WEST SIDE STORY, 'STARCATCHER' & 'HOW TO SUCCEED' Set for CT Rep's 2016 Nutmeg Summer Series Lineup

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal is pleased to announce the lineup for the 2016 Nutmeg Summer Series. Beginning with How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Peter and the Starcatcher and West Side Story., the series runs June 2 through July 17. Subscriptions go on sale March 1, 2016. Single tickets will go on sale April 20, 2016. For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860)486-2113.

The Nutmeg Summer Series will kick off with the wildly entertaining musical comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying directed by Cardinal, and choreographed by Cassie Abate. How To Succeed... is a hilarious satire of big business, following the rise of window-washer J. Pierpont Finch, as he climbs the corporate ladder to high-powered executive. The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book written by Abe Burows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert.

The second show will be a thematic follow-up to last summer's popular production of Peter Pan. Peter and the Starcatcher, by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize Winner Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, is sub-titled, "a grown-up's prequel to Peter Pan." Directed by Artistic Director, Vincent Cardinal, this riotously theatrical adaptation the novel spins the classic story of how an orphan boy became known as Peter Pan. Join the adventures as a mustachioed pirate chases a young girl and three orphan boys and a mysterious trunk. A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters, as Peter and the Starcatcher, imaginatively explores the depths of greed, despair, friendship, love and "star stuff".

The summer concludes with one of the towering achievements of the American musical theatre canon, West Side Story. Directed and choreographed by Cassie Abate, who staged last summer's heart warming production of Peter Pan, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to New York City, as two young lovers find themselves torn between their love and allegiance to rival street gangs. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written, featuring "Tonight", "America" and "Somewhere". From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time.

In his sixth year as Artistic Director, Cardinal says, "This summer promises to be one of our most entertaining and inventive seasons yet! The mix between Broadway veterans and the brightest young talent from around the country creates a unique summer alchemy unmatched anywhere in the region."

All three musicals are performed in the intimate 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 $30 to $99. Single ticket prices range from $12 to $55.

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