1776, NOISES OFF and NEWSIES Set for Connecticut Rep's 2017 Nutmeg Summer Series

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) Artistic Director Terrence Mann and Executive Producer Matthew J. Pugliese have announced the lineup for the 2017 Nutmeg Summer Series.

The first season under the artistic leadership of Mann will include "1776", "Noises Off" and "Disney's Newsies".

The Nutmeg Summer Series will run June 1 through July 16. Subscriptions are now on sale for 2017. Single tickets will go on sale April 1, 2017, and are available at crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486 2113.

The summer series begins with Terrence Mann directing "1776" with a book by Peter Stone, and music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. This Tony Award-winning musical dramatizes John Adams efforts to convince his colleagues in the continental Congress to vote to declare our independence from the crown. "1776" brings a human element to the founding fathers through an incredible score and award-winning script.

Artistic Director Terrence Mann offered, "'1776' and its award winning script and score tells an intimate and gripping story of how our forefathers fought to create nation. A nation that almost didn't happen! As poignant today as it was almost 50 years ago, the storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat. '1776' wraps you in a world of politics and humor while delivering a stunning message of hope and freedom!"

The second show will be one of the funniest plays written. "Noises Off" is a madcap hilarious farce written by Michael Frayn. CRT will welcome back Vincent Cardinal to direct this award-winning comedy. "Noises Off" watches the exploits of a troupe of traveling actors rehearsing and performing a flop called "Nothing's On." The antics and intrigue on and offstage make chaos for the cast on the eve of opening night. Doors will slam, love triangles will tangle and misplaced sardines create an uproarious, rollicking night of theatre in this play within a play.

The summer concludes with the theatrical adaptation of Disney's musical film, "Disney's Newsies". Featuring a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, "Disney's Newsies" tells the story of the "Newsboy Strike of 1899". This fictionalized story explores themes of social injustice and exploitive labor, as the newsboys learn to harness their voice in this high octane, dance spectacular. CRT will "seize the day" and bring this fresh, new musical hot from Broadway and the National Tour circuit to Storrs.

Mann added, "Youth! Survival! Love! Politics!-all combine to make "Newsies" a tour de force musical story about the indomitability of the human spirit. It's powerful, it's passionate and full of heart!"

In his first year as Artistic Director, Mann says, "Six years ago Vince Cardinal brought me to Storrs for my first summer to do 'My Fair Lady' and ever since I've been trying to get back as often as I can. There is no greater joy than to be in a company of actors, young and old alike, whose sole purpose is to share the gift of great storytelling with folks who make it apart of their lives to support and nurture live theatre."

All three musicals are performed in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre on the campus of the University of Connecticut.

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Subscription package options range from $81-108. Student subscriptions are only $33. Single ticket prices range from $45 to $55, with discounted tickets available for students and seniors.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change. Single tickets will go on sale on April 1, 2017.

Please call 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information. Please call the box office or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.

CRT's Community Partners for the Nutmeg Summer Series include Savings Institute Bank and Trust, Dog Lane Café, Mansfield Downtown Partnership and XL Color.

CRT is the professional producing arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. CRT productions are directed, designed by, and cast with visiting professional artists, including Equity actors, faculty members, and the department's most advanced student artists. The synergy between professional and advanced student artists creates extraordinary theatre and a unique learning environment.

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