fagin's old pupils, the sinister Bill Sikes. In the middle is Nancy, Sikes's girlfriend whom Oliver has come to trust.
The show launched the careers of several child actors, including Davy Jones, later of The Monkees; Phil Collins, later of Genesis; Alan Paul, later of The Manhattan Transfer; and Tony Robinson, who later played the role of Baldrick in the television series Blackadder.
“Oliver!” was the first musical adaptation of a famous Charles Dickens work to become a stage hit, premiering in the West End in 1960 and becoming a successful Broadway production in 1963. It garnered 3 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was made into a musical film in 1968. A London revival featuring Jonathan Pryce as Fagin played from 1994-1996 and British comedian Rowan Atkinson starred as Fagin in the 2008 West End revival.
The popular score features many iconic songs, including “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “Where is Love?”, “As Long as He Needs Me,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Who Will Buy?”, “Reviewing the Situation,” as well as the title number.
Directed by Donald Birely of New York City, the Richter production features a cast of over 60 local actors of all ages. Tyler Altomari of Poughquag, NY and Jeremy Wong of Wilton alternate in the title role; Philip Coffey of Newtown and Evan Smolin of Ridgefield share the role of the Artful Dodger. Stephen DiRocco of Wilton portrays master pickpocket Fagin and Jessica Smith of New Fairfield plays
Nancy, a graduate of Fagin’s gang and his good-natured assistant. Bill Florie of Poughquag, NY is Bill Sikes and Deanna Lasco of New Fairfield is Nancy’s close friend, Bet.
Tom Matson of Danbury and Meredith Walker of Stamford portray Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, the heartless and greedy caretakers of the workhouse. Undertakers Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, are played by Nathan Mandracchia of Sherman and Jane Matson of Danbury. Ted Schwartz of Brookfield takes on the role of compassionate Mr. Brownlow and Laura Blackwell of Ridgefield is Brownlow’s housekeeper, Mrs. Bedwin.
Tom Morrison of Danbury serves as musical director and Melissa Newsome of Danbury is choreographer. Scenic design is by Carl LePere of Carmel, NY, lighting design by Jeff Klein of Norwalk, and costumes are by DB Productions. Janice Gabriel of Brewster, NY is stage manager and Joyce Northrop of Danbury is producer.
The MAR season features an additional special offering for the younger set, its second annual Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop August 1- 20 for young performers ages 9-17. Under the professional direction of veteran director and actor Donald Birely, this three-week theater camp culminates in a full-scale musical production of “Godspell, Junior” (an adaptation of the classic Stephen Schwartz musical). Performances take place on the Richter stage Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20 at 8 p.m.; all tickets for the Workshop production are $10. Camp registration is still open; for full details and application forms, visit the MAR website, www.musicalsatrichter.org.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for “Oliver!” are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates on Sunday evening ($18 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children). All tickets for the July 28 preview performance are $10. Ticket reservations may be made by phone or charged on-line through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 27th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
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Attend the Tale!
Musicals at Richter’s 27th Season Under the Stars Continues with “Sweeney Todd” July 7-23
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 27th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues the 2011 season with “Sweeney Todd,” Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic musical thriller, running July 7-23. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, July 23, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, July 7.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” premiered on Broadway in March, 1979 to a run of 557 performances, collecting 8 Tony awards including Best Musical. Adapted by Hugh Wheeler (book) and Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) from Christopher Bond’s play “Sweeney Todd,” this “musical thriller” concerns a mid-nineteenth century barber who returns to London, having escaped prison in Botany Bay, to reunite with his wife Lucy and daughter Johanna. His former neighbor, Mrs. Lovett, reports that the evil Judge Turpin, who unjustly sentenced Todd, not only drove Lucy to poison herself but also harbors Johanna as his ward. Obsessed with revenge, Todd proceeds to slash his customers’ throats as he waits for Judge Turpin to grace his tonsorial parlor, while the ever-pragmatic Mrs. Lovett uses the victims’ remains to bake the best meat pies in London.
Considered by many to be Sondheim’s masterpiece for its music, both lush and suspenseful, and its witty and heartfelt lyrics, “Sweeney Todd” initially starred Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury who, along with director Hal Prince, won Tony Awards. Following its Broadway premiere, Lansbury and George Hearn starred in the national tour, which was recorded in 1982 and won three Emmy Awards. The musical was revived on Broadway first in 1989, starring Bob Gunton and Beth Fowler, and again in 2005, starring Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone. Director Tim Burton subsequently adapted the show as a feature film starring Johnny Depp and Helen Bonham Carter in 2007, replacing many of Sondheim’s songs with bloody special effects.
Directed by E. Kyle Minor of Danbury, the Richter production features Jeff Porper of Stamford as Sweeney and Priscilla Squiers of Danbury as Mrs. Lovett. Bonnie Byrnes of Millbrook, NY portrays Johanna, and Billy Hicks of New Milford is Anthony, the young sailor who pursues her. Patrick Spaulding of New Fairfield is Judge Turpin, and Ron M’Sadoques of Waterbury is Beadle Bamford, his deputy and accomplice.
Marilyn Olsen of Woodbridge portrays the half-crazed Beggar Woman, a mysterious oracle who frequents the neighborhood, begging for alms. Chuck Stango of Middlebury is Pirelli, a pompous barber who challenges Sweeney to a shaving contest, and Luke Garrison of Millbrook, NY plays his simple but dedicated assistant, Tobias.
Playing multiple roles in the ensemble are: Steven Taliaferro (Bethel); Lauren Fanning, Marc Fanning, Barbara Kessler, Michael Matthews, Kieran Minor and Kate Valiska (Danbury); Lauren Broadbent (Old Greenwich); Chris DeMarchis (Ridgefield); Ben Bisogno, Antonia Carey, Dilhan Dalo, Janice Gabriel and James Hussey (Brewster, NY); Larry Berger and Matt Bogen (Carmel, NY); and Lindsay Miller (Wappingers Falls, NY).
Dan Koch of Millbrook, NY serves as musical director. Scenic design is by Carl LePere of Carmel, NY, lighting design by Jeff Klein of Norwalk, and costumes are by DB Productions. Jennie Lozier of New Milford is stage manager and Joyce Northrop of Danbury is producer.
Musicals at Richter’s 2011 main stage musical season, which is underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, concludes with Lionel Bart’s classic “Oliver!” (July 28 - August 13), directed by Donald Birely.
For the younger set, the popular children’s theater series “Fairy Tale Theater” celebrates its 13th season of Saturday morning offerings July 2 - 23 at Wooster School in Danbury. Longtime Danbury area performer and educator Elyse Jasensky directs an ensemble of young performers in hour-long adaptations of classic tales such as “Cinderella” (July 2), “Hansel and Gretel” (July 9), “Three Little Pigs”/”Three Billy Goats Gruff” (July 16) and “Snow White” (July 23). All Fairy Tale Theater tickets are $5.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for the main stage productions are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates aon Sunday evening ($18 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children). Preview performances (July 7 and July 28) are $10 for all tickets. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 27th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
Let Us Entertain You!
Musicals at Richter’s 27th Season Under the Stars Opens with
“Gypsy” June 16- July 2
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 27th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, kicks off the 2011 season with Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s triumphant “Gypsy,” running June 16 – July 2. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, July 2, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, June 16.
Hailed as the greatest American musical by numerous critics and writers including New York Times critics Ben Brantley and Frank Rich, “Gypsy” (subtitled “A Musical Fable”) is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents, “Gypsy” focuses on Lee’s childhood onstage with her sister, actress June Havoc, and their larger-than-life mother, Rose. A fiercely determined woman, Rose single-mindedly carves out a life for her girls on the vaudeville circuit during the 1920s and 30s regardless of the cost or her children’s interests. In the years since the show first opened, the character of “Mama Rose” has become synonymous with the image of the ultimate show business mother.
The original Broadway production opened in 1959 and starred Ethel Merman, Jack Klugman and Sandra Church. Directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the production won 8 Tony Awards and ran for over 700 performances. Subsequent award-winning revivals starred Angela Lansbury (1974), Tyne Daly (1989), Bernadette Peters (2003) and Patti LuPone (2008). The score features iconic standards such as “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “Small World,” “You’ll Never Get Away from Me,” “All I Need is the Girl,” “Together Wherever We Go,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and “Rose’s Turn.”
Directed and staged by Donald Birely of New York City, the Richter production features a number of newcomers and MAR veterans. Martha Lerman of Bethel heads the cast as the irrepressible Rose. Her daughters Louise and June are played by Megan Corcoran of Lyndhurst, NJ and Rose Bisogno of Brewster, NY. Sarah Baker and Lindsay Cronin, both of Danbury, alternate in the role of Baby Louise, along with Elle Sauli of Newtown and Kimberly Wipfler of Southbury, who share the role of Baby June.
Damian Long of Norwalk is Rose’s long-suffering suitor Herbie and Billy Hicks of New Milford plays June’s love interest Tulsa. Jody Bayer of Danbury, Lauryn Linley of Monroe and Jessica Smith of New Fairfield portray the colorful burlesque veterans Tessie Tura, Mazeppa and Electra.
Rounding out the cast are Nicholas Chamberlin, Julia Lerman, and Peter Lerman (Bethel); James Hussey (Brewster, NY); Gareth Ayre, Christie Colucci, Dolly Conner, Lindsay Cronin, Brooke Morris, and Sammy Panzarino (Danbury); Keenan Martin (New Fairfield); Bill Lamoureux and Mike Lozier (New Milford); Elliot Siegel (Newtown); Alexandra Aug (Sandy Hook); Tyler Miller (Westport); and Bobby Eddy (Weston).
Dan Koch of Millbrook, NY serves as musical director and Matt Farina of New Fairfield is choreographer. Scenic design is by Carl LePere of Carmel, NY, with costumes by DB Productions. Janice Gabriel of Brewster is stage manager and Joyce Northrop of Danbury is producer.
Musicals at Richter’s 2011 main stage musical season, underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, continues with Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller “Sweeney Todd” (July 7 - 23) directed by E. Kyle Minor of Danbury and Lionel Bart’s classic “Oliver!” (July 28 - August 13), directed by Mr. Birely.
For the younger set, the popular children’s theater series “Fairy Tale Theater” celebrates its 13th season of Saturday morning offerings July 2 - 23 at Wooster School in Danbury. Longtime Danbury area performer and educator Elyse Jasensky directs an ensemble of young performers in hour-long adaptations of classic tales such as “Cinderella” (July 2), “Hansel and Gretel” (July 9), “Three Little Pigs”/”Three Billy Goats Gruff” (July 16) and “Snow White” (July 23). All Fairy Tale Theater tickets are $5.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for the main stage productions are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates available on Sunday evening. Preview performances (June 16, July 7 and July 28) are $10 for all tickets. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 27th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
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