Summer Theatre of New Canaan “Once On This Island” begins performances July 7 at Waveny Park, New Canaan
Directed & Choreographed by Broadway Tony Winner George Faison
The Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC), Fairfield County’s professional summer theatre company based in Waveny Park, New Canaan will open its 19th season July 7 with Broadway's Tony-Winning Musical Once On This Island, Directed and Choreographed by George Faison, the first African American to win a Tony for choreographing The WIZ on Broadway and Music Directed by recording/concert artist and musical director to many R&B stars Damien Sneed. Also for young audiences the Summer Theatre is presenting The Wizard of Oz opening on July 15.
George Faison Tony-Winning Choreographer with Tony winner and recent Tony nominee LaChanze and Artistic Director Melody Meitrott Libonati at the recent Summer Theatre Gala (Photo by Mckenna Christine Poe)
"I am quite excited to be working again with George Faison who is an Icon of Broadway and an exceptional storyteller," says Melody Libonati, Artistic Director of the Summer Theatre and Broadway actress. She adds "Our theatre is so pleased to bring this lively summer musical with a love story that exemplifies the challengew we still face today."
Once On This Island,with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, is based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, is a captivating legend of romance between a peasant girl and a rich city boy whom she saves from death. This calypso-flavoured musical opens on a Caribbean island where villagers discover an orphan Ti Moune, destined to love too much for the human heart to bear. Once On This Island delivers melody, love and joy in tropical abundance. Musical features an exceptional cast. Performances Thursday through Sunday evenings.
The Wizard of Oz July 15-31
For young audiences the Summer Theatre is presenting The Wizard of Oz running July 15 - 31. In this production, the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, is creatively brought to life in an abridged musical version specifically created to present to young audiences. Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road through Oz to find the Wizard sharing one adventure after another. Featuring songs We're off to see the Wizard, Somewhere over the rainbow, If I Only Had a Brain and many more. Directed and Choreographed by Corinne Broadbent, this is a perfect summer show for young families. Picnics and Munchkins welcome! Great fun!
Also, the Summer Theatre will be presenting two special events this summer. The Thomas Ortiz Dance Festival on July 12 at 7:30pm and the New Canaan Chamber Music concert on July 26 at 7:30pm featuring world renown pianist Andrew Armstrong and violinist Tessa Lark. All season shows are presented under a large state of the art tent with reserved and open field seating. Tickets with reserved chairs can be ordered or bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Seating opens 30 minutes prior to show. Convenient free parking. Waveny Park, 677 South Ave. New Canaan. Tickets and more info at STONC.ORG.