2011 Season
Consider Yourself at Home!
Musicals at Richter’s 27th Season under the Stars Concludes with
“Oliver!” July 28 – August 13
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 27th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, concludes the 2011 season with “Oliver!,” Lionel Bart’s beloved Tony Award-winning musical about a spirited young orphan boy, playing July 28 through August 13. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, August 13, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, July 28.
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, “Oliver!” brings the story’s colorful characters to brilliant life in Victorian London. Plucky orphan Oliver Twist is sold to a Dunstable undertaker after asking for more dinner at the orphanage. Escaping to London, he is taken in by aging master thief Fagin to join his gang of child pickpockets, and is tutored by Fagin’s young protégé, Artful Dodger. When Oliver is wrongly accused of a theft, he meets the kindly Mr. Brownlow, who takes him in, much to the concern of one of Fagin's old pupils, the sinister Bill Sikes. In the middle is Nancy, Sikes's girlfriend whom Oliver has come to trust.
The show launched the careers of several child actors, including Davy Jones, later of The Monkees; Phil Collins, later of Genesis; Alan Paul, later of The Manhattan Transfer; and Tony Robinson, who later played the role of Baldrick in the television series Blackadder.
“Oliver!” was the first musical adaptation of a famous Charles Dickens work to become a stage hit, premiering in the West End in 1960 and becoming a successful Broadway production in 1963. It garnered 3 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was made into a musical film in 1968. A London revival featuring Jonathan Pryce as Fagin played from 1994-1996 and British comedian Rowan Atkinson starred as Fagin in the 2008 West End revival.
The popular score features many iconic songs, including “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “Where is Love?”, “As Long as He Needs Me,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Who Will Buy?”, “Reviewing the Situation,” as well as the title number.
Directed by Donald Birely of New York City, the Richter production features a cast of over 60 local actors of all ages. Tyler Altomari of Poughquag, NY and Jeremy Wong of Wilton alternate in the title role; Philip Coffey of Newtown and Evan Smolin of Ridgefield share the role of the Artful Dodger. Stephen DiRocco of Wilton portrays master pickpocket Fagin and Jessica Smith of New Fairfield plays
Nancy, a graduate of Fagin’s gang and his good-natured assistant. Bill Florie of Poughquag, NY is Bill Sikes and Deanna Lasco of New Fairfield is Nancy’s close friend, Bet.
Tom Matson of Danbury and Meredith Walker of Stamford portray Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, the heartless and greedy caretakers of the workhouse. Undertakers Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, are played by Nathan Mandracchia of Sherman and Jane Matson of Danbury. Ted Schwartz of Brookfield takes on the role of compassionate Mr. Brownlow and Laura Blackwell of Ridgefield is Brownlow’s housekeeper, Mrs. Bedwin.
Tom Morrison of Danbury serves as musical director and Melissa Newsome of Danbury is choreographer. Scenic design is by Carl LePere of Carmel, NY, lighting design by Jeff Klein of Norwalk, and costumes are by DB Productions. Janice Gabriel of Brewster, NY is stage manager and Joyce Northrop of Danbury is producer.
The MAR season features an additional special offering for the younger set, its second annual Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop August 1- 20 for young performers ages 9-17. Under the professional direction of veteran director and actor Donald Birely, this three-week theater camp culminates in a full-scale musical production of “Godspell, Junior” (an adaptation of the classic Stephen Schwartz musical). Performances take place on the Richter stage Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20 at 8 p.m.; all tickets for the Workshop production are $10. Camp registration is still open; for full details and application forms, visit the MAR website, www.musicalsatrichter.org.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for “Oliver!” are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates on Sunday evening ($18 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children). All tickets for the July 28 preview performance are $10. Ticket reservations may be made by phone or charged on-line through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 27th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
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Attend the Tale!
Musicals at Richter’s 27th Season Under the Stars Continues with
“Sweeney Todd” July 7-23
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 27th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues the 2011 season with “Sweeney Todd,” Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic musical thriller, running July 7-23. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, July 23, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, July 7.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” premiered on Broadway in March, 1979 to a run of 557 performances, collecting 8 Tony awards including Best Musical. Adapted by Hugh Wheeler (book) and Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) from Christopher Bond’s play “Sweeney Todd,” this “musical thriller” concerns a mid-nineteenth century barber who returns to London, having escaped prison in Botany Bay, to reunite with his wife Lucy and daughter Johanna. His former neighbor, Mrs. Lovett, reports that the evil Judge Turpin, who unjustly sentenced Todd, not only drove Lucy to poison herself but also harbors Johanna as his ward. Obsessed with revenge, Todd proceeds to slash his customers’ throats as he waits for Judge Turpin to grace his tonsorial parlor, while the ever-pragmatic Mrs. Lovett uses the victims’ remains to bake the best meat pies in London.
Considered by many to be Sondheim’s masterpiece for its music, both lush and suspenseful, and its witty and heartfelt lyrics, “Sweeney Todd” initially starred Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury who, along with director Hal Prince, won Tony Awards. Following its Broadway premiere, Lansbury and George Hearn starred in the national tour, which was recorded in 1982 and won three Emmy Awards. The musical was revived on Broadway first in 1989, starring Bob Gunton and Beth Fowler, and again in 2005, starring Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone. Director Tim Burton subsequently adapted the show as a feature film starring Johnny Depp and Helen Bonham Carter in 2007, replacing many of Sondheim’s songs with bloody special effects.
Directed by E. Kyle Minor of Danbury, the Richter production features Jeff Porper of Stamford as Sweeney and Priscilla Squiers of Danbury as Mrs. Lovett. Bonnie Byrnes of Millbrook, NY portrays Johanna, and Billy Hicks of New Milford is Anthony, the young sailor who pursues her. Patrick Spaulding of New Fairfield is Judge Turpin, and Ron M’Sadoques of Waterbury is Beadle Bamford, his deputy and accomplice.
Marilyn Olsen of Woodbridge portrays the half-crazed Beggar Woman, a mysterious oracle who frequents the neighborhood, begging for alms. Chuck Stango of Middlebury is Pirelli, a pompous barber who challenges Sweeney to a shaving contest, and Luke Garrison of Millbrook, NY plays his simple but dedicated assistant, Tobias.
Playing multiple roles in the ensemble are: Steven Taliaferro (Bethel); Lauren Fanning, Marc Fanning, Barbara Kessler, Michael Matthews, Kieran Minor and Kate Valiska (Danbury); Lauren Broadbent (Old Greenwich); Chris DeMarchis (Ridgefield); Ben Bisogno, Antonia Carey, Dilhan Dalo, Janice Gabriel and James Hussey (Brewster, NY); Larry Berger and Matt Bogen (Carmel, NY); and Lindsay Miller (Wappingers Falls, NY).
Dan Koch of Millbrook, NY serves as musical director. Scenic design is by Carl LePere of Carmel, NY, lighting design by Jeff Klein of Norwalk, and costumes are by DB Productions. Jennie Lozier of New Milford is stage manager and Joyce Northrop of Danbury is producer.
Musicals at Richter’s 2011 main stage musical season, which is underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, concludes with Lionel Bart’s classic “Oliver!” (July 28 - August 13), directed by Donald Birely.
For the younger set, the popular children’s theater series “Fairy Tale Theater” celebrates its 13th season of Saturday morning offerings July 2 - 23 at Wooster School in Danbury. Longtime Danbury area performer and educator Elyse Jasensky directs an ensemble of young performers in hour-long adaptations of classic tales such as “Cinderella” (July 2), “Hansel and Gretel” (July 9), “Three Little Pigs”/”Three Billy Goats Gruff” (July 16) and “Snow White” (July 23). All Fairy Tale Theater tickets are $5.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for the main stage productions are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates aon Sunday evening ($18 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children). Preview performances (July 7 and July 28) are $10 for all tickets. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 27th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at
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www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
Let Us Entertain You!
Musicals at Richter’s 27th Season Under the Stars Opens with
“Gypsy” June 16- July 2
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 27th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, kicks off the 2011 season with Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s triumphant “Gypsy,” running June 16 – July 2. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings through Saturday, July 2, with a specially discounted preview the first Thursday of the run, June 16.
Hailed as the greatest American musical by numerous critics and writers including New York Times critics Ben Brantley and Frank Rich, “Gypsy” (subtitled “A Musical Fable”) is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents, “Gypsy” focuses on Lee’s childhood onstage with her sister, actress June Havoc, and their larger-than-life mother, Rose. A fiercely determined woman, Rose single-mindedly carves out a life for her girls on the vaudeville circuit during the 1920s and 30s regardless of the cost or her children’s interests. In the years since the show first opened, the character of “Mama Rose” has become synonymous with the image of the ultimate show business mother.
The original Broadway production opened in 1959 and starred Ethel Merman, Jack Klugman and Sandra Church. Directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the production won 8 Tony Awards and ran for over 700 performances. Subsequent award-winning revivals starred Angela Lansbury (1974), Tyne Daly (1989), Bernadette Peters (2003) and Patti LuPone (2008). The score features iconic standards such as “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “Small World,” “You’ll Never Get Away from Me,” “All I Need is the Girl,” “Together Wherever We Go,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and “Rose’s Turn.”
Directed and staged by Donald Birely of New York City, the Richter production features a number of newcomers and MAR veterans. Martha Lerman of Bethel heads the cast as the irrepressible Rose. Her daughters Louise and June are played by Megan Corcoran of Lyndhurst, NJ and Rose Bisogno of Brewster, NY. Sarah Baker and Lindsay Cronin, both of Danbury, alternate in the role of Baby Louise, along with Elle Sauli of Newtown and Kimberly Wipfler of Southbury, who share the role of Baby June.
Damian Long of Norwalk is Rose’s long-suffering suitor Herbie and Billy Hicks of New Milford plays June’s love interest Tulsa. Jody Bayer of Danbury, Lauryn Linley of Monroe and Jessica Smith of New Fairfield portray the colorful burlesque veterans Tessie Tura, Mazeppa and Electra.
Rounding out the cast are Nicholas Chamberlin, Julia Lerman, and Peter Lerman (Bethel); James Hussey (Brewster, NY); Gareth Ayre, Christie Colucci, Dolly Conner, Lindsay Cronin, Brooke Morris, and Sammy Panzarino (Danbury); Keenan Martin (New Fairfield); Bill Lamoureux and Mike Lozier (New Milford); Elliot Siegel (Newtown); Alexandra Aug (Sandy Hook); Tyler Miller (Westport); and Bobby Eddy (Weston).
Dan Koch of Millbrook, NY serves as musical director and Matt Farina of New Fairfield is choreographer. Scenic design is by Carl LePere of Carmel, NY, with costumes by DB Productions. Janice Gabriel of Brewster is stage manager and Joyce Northrop of Danbury is producer.
Musicals at Richter’s 2011 main stage musical season, underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, continues with Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller “Sweeney Todd” (July 7 - 23) directed by E. Kyle Minor of Danbury and Lionel Bart’s classic “Oliver!” (July 28 - August 13), directed by Mr. Birely.
For the younger set, the popular children’s theater series “Fairy Tale Theater” celebrates its 13th season of Saturday morning offerings July 2 - 23 at Wooster School in Danbury. Longtime Danbury area performer and educator Elyse Jasensky directs an ensemble of young performers in hour-long adaptations of classic tales such as “Cinderella” (July 2), “Hansel and Gretel” (July 9), “Three Little Pigs”/”Three Billy Goats Gruff” (July 16) and “Snow White” (July 23). All Fairy Tale Theater tickets are $5.
Main stage performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for the main stage productions are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates available on Sunday evening. Preview performances (June 16, July 7 and July 28) are $10 for all tickets. Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 27th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
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