The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
2019 shows announced
Season opens March 20 with musical ‘Burt and Me’
IVORYTON — The Ivoryton Playhouse opens its doors for a new season, full of exciting, affordable professional theatre, in March 2019. Plays for romantics and plays for cynics; shows for families and shows for sweethearts; music from the movies and Broadway as well as zany comedies and classic dramas — the Ivoryton Playhouse 2019 season has something for everyone.
The season opens March 20 with a new musical, “Burt and Me,” with a book by Larry McKenna, lyrics by Hal David, and music by Burt Bacharach. If you fell in love to the music of Burt Bacharach, then you won’t want to miss this nostalgic romantic musical comedy running through April 7. Featuring the classics: “What the World Needs Now,” “Walk On By,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” and many more.
A progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” by Todd Kreidler, running April 24-May 12. A multifamily clash of racial and generational differences; and at the end of the day, will love prevail?
“Godspell,” running May 22-June 16, is the first major musical theater hit from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, and Children of Eden). Loosely based around the Gospel of St. Matthew, “Godspell” features a parade of beloved songs, including ”Day by Day “, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” and “Learn Your Lessons Well.
July is family musical time and this year is no exception. On June 26th, summer opens with a splash with the blockbuster musical “Mamma Mia,” with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. More than 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make “Mamma Mia” the ultimate feel-good show. Set on a Greek island paradise, the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show that runs through July 28
“Cabaret,” with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Joe Masteroff, takes us back to Broadway, Aug. 7-Sept. 1. The international classic musical and winner of 8 Tony awards, “Cabaret” is as relevant today as when it first opened on Broadway more than 50 years ago.
Come to the Kit Kat Club as the Emcee takes us back to those tumultuous times with unforgettable musical numbers including, “Will-
kommen,” “Cabaret,” and “Two Ladies.”
“Shear Madness” by Paul Portner is one of the most popular productions in the world, delighting audiences with its unique blend of madcap improvisation and spinetickling mystery. This unique comedywhodunit takes place today in the “Shear Madness” hairstyling salon. A murder is committed, and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects, and solve the mystery. Voted “Best Comedy of the Year” seven times by the Boston Globe and “Best Play of the Year” by the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Enquirer, “Shear Madness” has also received the
Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America and has been inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame, the first play ever to receive that accolade. This show runs from Sept. 18-Oct. 6.
David Lutken and his trusty band of musicians will return to the Playhouse Oct. 23-Nov. 10, in a show that will feature an iconic and beloved American musician with songs we have known and loved for years. Songs of a fascinating life filled with love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and home and family. Title to be announced soon.
Subscriptions and gift certificates are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Feb. 20. Visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org or call 860-767 7318 for the latest ticket information.