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08/26/2021 12:01 AMTelevision Audience: You can be in the audience for the filming of Stars on Stage from Westport Country Playhouse, a new television series. Three shows will be filmed: on Tuesday, Aug. 31 it’s Tony nominee Shoshana Bean; on Wednesday, Sept. 1, Tony winner Gavin Creel; and Thursday, Sept. 2, Brandon Victor Dixon, who played Judas in the television Jesus Christ Superstar. For tickets, call 203-227-4177. Proof of vaccination is required.
Back to TheaterWorks: TheaterWorks is returning to in theater productions for its upcoming season. The season begins with Monstersongs in October and November with dates to be announced. It is described as “rock-infused roller coaster ride into the hearts and minds of the most iconic creatures of the night.” From Feb. 15 to Jan. 20 will be This Bitter Earth, and Zoey’s Perfect Wedding from May 3 to June 5. At least one more production will be announced. The theater is offering two options beside individual tickets sales: subscriptions that include four live productions and access to all virtual programming and memberships that include only virtual content. For tickets, visit TWHartford.org.
Next Up, a Musical: Following Oedipus Rex, Legacy Theatre is switching gears and presenting the musical The Last Five Years from Wednesday, Sept. 1 to Sunday, Sept. 2. The show by composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown tells the story of a couple’s five-year relationship. She starts at the end of it and goes back to the beginning. He, on the other hand, tells his version from the beginning to the end. For tickets, visit LegacyTheatreCT.org.
Vaccination Concerns: Broadway leading lady Laura Osnes has left a concert scheduled for late August on Long Island. Producers gave no reasons for her departure, but she has confirmed it was because she was not vaccinated. At least one of the other performers, Tony-nominee Tony Yazbeck, was uncomfortable with that due to his small children. She may not be the only performer who faces this situation. On Broadway, Equity and the producers have agreed that all theater employees (backstage, front of house, and performers) must be vaccinated.
Show Your Card: You will not only have to bring your tickets with you but also proof of vaccination to attend productions at the Bushnell at least through Oct. 31. Exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious beliefs that prevents vaccination. They must show a negative test. The Bushnell is notifying ticketholders and has said it will review the policy for performances in November and beyond.
Upcoming Ivoryton Productions: This fall, Ivoryton will present The Porch on Windy Hill, from Thursday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 17 and Say ‘Good Night,’ Gracie from Thursday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 21. The first show is new and features both blue grass, folk, and other music. The second is a one-man show that has George Burns talking about his career and wife, Gracie Allen.
Not Reopening: It was no big surprise, but now it is official: The revival of West Side Story that opened just before the pandemic will not reopen on Broadway. The show received very mixed reviews with some admiring director Ivo van Hove’s concepts and others absolutely hating it. It doesn’t help that the new film version of the musical is opening in December.
Come from Away: A favorite musical of mine, Come from Away, has been filmed with several original members of the cast. It will be released on Apple TV+ on Friday, Sept. 10. The musical is about how the town of Gander, Newfoundland took in thousands of travelers when U.S. air space was closed on Sept. 11. It was filmed on Broadway in May with an audience including 9/11 survivors and front-line workers. The Broadway show will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 11.
New York Notes: Broadway hasn’t yet officially reopened, but new productions for this spring are already being announced. The one generating the most buzz, besides the revival of The Music Man that has been in the works for several seasons, is the first Broadway revival of Funny Girl. Beanie Feldstein will take on the role so associated with Barbra Streisand. The book is being revised by Harvey Fierstein. The interesting question is: Will it be closer to the original Broadway production or the film? The film changed many of the songs and reduced some supporting characters
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.