Shing-A-Ling, What A Creepy Thing To Be Happening!

Here it is, October, and I find my favorite time of year whizzing by, chock full of all of the usual craziness. Naturally, that craziness involves a theatrical project. In a sense, I am returning to the familiar in so many ways. I am very excited to be directing Little Shop of Horrors , a favorite show, at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, my home away from home.

Many moons ago, while in college, I played Audrey in Little Shop. Hands down, I would say that playing that role was my single most memorable performing experience. It is very exciting now to be on the other side of the footlights as the director and to have the opportunity to work with such a remarkably talented cast that includes Matt Austin (Seymour), Jessica Braun (Crystal), Elayne Cassara (Ronnette), Rachel Corn (Audrey), Stephen DiRocco (Mr. Mushnik), Joe Harding (Voice of Audrey II), Barbara Kessler (Ensemble), Caitlin Kuhfeldt (Chiffon), Bob Lussier (Orin Scrivello, DDS), Jim Ryan (Puppeteer) and Alex Vournazos (Ensemble). We also have a crackerjack production staff that includes Stephanie Gaumer-Klein (Musical Director), Meg Jones (Producer), Brian Casella (Lighting Design), Kyle Pascuitti (Puppet Design), Patty Tompkins (Costumer) and Cindy Tyler (Costumer).

For those of you who recognize any of those names, you know that it is a lot of fun going to rehearsal every night and that the production is going to be off the hook. It is also insanely busy trying to juggle it all – work, family and rehearsals. That said, my feeble attempts at keeping this blog current will remain just that – feeble.

The other night I had dinner with a couple of theatre blogger friends and I was bemoaning the fact that I never get asked to attend Broadway shows for free. And then I knowingly admitted that if I actually spent time reviewing the shows and blogging more often that would probably be different. It was at this point that my friend pointed out that I don’t have time to write because I am too busy making theatre.

And that is a good thing. A really good thing.

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Little Shop of Horrors

at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA)
Evenings: November 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8:00pm

Sunday Matinee: November 15 at 2:00pm

RESERVE NOW! Click here to reserve online or call the box office at 203-775-0023.

$20 for General Admission, $15 for Students with Valid ID

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Now Playing or Coming Soon to a Theatre Near... Me!

As regular readers know, most of this blog is spent posting about other people’s projects or shows that I’m not directly involved with. I’m okay with that. I feel that I have a fairly valuable and informed opinion when it comes to such things.

However, I would be doing myself a great disservice if I didn’t highlight some of my own projects, one of which is currently underway at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts. At the moment, I am producing the critically acclaimed production of Tea At Five starring the incomparable Noel Desiato. This play, about legendary stage and screen actress Katharine Hepburn, has been touted a “theatrical phenomenon” in Northwest Connecticut.

The show’s playwright, Matthew Lombardo, attended the opening performance of this production, which premiered in January 2008 at TheatreWorks New Milford, and said: “This was the first presentation of the play I have seen outside of the original production [featuring Kate Mulgrew] and national tour. To witness Noel’s fearless interpretation and loyal dedication to the text was perhaps one of the greatest gifts I have received during my entire history with this play.”

If you haven’t seen this production and you have some availability in your calendar (only one more weekend to go!), I implore you to come and see this show. This performance is too important to miss.


Meanwhile, in the background, I am preparing for my next directing project, one of Connecticut’s first regional productions of the Broadway hit Doubt at TheatreWorks New Milford. My recent directing projects have been limited to musicals, for which I also have a deep devotion, but I am infinitely pleased to be helming a non-musical for a change of pace. And what a piece to sink my teeth into! This play, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2005 and the Tony Award for Best Play, is a gripping story of suspicion, morality and certainty (or doubt) set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964. I am certainly looking forward to spending time with both the text of this play and the talented actors that this production will most likely attract.



And in October it’s back to The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, my home theatre, to direct the wildly popular and bloody rock musical Little Shop of Horrors. Back in my college days I portrayed Audrey, the ditzy blonde with the squeaky speaking voice, and fifteen years later it continues to be my fondest performance memory (yup, that's me in the pic above). I am definitely thrilled at the prospect of bringing that mean green mother from outer space to our quiet little corner of the world. It should be a grand way to end the season.

So, as you can see, I have a full plate for 2009 and, while I know your entertainment dollar is spent more judiciously these days, I hope that you consider stopping by to support both my creative endeavors and the fabulous theatres that are so graciously hosting them.

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