May 3, 2008
At the Bushnell:
New Broadway Series will include
Jersey Boys
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by FRAN SIKORSKI
The presentation of a stylized tribute for the 50th anniversary of Meredith Willson’s
The Music Man at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts with an Equity cast of 22 was an overwhelming success and introduced new audiences to what grand theater is available in Connecticut.
The production starred Shirley Jones and her son Patrick Cassidy and featured 20 students from the Hartt School Musical Theatre, and many familiar faces active in Connecticut theater. The show, self-produced by The Bushnell, was high in energy and talent, and the audience loved every minute of it.
Management of The Bushnell is looking to create a theater company within its own community, having already self-produced several successful musicals winning audience approval.
Concluding the 2007-2008 Bushnell Broadway Series will be
Jesus Christ Superstar on May 6. Also announced is the 2008-2009 Broadway Series season highlighted by the popular musical
Jersey Boys (Feb. 3 to 22, 2009) currently playing to sold-out audiences on Broadway.
Opening the season Oct. 14 to 19 will be
Sweeney Todd with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim;
Legally Blonde the Musical, Dec. 9 to 14;
Avenue Q, Jan. 13 to 18;
A Chorus Line, March 24 to 29; and
The Color Purple, June 9 to 14.
Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings at 7:30; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2. Tickets are $23 to $63, much less than for Broadway. Reservations, 860-987-5900. Tickets may also be purchased online at bushnell.org.
The historic Mortensen Hall at The Bushnell has 2800 seats and sells out fast.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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