New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
‘Broadway Unwrapped’: A holiday gift you can open early
What does it take to put on a musical? Find out when ACT of Connecticut presents “Broadway Unwrapped.”
This livestreamed event gives viewers a real look at what goes on behind-thescenes to create the magic. Consider it your backstage pass to see how ACT of CT’s musicals are conceived, designed, rehearsed and put onstage in Ridgefield.
“Broadway Unwrapped” takes place Saturday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., and features ACT of CT Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, Executive Director Katie Diamond, and Music Supervisor Bryan Perri.
“From the first day of rehearsal to opening night, you’ll be amazed at what it takes to produce a musical,” a news release said.
“You’ll hear from some of the stars of ACT of CT’s past productions, as well as several of the show’s directors and choreographers. And the best part ... you’ll get to experience some of your favorite ACT of CT musicals again!”
Featured will be songs and scenes from ACT of CT’s “Mamma Mia!” and “Evita,” plus “Working,” “Austen’s Pride,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Godspell” and “The Last Five Years.”
If you weren’t able to catch all of the theater’s past shows, this is a chance to see what you missed. While donations are appreciated, the event is free. Levine shared more via email.
Q: How long did it take to put this together?
A: Since we wanted to include some of our amazing past directors, choreographers, and performers in this livestream, we asked many of them to film themselves discussing the ACT shows that they worked on. Gathering this content took a few days (as did the editing of this fun program) but we think it was well worth the time!
Q: What is one thing the event shares that you think viewers may find most surprising?
A: Definitely the fact that we only have three weeks to put a show up! That is generally the most surprising thing to our patrons. Viewers of the livestream might also be very moved by the “Nickel Mines” story that we discuss (which was the show that we were in rehearsals for when COVID-19 hit). That is a day that I will never forget.” (“Nickel Mines,” a new musical exploring the Amish school shooting tragedy, had been set to premiere March 19. )
“Broadway Unwrapped” takes place Saturday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. The livestream is free but donations are appreciated. You can access the link at https://bit.ly/3g8G2Qx