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Cabaret, More Schuyler, And The Soap Opera Continues

2022 Cabaret Series: Ivoryton once again offers one-night-only cabaret performances at the theater. The first one is already in the books but upcoming shows are on Monday, Aug. 22 and Monday, Aug. 29. On Aug. 22, it’s Broadway at Ivoryton Playhouse featuring songs from musicals that have been produced at the Playhouse. Schuyler Beeman, a longtime Ivoryton fan and a performer, has arranged the show. On Aug. 29, it’s You and I featuring Charlie Widmer on vocals and guitar and Eric Trudel on piano. The program focuses on relationships, dreams, insecurities and faith with songs from The Beatles to Schubert to Sondheim. For tickets visit IvorytonPlayhouse.org.

View of Pippin: I admit the Stephen Schwartz 1972 musical isn’t in my top 50 list. But many love the show about a young man, the son of Charlemagne, finding his way in the world, overcoming adversity and trying to maintain his ideas. Playhouse on Park in West Hartford is doing a very good production of the show. It may not be a great production, but fans will enjoy it immensely. For tickets visit PlayhouseOnPark.org. It runs through Sunday, Aug. 22. It’s also being performed by Madison Lyric Stage in Madison Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, July 31.

The Soap Opera Continues: I’m referring to the behind-the-scenes goings on with the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. To recap – this first revival of this show starred Beanie Feldstein, more a comedian than a singer. The show got tepid reviews, particularly for her and no major award nominations. Beanie missed some performances, and her understudy, Connecticut native Julie Benko filled in and got great reviews from audiences. In June, it was announced that she was leaving the cast at the end of September along with Jane Lynch who played her mother.

Earlier this month, Feldstein announced she was leaving at the end of July. Benko will take over the role for August.

Positive Broadway News: Ticket sales seem to be holding steady for most shows and some are seeing increases in sales or fewer discounted tickets. Right now, one of the bigger hits is the Into The Woods revival which moved from a short run as part of the City Center’s Encores! Series. There’s talk of extending the limited run. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m looking forward to it.

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.