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08/25/2022 12:00 AMThe Peanuts Gang: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown brings together the gang from the comic strip Peanuts in a musical at the Legacy Theatre in Branford. It’s a series of songs and vignettes that explore some of the recurring topics and themes in the strip. This is a great show for the entire family which runs through Saturday, Sept. 3. For tickets visit LegacyTheatreCT.org
If You Are Lucky: It will take luck to snare a ticket to the wonderful revival of Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler’s A Little Night Music at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield (the Berkshires). It is currently only running through Sunday, Aug. 28 though perhaps it could be extended. A great show and a terrific cast, I loved it along with just about every critic. To try your luck, visit BarringtonStageCo.org.
Great Cast: A great cast of performers will be singing and tap dancing in the upcoming Goodspeed production of 42nd Street which runs Friday, Sept. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 6. Headlining the cast are two Broadway stars: Tony winner Max von Essen as the producer Julian Marsh and Tony nominee Kate Baldwin as the actress Dorothy Brock. This is the rags-to-riches story of a chorus girl who saves the show and becomes a star. For tickets, and to see information on the many special events, visit Goodspeed.org.
Another Film to Musical: If I were a betting woman, I would bet that the musical version of The Devil Wears Prada doesn’t make it to Broadway. The show, which was in development pre-pandemic, had planned a 2023-’24 opening. But, it just began performances in Chicago and the reviews from Chicago critics as well as some from New York and Washington, DC ranged from not good to outright pans. Just about everything seemed wrong including the supposed high fashion costumes, the music by Elton John, the revised storyline, the set, the lyrics, and more. Only one or two performers received decent notices.
Tina Fey’s Show: The Bushnell has added the Tina Fey musical Mean Girls to its Broadway Series calendar. Tickets are now on sale for the production that runs from Tuesday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 2. It had a successful Broadway run until COVID caused shows to shut down. For tickets visit Bushnell.org.
Free Shakespeare: Elm Shakespeare Company is picking up where it left off in 2019, with free performances of Shakespeare in Edgerton Park near the New Haven-Hamden border. You enter at 75 Cliff Street. This year it is one of my favorite plays, The Tempest, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 4. Donations are requested and you can picnic prior to the performance. Now just let’s hope that though the play opens with a storm, none disrupt performances. For information visit ElmShakespeare.org
Sensory Friendly Performance: Goodspeed will offer a special Sensory-Friendly performance of Anne of Green Gables on Sunday, Aug. 28. These performances are designed and intended for those on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory issues. It will feature modifications in lighting and sound and have a chill-out area. The Goodspeed website offers preshow resources.Tickets are specially priced. To purchase tickets or ask questions, contact Shanna Lisitano at 860-615-0319.
Another Bro-ha-ha: This time it is about Hamilton and an unauthorized production of the show by a church in Texas. Not only was it unsanctioned and not only did it not pay royalties, but the church also added religious messages by changing lyrics and including anti-gay messages. It became known and the authors demanded it be shut down. A lawsuit may follow. This happens more than most people realize. These shows are copyrighted material and anyone wishing to perform them must receive permission and pay royalties.
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.