Joseph Harrison - Page 7

In today's world of a?oefake newsa?? and challenges to journalistic integrity, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell fact from fiction. Add in the desire to both entertain and inform readers (and sell publications) and it can be easy to see how, today, trust may be harder than ever to find in the printed word. But who defines what exactly constitutes a fact, and when, if ever, is it ok to bend the truth in service of telling an important story? These are some of the questions explored in THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT, a play by Jeremey Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell now playing at TheaterWorks in Hartford.

It seems these days that every other musical opening on Broadway is based on a popular film. From PRETTY WOMAN to BEETLEJUICE, Broadway has been home to film adaptations for years. Sometimes these can be a mixed bag, but sometimes they shine as brightly (or even brighter) than their original source material. Such is the case for LEGALLY BLONDE, with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and Book by Heather Hach, which is currently playing at the Enfield Annex, produced by the Opera House Players.

Communities are beautiful things due in part to the vast diversity that can exist in them. Even if made up of people of common means, there are so many layers to each neighborhood, each block, and each building. Some of these people are friends, some one hardly ever sees, but many are, or can feel like, family. These community bonds often are tested the most during a crisis, and sometimes it is that crucible which strengthens relationships and changes lives. Bonds such as I have described here are portrayed vividly by Nijala Sun in her one woman show, PIKE ST. which is now playing at Hartford Stage. 

Hers is some of the most iconic music of the 20th century and many of her songs formed the soundtrack of people's lives in the American post war era. And though Rosemary Clooney's public persona was one of grace and composure, in her personal life she was battling significant personal demons that almost brought her career (and possibly, her life) to an early end. But, at a time when self-care and taking steps to address ones mental health was not the norm, Ms. Clooney had the courage to face her demons head on and get the help she most desperately needed. It is this struggle (and triumph) that makes up the story of TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL, which is now playing at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford. 

A mysterious girl, who may or may not be the long lost Princess Anastasia Romanov of Russia, a grandmother intent on finding her, and the desperate men willing to do whatever it takes to get out of Russia. These are at the center of the musical ANASTASIA which is now playing at The Bushnell in Hartford.

Sometimes it a simple, yet beautiful show is exactly what the doctor ordered. With the hustle and bustle that comes this time of year, it is important to stop and remember the important things in life - family, home, and loved ones around us. That is what makes Connecticut Theatre Company's fantastic production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS the perfect escape to cure the holiday blues.

Christmas is a season of traditions. From the decorations that have their certain place on the mantel, to the cookies like grandma used to make, people thrive on the familiar during the holidays. This goes for films and TV specials as well. Who doesn't pause to see if George Bailey will save the savings and loan, if Ralphie will actually get his Red Ryder BB Gun, or if Rudolph will finally prove his red nose can do great things. No matter how many viewings, there is something about the characters of these beloved Christmas programs that feels familiar and right. But have you ever wondered what happened to these larger than life characters after their time in the red and green spotlight? These are the questions that TheaterWorks in Hartford hilariously tackles in CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS.

The holidays are a season of excitement and joy for people of all ages. This festive time of year comes with all the trappings - colorful decorations, gifts for loves ones, and of course, visits to see the big man in the red suit. But have you ever stopped to wonder what the lives of those who toil day after joyous day in green velvet and striped stockings? Yes, I am talking about Santa's helpers, the energetic and excited elves who ensure your visit to the North Pole is as wonderful as it can be. In David Sedaris' one man play, THE SANTALAND DIARIES, playing now at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, audiences get a peek through the a?oemagic windowa?? at one man's hilarious experience as an elf in Macy's Santaland.

LES MISERABLES is one of those musicals that people simply love. Over the years the story of young students staging a revolution in Paris has become a pop culture staple, so audiences should be excited, then, to know that the Palace Theatre in Waterbury, CT will play host to the touring production of the show December 3 - 8. Playing the scheming Madame Thenardier when LES MISERABLES stops in Waterbury will be Allison Guinn, who sat down with me to talk about playing her dream role in this iconic musical.

Choosing whether or not to go back to work after having a baby can be one of the most difficult decisions a new mother (or father) can make. Even the most career-focused parents can find themselves weighing pros and cons when trying to do what they think is best for their growing family. But this decision is not as black and white as it may seem. Bubbling underneath can be old insecurities, conflicting gender role expectations, and fear that making the wrong choice will have a negative impact. Molly Smith Metzler's play CRY IT OUT, now playing at Hartford Stage, explores these themes through the eyes of four parents, each on their own journey through new parenthood and each dealing with the highs and lows of this common parental dilemma.

When tragedy strikes it is often the relationships forged between those who survived that allows the victims to carry on. This shared experience bonds strangers and families alike. But what about those who were spared? Though family and friends not present may have avoided the worst, they, too, struggle with reconciling the impact to those they love and the guilt they feel having not been impacted directly. And all involved have to find a way to move on and live their lives. This prevailing emotion is at the center of Barbara Lebow's play, A SHAYNA MAIDEL which is now playing at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford.

Sometimes the most powerful theatrical experiences are the ones that hit closest to home. In today's America, with racial and political divides growing ever wider and tensions building to a breaking point, it might just be a play like Christopher Demos-Brown's AMERICAN SON that will shine the brightest light on these issues, not only pointing out the flaws and imperfections, but providing a spotlight for all of us to truly see. And, by offering this intense and thought-provoking piece as its opening play (of the season and of their newly remodeled space), TheaterWorks Hartford boldly illustrates why it is well-qualified and well-appointed to deliver such a powerful night of theatre.

Sometimes, being unafraid to be yourself can be the key to unlocking your true potential. Never has that been truer than in the story of BILLY ELLIOT, currently playing (through November 24) at the Goodspeed Opera House. In this, its final production of the season, Goodspeed brings to life the hit musical (with music by Elton John and book/lyrics by Lee Hall) about a young boy in a coal-mining town in northern England in the 1980's, as he discovers a love (and gift) for dance. The result is an exciting, touching, and thrilling experience filled with stellar performances, inspired staging, and a pitch perfect interpretation of the trying times in which the play is set.  

There are some stories that have a timeless quality, speaking to the aches and the joys of modern life regardless of the era in which they are told. Such is the classic tale of Don Quixote, a story that, when Miguel de Cervantes published it in 1605, took on a certain meaning and century after century has been seen through an evolving lens, from comic novel to tragic statement against nobility. But in Octavio Solis' new play QUIXOTE NUEVO, which opens Hartford Stage's 2019/2020 season, the infamous Spanish Knight of La Mancha has become the Latino Knight of La Plancha (Texas) battling border surveillance drones instead of windmills and fighting for the undocumented versus the poor citizens of war-ravaged Spain.

There's a quote from Bennet Cerf that says, a?oeThe person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.a?? I am not sure I could find a better way of describing the refreshingly funny, exciting, and entertaining opening show of Playhouse on Park's 11th season, NUNSENSE. The classic musical is a madcap romp with a simple, yet hilarious premise that still finds a way to keep audiences gasping for breath almost 35 years after its premiere off-Broadway. And, by selecting this feel-good musical as its opening show, Playhouse on Park in West Ha

Alice Murphy, the protagonist in the musical, BRIGHT STAR (now on stage at the Enfield Annex, produced by the Opera House Players) sings in her opening number, a?oeIf you knew my story, you'd have a good story to tella?? and the musical that follows those words is just that, a good story a?" one with toe-tapping songs and a captivating story (both by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell) and a few surprises along the way. The production is solid, the story heartwarming, the songs entertaining, and the overall show completely worth the trip to Enfield, CT.  

Sometimes a peek behind the proverbial curtain can be a thrilling affair. Whether it is a look at the inner workings of a complicated machine or a sneak peek a?oebehind the scenesa?? of the latest summer blockbuster, people have been fascinated with understanding what it takes to a?oemake the sausagea?? for years. And sometimes, that insight can be hilarious. In Becky Mode's FULLY COMMITTED, the latest play from TheaterWorks in Hartford, audiences get to witness a day in the life of Manhattan's #1 restaurant told through the eyes of Sam, an out-of-work actor who answers the reservation line (and does whatever else the egotistical chef demands.) The twist? All 33 characters in the play are played by one actor (Jamison Stern) in a hilarious, tour-de-force performance that thrills and delights.

There's an old saying from W.C. Fields that says 'Never work with animals or children'. This quote is often assumed to mean that a performer should avoid this, as children and animals can be quite unpredictable and/or unreliable. But based on what I saw on stage during Goodspeed Musicals' latest production of the new musical BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE, I think W.C. Fields may have issued this warning because said animals and children just might steal the show right out from under you. In its second production of the season, Goodspeed has opted to mount a relatively new work and introduce audiences to the heartwarming story of two 'Strays', a girl and her dog, on the very same stage where another girl and her dog (ANNIE) premiered 43 years ago. The result? A touching musical that delivers an important message delivered by a strong cast led (yes, led) by an extremely loveable (and talented) canine.

Live theatre creates a connection with the audience in a way unlike any other medium. Sometimes this connection builds excitement, sometimes it sparks compassion, and on other occasions, it forces you to confront something uncomfortable or difficult to create greater awareness and understanding. The creative team of John Kander and Fred Ebb did this with many of their musicals over their career together. In CABARET they illustrated the rise of Nazi Germany, and in CHICAGO brought attention to the role the media plays in sensationalizing criminals. But in one of their last collaborations together, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, Kander and Ebb not only approached a difficult subject matter (9 young African-American men in Alabama falsely accused of rape in the 1930's), but they did so using one of the most distasteful artforms in American history, the minstrel show. So, it is a bold move for West Hartford's Playhouse on Park to offer this difficult production as the final performance in its tenth season.

When the world outside is challenging, political tensions are escalating, uncertainty is in the air and pressures are building to the breaking point, what can you do? If you lived in Berlin in the early 1930's you might have found yourself escaping from the rise of Nazism by visiting an avant-garde performance at one of many cabarets in the city. If, instead, it is 2019 and you are also looking for a bit of escapism of your own, you might head to the University of Connecticut to take in the latest production in the CT Repertory Theatre's 2019 Nutmeg Summer Series, CABARET.