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Good News, Changes at Goodspeed, Plays in Development, and More

Good News: Everyone involved in theater and the performing arts were heartened when Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the renowned scientist and immunologist serving as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president, said that theater and other venues just maybe, could be safe to reopen in the fall, if all goes well with the roll-out of the vaccine. Let’s hope so!

Changes at Goodspeed: Last year Michael Gennaro announced his retirement at the end of 2020. Now Goodspeed has announced a new leadership team. Rather than just an executive director, the board has selected Donna Lynn Hilton as artistic director and David B. Byrd as managing director. Hilton has been a producer at Goodspeed for years while Byrd been involved in theater management in multiple theaters including Yale Rep. Each is stepping into these new positions at a challenging time. Congratulations and good luck. Hilton will now be the second female artistic director at a major theater in Connecticut.

Play in Development: As part of its season, TheaterWorks in Hartford is streaming plays that are still in development. From Sunday, Feb. 6 to Friday, Feb. 26, it is Talkin’ to This Chick Sippin’ Magic Potion. The plot is described like this: Jornay, a professional cuddler, learns that her client Ruben needs more than her touch while she is trying to repair her relationship with her teenage daughter. For access, visit twhartford.org.

Replacement Show: West Hartford is replacing its up-coming production of Chicago with a smaller show, Elyot and Amanda: All Alone, from Noel Coward’s Private Lives. The title says it all: It is based on the second act of one of Coward’s most well-known plays. Elyot and Amanda are divorced when they accidentally meet on their honeymoons with new spouses. But sparks fly and soon they have abandoned the new spouses and run off to hide in Elyot’s Paris apartment. The play was adapted by and will star Veanne Cox and Ezra Barnes. It will stream Wednesday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 28. Visit PlayhouseOnPark.org for information on how to stream it.

Musical in Ridgefield: ACT-CT has made good use of the fact that composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz lives in the Ridgefield area. In its short existence, it has produced Godspell and Working. Now it will stream Snapshots, a musical scrapbook, from Saturday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 28. This production is billed as “a world premiere movie musical.” Schwartz has worked with Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine on the musical. I’ve seen its previous versions several times including at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre. It uses Schwartz songs in a semi-revue format, as a couple on the brink of divorce go through snapshots of their lives. For more information or to get access, visit ActofCT.org.

Solo Show: Everyone knows Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the radio/TV sex therapist. But many do not know her story. Becoming Dr. Ruth is a one-person play that tells her story. It will be at MTC in Norwalk from Friday, Feb. 5 through Sunday, Feb. 21. A limited number of tickets will be available for a live audience, or you can stream it live. For information and tickets for either in-person or live streaming, contact MusicTheatreofCt.com.

Theater@Home: Off-Broadway’s Irish Rep has won critical acclaim for its streamed productions. You now have the opportunity to catch up with any that you missed or want to see again. Screenings are free, but reservations are required and donations are suggested. Each screens just once per week at a specific date/time. Among those included are Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel, The Weir by Conor McPherson, and A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O’Neill as well as On Beckett/in Screen. For the calendar and information, visit IrishRep.org. I highly recommend these.

Lesser-Known Plays: The Mint Theater in New York City is a favorite of mine. This smaller theater specializes in productions of lesser (or unknown) British and American plays prior to 1950. This spring it will offer six productions on demand. Currently Lillian Hellman’s Days to Come is streaming. Visit MintTheater.org for information and the complete calendar.

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident. To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.wordpress.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association.