New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Curtains up: These shows are coming to Connecticut stages this spring
As spring makes its welcome return, area theaters are ready to present a host of plays and musicals, and with so many options to choose from, you’ll want to start planning which shows you want to see.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘Rent’ — Ridgefield
ACT of CT will present its mainstage production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” from March 24 to April 17, directed by its Grammynominated artistic director, Daniel C. Levine, with a cast that includes Tonynominee Caitlin Kinnunen as Mary.
In addition to preparing a terrific night’s entertainment, the people at ACT of CT are taking steps to create a safe environment for everyone.
“From the first day of inviting actors and patrons back into our theater, we have followed the regulations and recommendations set forth by the CDC, state of Connecticut, federal government and our union, Actors’ Equity Association,” Artistic Director Daniel Levine said.
“For the majority of the pandemic, we were required to provide a trained COVID safety manager who would be in all rehearsals and
performances to ensure everyone was following proper protocols.”
The theater was also required to offer COVID-19 testing for everyone involved
in the show, and people had to wear masks as well. The theater also purchased air purifiers and installed MERV-13 filters in all HVAC units.
On April 4, Tony-winner Lauren Patten, who starred in “Jagged Little Pill,” will perform as part of ACT of CT’s Broadway Unplugged series.
May 6 is the date for its annual gala before the season wraps up with “Rent,” May 26 through June 19.
‘Next to Normal,’ ‘Straight White Men’ and ‘Kim’s Convenience’ — Westport
Westport Country Playhouse will open its 92nd season with the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Next to Normal” from April 5 to 24. The diverse cast includes Wilson Jermaine Heredia, who won a Tony for playing Angel in “Rent,” and Darlesia Cearcy, a Tony winner for playing Erzulie in “Once on This Island.”
The show will be directed and choreographed by Marcos Santana, who helmed the theater’s 2019 production of “In the Heights.”
“In choosing ‘Next to Normal,’ Marcos said it
would be exciting to explore how issues presented in this musical challenge communities of color as much as they do white families,” said Mark Lamos, artistic director at Westport Country Playhouse.
“He noted that you just don’t hear about it as much. Given the extraordinarily exciting artists of color who are hungry to bring their vision, skills and voices to mainstream musicals, both Marcos and I decided this would be the show to open our 2022 season.”
The season will continue