Danbury Outdoor Theater Begins 33rd Season on June 16

Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Begins 33rd Season June 16:

“Into the Woods,” “West Side Story” and “Seussical”

Featured on Main Stage

Musicals at Richter (MAR), Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater, kicks off its 33rd season with a robust offering of three popular Broadway musicals, an interactive daytime children’s play series and two musical theater workshops for young people.  

“It may be a cliché to say ‘There’s something for everyone,’ but with this season, it’s certainly true!” says MAR Artistic Director Lauren Nicole Sherwood of Stamford. “We had more than 150 people audition for our main stage musicals this year and the buzz in the community has been amazing.  What better setting could there be for a musical fairy tale fantasy like “Into the Woods” than under the stars at Richter?  And we’re thrilled to present a classic like “West Side Story” with its incomparably beautiful story, iconic score and electrifying choreography.  It’s a show that is as alive and relevant today as it was 60 years ago.”

Sherwood adds, “I’m especially excited to be directing and choreographing “Seussical.”  With its vibrant score and delightful characters, the show never fails to enchant both adults and children as it thoroughly entertains!”

The 2017 main stage musicals include “Into the Woods” (June 16-July 1); “West Side Story” (July 7-22) and “Seussical” (July 28-August 12). Staged on the grounds of the

Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury (next to Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 p.m., with additional specially discounted performances on the second and third Thursdays of each run.  Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking; a soft drink and snack concession and chair rentals are available on-site.

MAR’S Founding Artistic Director Bradford Blake of Danbury directs and choreographs “Into the Woods,” James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s epic Tony Award-winning musical about intertwining fairy tales, fervent wishes and the challenges of life beyond “happily ever after.”  Veteran musical director and composer Dan Koch of New York musically directs.

Stamford native and longtime theater professional Michael Limone directs “West Side Story,” Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical about star-crossed lovers caught between warring New York City street gangs.   Westport native and Westchester resident Zachary Kampler, a classically trained composer, arranger and conductor, serves as musical director. Jimmy Locust, a master teacher, choreographer and artistic director of Locust Performing Arts Center in Stamford, choreographs, assisted by Liana Martinez.

Finally, The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and the colorful characters of Whoville come to glorious life in Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ fanciful “Seussical,” directed and choreographed by Ms. Sherwood, an accomplisher performer, director and choreographer in her own right.  Zachary Kampler musically directs.

In addition the main stage offerings, Sherwood is very proud of MAR’s programs for young people.  “Under the guidance and inspiration of Elyse Jasensky, our daytime Fairy Tale Theater series - performed by children for children - is now in its 19th year and stronger than ever.  We’re over the moon to be able to perform our Fairy Tale shows at a new location this year, the Workshop Academy in Bethel. With their great facility and grounds, we’ll be able to perform rain or shine!”

Musicals at Richter’s Fairy Tale Theater series returns Saturday mornings in July with classic tales performed by children for children.  Adapted and directed by longtime Danbury educator and performer Elyse Jasensky, the hour-long interactive plays feature song, movement and a related craft activity. Children have an opportunity to visit with Mother Goose before the show and at intermission, when birthdays are also acknowledged.  This year’s season includes “Cinderella” (July 1); “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood” (July 8); “The Dancing Princesses” and ”The Musicians of Brementown” (July 15); and “The Jungle Book” (July 22). PLEASE NOTE THE NEW LOCATION FOR FAIRY TALE THEATER PERFORMANCES at Workplace Education/Academy, 16 Trowbridge Drive, in Bethel.

“The season wouldn’t be complete without our popular Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshops, which continue to nurture young performers in a caring and supportive environment,” says Sherwood.

Young people ages 8-16 are invited to hone their performing skills in MAR’s two Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshops. “Summer Spotlight” (June 26-July 21) features master classes with visiting industry professionals and a final showcase performance of individual songs, dances and group pieces.  In “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” (July 24-August 19), students learn and develop performance skills and techniques as they rehearse for a full-scale hour-long production. 

For more information and complete details on Musicals at Richter’s season, daytime Fairy Tale Theater series and youth programs, and to purchase tickets, visit musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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