BELL, BOOK & CANDLE Opens Tonight at TheatreWorks New Milford

Tonight, December 4 at 8:00 p.m., TheatreWorks New Milford will open the classic romantic comedy Bell, Book & Candle by John Van Druten. The show runs for five weeks.

Gillian Holroyd (Jenny Schuck, Danbury) is a sensual, free spirited gal, restless in life and unlucky in love. She also happens to be a witch. When she learns that her handsome neighbor, Shep Henderson (James Hipp, New Milford), is engaged to her old college rival, she uses every trick in the book to stop the wedding. But when, in the midst of her magical maneuvering, she finds herself falling for him, she's left with a difficult choice: fall in love or lose her powers. But perhaps love still has a trick or two up its own sleeve in this delectable and delightful romantic romp.

"Bell, Book & Candle remains, at its heart, a delightful romantic, and yes, magical comedy," said Joseph Russo of New Milford, the play's director and set designer. "Before TV's 'Jeannie' popped out of her bottle and before Samantha of 'Bewitched' wiggled her nose, Gillian Holroyd ruled her corner of Manhattan, happily casting her spells. I'm confident that her and her friends will cast a good one over unsuspecting audience members."

"Something old, something new, someone borrowed, someone blue has been source material for so many classic stage comedies," said producer Bill Hughes of New Milford. "This fresh take on Bell Book & Candle is a perfect example of the form, lighthearted, romantic, as well as plot and character driven. And let's admit it, who doesn't need a little magic in their life?"

Rounding out the cast are three outstanding area actors: Jeff Rossman (New Fairfield), Jody Bayer and Matt Austin (both Danbury).

Besides Russo and Hughes, the show's production crew includes lighting design by Scott Wyshynski and Richard Pettibone, sound design by Tom Libonate, and stage management by Marilyn Hart, assisted by Reesa Roccapriore.

Bell, Book & Candle opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on November 14, 1950. The play was the inspiration for the acclaimed 1958 film of the same name starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon and was nominated for two Academy Awards.
Bell, Book & Candle runs December 4,5 11,12,13 18,19,20 31 January 2 8,9. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on December 13 and 20. Tickets for all shows are $23 for reserved seating. Students and Military personnel with ID will be admitted for $18.

On New Year's Eve, December 31 at 8:00 p.m., there will be one gala fundraising performance with hors d'oeuvres and an open bar of wine, beer, and soft drinks. Tickets for this event are $85.

On Thursday, December 3, Senior Citizens are invited to a free dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10 at 8:00 p.m. is TheatreWorks' Pay-What-You-Want night. At this performance, you name the price for your ticket.

Reservations can be made online at theatreworks.us or by calling the box office at (860) 350-6863.

TheatreWorks is an award-winning, non-Equity theatre company, named Best Community Theater in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine. TheatreWorks is located at 5 Brookside Avenue , just off Route 202 (next to the CVS), in New Milford , CT. Parking is located behind the Catherine E. Lillis Administration Building at 50 East Street, New Milford.

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