CT Rep Theatre Offers American Sign Language Interpreted Performances

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces that each show of its 2018 Nutmeg Summer Series, "Disaster!", "Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller in Concert," and "Jesus Christ Superstar," will have performances interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) through a partnership with UConn's Center for Students (CSD) with Disabilities. ASL interpreted performances will take place during the Saturday matinee performances on June 16 for "Disaster!", June 30 for "Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller in Concert", and July 21 "Jesus Christ Superstar".

Nutmeg Summer Series' Executive Producer Matthew J. Pugliese says, "We are very happy that we can continue to offer the ASL interpreted performances this summer. We want all the members of our community to be able enjoy the theatre. This is a step to make that possible. We are very appreciative of the collaboration and support from UCONN's Center for Students with Disabilities."

"We're thrilled to collaborate with CRT to promote accessibility in the arts. UConn Interpreting Services (UCIS) works with highly skilled interpreters and ASL consultants for these performances. We look forward to continued partnerships, and we're excited to see a growing ASL audience," said Audrey Silva, Director of UConn Interpreting Services.

CRT and UCIS began offering interpreted performances in 2016. During the 2017-18 season, interpreted performances of "The Importance of Being Earnes" and "As You Like It" were offered for audiences.

Ticket prices range start at $48 with student and senior discounts available. To purchase tickets for the ASL interpreted performances by phone, call 860.486.2113. For additional information, visit www.crt.uconn.edu.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre and the Nutmeg Summer Series has been an integral part of the eastern Connecticut community in different forms for 68 years. While still producing well-loved classics, the theatre remains steadfast in its endeavor to keep current and bring the joy of the stage to as many people as possible.

The first show of the series, "Disaster!" (June 7 - 16), is created by Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick, with musical arrangements and scoring by Joseph Joubert and song arrangements by Seth Rudetsky. A hilarious new musical straight from Broadway, it's 1979 and what begins as a night of boogie fever at the floating casino and discotheque quickly changes to a panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, including earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. This comedic homage to the disaster movies of the 70s features creator and Broadway legend Seth Rudetsky alongside Broadway Veterans Maggie McDowell, Ange Schworer, and Anne L. Nathan.

Peter Flynn directs "Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller in Concert" (June 21 - July 1), the Tony-Award winning tale of love, murder, and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London, as the second show of the Summer. CRT Artistic Director Terrence Mann performs as the title character (Sweeney Todd) alongside Broadway Veterans Liz Larsen (Nellie Lovett) of Broadway's "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," "The Most Happy Fella," and "Hairspray," and Andrea Burns (Beggar Woman) of Broadway's "On Your Feet" and "In The Heights."

The Summer Series will close with the upbeat, celebrity spectacle that is "Jesus Christ Superstar" (July 12 - 22). A timeless work with an incredible score, set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, get a fresh new vision from Artistic Director Terrence Mann and choreography Tony Award-nominee Christopher d'Amboise (CRT's Newsies). This electric musical stars CRT debut Alex Prakken (Jesus), Broadway star Ryan Vona (Judas), and CRT Nutmeg Summer Series returner Jonathan Cobrda (Pontius Pilate), previously from "Les Miserables: A Musical Celebration" and "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. Single ticket prices start at $48 with student and senior discounts available. For additional ticket information or to purchase tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. To purchase tickets online, visit www.crt.uconn.edu. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change. Single tickets are now on sale.

The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut.

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