Summer Stages: Summer Theatre in Connecticut

Summer is here and we can't wait for the summer theatre season to begin. Here are some shows and theatre companies that we are looking forward to seeing.

BRIDGEPORT THEATRE COMPANY

Something completely fresh is happening in Bridgeport this summer. The Bridgeport Theatre Company is launching the first annual Bridgeport Playathon - short plays to be written, cast, rehearsed and performed in a span of 26 hours! The performance for the public is on June 7 at 8:00 p.m.

University of Bridgeport, Arnold Bernhard Arts and Humanities Center, 84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport. 203-576-1376, option 0. www.bridgeportheatre.org

SUMMER THEATRE OF NEW CANAAN

Affectionally known as STONC, the Summer Theatre Festival at Waveny Park in New Canaan is opening its 11th season with a new tent theatre that offers comfortable seats and risers. Not that we've complained in the past. Professional actors, artists and musicians from the Tri-State area and across the country come to enthrall audiences. If you think you've already seen it, come again, because there are Actors Equity actors who are truly first-rate. Adults and families with older kids will enjoy Hairspray (June 21 through August 3) and for kids, a world premiere of Merrilee Mannerly (June 14 - July 19), The Little Mermaid, Jr. (June 28 - August 3) and Charlotte's Web (July 12 - August 3). Check the calendar, because some shows are on Thursday evenings and some of the children's shows are in the mornings and afternoons on weekends. How brilliant is that? You don't have to worry about missing anything.

11 Farm Road, New Canaan. 203-966-4634. www.stonc.org

CURTAIN CALL

Speaking of kids, older kids will enjoy Curtain Call's Summer Youth Theatre production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man. Performances are August 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and August 10 and 16 at 2:00 p.m.

The 11th season of Shakespeare on the Green runs from July 10 - July 19. Evenings at 7:30 p.m. (the park opens at 6:00). This year's treat is Twelfth Night. Performances are free, but it's really nice to contribute "What You Will" with suggested donations of $20.00 per adult and $10.00 for students and seniors to pay for the amazing stage and costumes. Trust us. It's the most authentic Shakespeare experience outside the Globe Theatre just outside London, only better. Picnic on the grounds and let the kids romp in the adjacent playground. Check out this Vimeo at http://www.curtaincallinc.com/sog/index.asp. Note: the photo above is from a previous production of Shakespeare on the Green.

1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. 203-329-8207. www.curtaincallinc.com

LONG WHARF THEATRE

John Lithgow appears at the Long Wharf Theatre for one night only on Friday, June 6 with his one-man show, Stories by Heart. The multi-award winning actor offers a touching and humorous reflection on storytelling as the tie that binds humanity. 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 - $90.00 and include complimentary wine and beer.

222 Sargent Drive, New Haven. 203-787-4282. www.longwharf.org

SHAKESPEARE ON THE SOUND

The mother of outdoor Shakespeare in Connecticut is back! This year SOTS will present The Two Gentlemen of Verona, opening Thursday, June 12 at 7:30. Warning: Get there early. There is a bit of walk from the parking lots, but it's totally worth it. Reserved seating is now available. $35.00.

Pickney Park, Rowayton. 203-299-1300. www.shakespeareonthesound.org

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE

If you like Shakespeare as much as we do, don't miss this world premiere of Sing For Your Shakespeare. This theatrical reinvention of Brush Up Your Shakespeare takes you on a romp of Shakespeare in musical theatre and in jazz. June 3 - June 22. Co-conceived by Wayne Barker, Mark Lamos and Deborah Grace Winer. With Karen Akers, Britney Coleman, Darius de Haas, Stephen DeRosa, Constantine Germanacos and Laurie Wells.

Greed! Manipulation! Unexpected humanity! It's Other People's Money, which will be presented one night only on June 16 at 7:00 p.m. as a special reading to benefit the WCP's signature Script in Hand Playreading Series. Benefit ticket prices range from $30.00 to $100.00. Join the five fabulous stars from stage and screen (Victor Garber, Beth Fowler, Shuler Hensley, Jennifer Mudge and Chris Henry Coffey) after the reading at the after-party.

Then, David Kennedy directs Nora, Ingmar Bergman's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. This is a sexy, stunning version of what you think you know. July 15 - August 2. Oh, how love can make you crazy! Alan Ayckbourn's play, Things We Do For Love will be directed by WCP favorite John Tillinger and will run from August 19 to September 6.

25 Powers Court, Westport. 203-227-4177. www.westportplayhouse.org

WESTPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Here is more proof that theatre is magic (as if we needed any). Fifth Letter Productions will present a reading of Michael Wolfson's play Legerdemaine on Thursday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the Westport Historical Society.

Wolfson's play takes place in the 1920s, a time devoted to fun and excess. It tells the story of a small-time magician who is bested during a performance by a young woman with a card trick he can't duplicate. When she divulges the secret, his career skyrockets. Yearning for more fame, he seeks her out again and learns the true cost of his ambition.

Fifth Letter Productions is a professional Actors Equity company founded two years ago by Elizabeth Donnelly and Ed Walsh, who met as undergraduates in Fairfield University's theater program. A $10 donation is requested. Light refreshments will be served.

Westport Historical Society. Sheffer Gallery. 25 Avery Place (across from Westport Town Hall). (203) 222-1424. www.westporthistory.org and www.fifthletterproductions.org

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