Porter, Indigo Girls bring activism through the arts
A sense of literate liveliness pervades the arts scene this week with smart, savvy expressions contained in catchy songs and sharply spoken dialogues.
The musical “Ain’t Too Proud” at The Bushnell May 30 through June 4 is written by acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau who wrote “Detroit ’67” and “Sunset Baby,” and “Webster’s Bitch” is a comedy where dictionary editors debate naughty words.
The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica brings history, heritage and folklore to its dances. Bruce Cockburn and Dar Williams deliver thoughtful, lyrical sociopolitical statements, and Maple Mars’ latest album brings poppy brightness to weighty song titles like “Crooked Smile,” “Useless Information” and “Redemption.” Indigo Girls are as well known for their activism as for songs like “Closer to Fine.”
Time to get smart with your art. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Connecticut arts.
Mamaliga
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
A klezmer band based in both Boston and Brooklyn finds middle ground with a Connecticut gig on
May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at The Kate in Old Saybrook. Mamaglia mingles traditional klezmer compositions with its own original tunes. $22. katharinehepburntheater.org.
‘Webster’s Bitch’
Playhouse on Park,
244 Park Road, West Hartford
Playhouse on Park is premiering Jacqueline Bircher’s “Webster’s Bitch,” which takes place in the offices of a dictionary publisher in Stamford and is about the exciting world of lexicography, determining the importance, value and power of words. The play has had some success as a one-act. This is the first production of its new full-length version, running May 31 through June 18. Performances are Tuesdays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $25-$42.50. playhouseonpark.org.
Bianca Del Rio and Gianmarco Soresi
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven
Drag and film star Bianca Del Rio, one of the true all-stars of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” brings her excoriating putdowns and garish gowns to College Street Music Hall on June 1 at 8 p.m. for a Stand Up Against Homelessness benefit. Standup comedian and podcaster Gianmarco Soresi is also cracking wise for the benefit. $59-$185. collegestreetmusichall.com.
National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica
Shubert Theatre,
247 College St., New Haven
National Dance Theatre