UConn Drama

Thanks to everyone that made the Connecticut Repertory Theatre 2015 Nutmeg Summer Series possible - whether you were onstage, behind the scenes, in the audience or watching from afar. HOW TO SUCCEED...(June 2-12, 2016) PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (June 23-July 2, 2016) WEST SIDE STORY (July 7-17, 2016) Photography: Matt Pugliese, Darek Burkowski Editing: Darek Burkowski, Matt Pugliese Music: "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

Since its debut in 1957, WEST SIDE STORY has enthralled audiences. Listen to the cast and director discuss the timeless and relevant themes of this iconic American musical. Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 WEST SIDE STORY Book By ARTHUR LAURENTS Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Based on a Concept of JEROME ROBBINS Directed and Choreographed by Cassie Abate Music Direction by NDavid Williams Ticket Prices: Preview – Adult/Senior $40, Student $12 Opening Night – Adult $55, Senior $50, Student $12 Regular – Adult $50, Senior $45, Student $12 One of the greatest shows of the American musical theatre canon closes out 2016 Nutmeg Summer Series. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to New York City, as two young lovers find themselves caught between their love and allegiance to rival street gangs. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written, featuring “Tonight”, “America” and “Somewhere”. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and the greatest love stories of all time. Starring Luke Hamilton as Tony, Julia Estrada as Maria, Bentley Black as Riff, Cassidy Stoner as Anita and Yurel Echezarreta as Bernardo. Videography by Matt Pugliese Editing by Matt Pugliese Music from the Original Broadway Cast Recording of "West Side Story"

Nate Whipple’s summer “Peter and the Starcatcher” Music Video for  Connecticut Repertory Theatre, 2016

Go behind the scenes with the cast of WEST SIDE STORY onstage July 7-17, 2016. Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 WEST SIDE STORY Book By ARTHUR LAURENTS Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Based on a Concept of JEROME ROBBINS Directed and Choreographed by Cassie Abate Music Direction by NDavid Williams Ticket Prices: Preview – Adult/Senior $40, Student $12 Opening Night – Adult $55,  Senior $50, Student $12 Regular – Adult $50,  Senior $45, Student $12 One of the greatest shows of the American musical theatre canon closes out 2016 Nutmeg Summer Series. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to New York City, as two young lovers find themselves caught between their love and allegiance to rival street gangs. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever.   The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written, featuring “Tonight”, “America” and “Somewhere”.  From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and the greatest love stories of all time. Starring Luke Hamilton as Tony, Julia Estrada as Maria, Bentley Black as Riff, Cassidy Stoner as Anita and Yurel Echezarreta as Bernardo.

Critics and audiences love PETER AND THE STARCATCHER! PETER AND THE STARCATCHER June 23 - July 2, 2016 - Tickets at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113 A Play by Rick Elice, Adapted from the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Still flying high from last season’s crowing hit, "Peter Pan", we bring you this tuneful tale of the origins of Peter Pan, Wendy and the lost boys as imagined by Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Barry in his family friendly novel.  Set sail and return to a land where dreams are born and time is never planned.  This wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel flips the classic story of how an orphan boy became known as Peter Pan. Join the adventures as a mustachioed pirate chases a young girl and three orphan boys and a mysterious trunk.  A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters, as "Peter and the Starcatcher", imaginatively explores the depths of greed, despair, friendship and love and the magic of “star stuff”! Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Musical Direction by NDavid Williams Featuring Forrest McClendon, Michael Doherty, Raegan Roberts and Nate Whipple Videography by Matt Pugliese Editing by Matt Pugliese

Here is a sneak peek at PETER AND THE STARCATCHER PETER AND THE STARCATCHER June 23 - July 2, 2016 - Tickets at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113 A Play by Rick Elice, Adapted from the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Still flying high from last season’s crowing hit, "Peter Pan", we bring you this tuneful tale of the origins of Peter Pan, Wendy and the lost boys as imagined by Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Barry in his family friendly novel.  Set sail and return to a land where dreams are born and time is never planned.  This wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel flips the classic story of how an orphan boy became known as Peter Pan. Join the adventures as a mustachioed pirate chases a young girl and three orphan boys and a mysterious trunk.  A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters, as "Peter and the Starcatcher", imaginatively explores the depths of greed, despair, friendship and love and the magic of “star stuff”! Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Musical Direction by NDavid Williams Featuring Forrest McClendon, Michael Doherty, Raegan Roberts and Nate Whipple Videography by Matt Pugliese Editing by Matt Pugliese

Some important things you need to know about the magic and adventure of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER June 23 - July 2, 2016 - Tickets at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113 A Play by Rick Elice, Adapted from the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Still flying high from last season’s crowing hit, "Peter Pan", we bring you this tuneful tale of the origins of Peter Pan, Wendy and the lost boys as imagined by Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Barry in his family friendly novel.  Set sail and return to a land where dreams are born and time is never planned.  This wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel flips the classic story of how an orphan boy became known as Peter Pan. Join the adventures as a mustachioed pirate chases a young girl and three orphan boys and a mysterious trunk.  A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters, as "Peter and the Starcatcher", imaginatively explores the depths of greed, despair, friendship and love and the magic of “star stuff”! Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Musical Direction by NDavid Williams Featuring Forrest McClendon, Michael Doherty, Raegan Roberts and Nate Whipple Videography by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Editing by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese

The cast of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER takes you behind the scenes of this incredible, imaginative adventure perfect for the entire family! PETER AND THE STARCATCHER June 23 - July 2, 2016 - Tickets at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113 A Play by Rick Elice, Adapted from the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Still flying high from last season’s crowing hit, "Peter Pan", we bring you this tuneful tale of the origins of Peter Pan, Wendy and the lost boys as imagined by Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Barry in his family friendly novel.  Set sail and return to a land where dreams are born and time is never planned.  This wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel flips the classic story of how an orphan boy became known as Peter Pan. Join the adventures as a mustachioed pirate chases a young girl and three orphan boys and a mysterious trunk.  A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters, as "Peter and the Starcatcher", imaginatively explores the depths of greed, despair, friendship and love and the magic of “star stuff”! Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Musical Direction by NDavid Williams Featuring Forrest McClendon, Michael Doherty, Raegan Roberts and Nate Whipple

Fred Grandy and Riley Costello lead CRT's HOW TO SUCCED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING.   HOW TO SUCCEED... June 2-12, 2016 Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre Starring Fred Grandy (The Love Boat, The Mindy Project) and Riley Costello (CRT’s Peter Pan, Broadway’s 13, Bye Bye Birdie) The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical comedy, the hilarious satire of big business, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! guarantees big laughs. Follow the rise of window-washer J. Pierpont Finch, as he climbs the corporate ladder to high-powered executive at the World Wide Wicket Company. The Tony Award winning comedy for Best Musical and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is filled with a melodious score by Frank Loesser including “The Brotherhood of Man”, “I Believe In You” and “The Company Way”. Power, sex, greed, ambition – it’s just another day at the office. Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Choreography by Cassie Abate Musical Direction by John Pike Photography by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Editing by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese

The strong ensemble of HOW TO SUCCEED... features several CRT favorites that guarantee lots of laughs! HOW TO SUCCEED... June 2-12, 2016 Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre Starring Fred Grandy (The Love Boat, The Mindy Project) and Riley Costello (CRT’s Peter Pan, Broadway’s 13, Bye Bye Birdie) The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical comedy, the hilarious satire of big business, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! guarantees big laughs. Follow the rise of window-washer J. Pierpont Finch, as he climbs the corporate ladder to high-powered executive at the World Wide Wicket Company. The Tony Award winning comedy for Best Musical and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is filled with a melodious score by Frank Loesser including “The Brotherhood of Man”, “I Believe In You” and “The Company Way”. Power, sex, greed, ambition – it’s just another day at the office. Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Choreography by Cassie Abate Musical Direction by John Pike Photography by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Editing by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Music: How To Succeed...Original B'way Cast Recording, Overture

Fred Grandy (TV's "The Love Boat" and "The Mindy Project") takes you behind the scenes of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. HOW TO SUCCEED... June 2-12, 2016 Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre Starring Fred Grandy (The Love Boat, The MIndy Project) and Riley Costello (CRT’s Peter Pan, Broadway’s 13, Bye Bye Birdie) The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical comedy, the hilarious satire of big business, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! guarantees big laughs. Follow the rise of window-washer J. Pierpont Finch, as he climbs the corporate ladder to high-powered executive at the World Wide Wicket Company.  The Tony Award winning comedy for Best Musical and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is filled with a melodious score by Frank Loesser including “The Brotherhood of Man”, “I Believe In You” and “The Company Way”.  Power, sex, greed, ambition – it’s just another day at the office. Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Choreography by Cassie Abate Musical Direction by John Pike Photography by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Editing by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Music: How To Succeed...Original B'way Cast Recording, Overture

Go behind the scenes of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING with Riley Costello and Sarah Schenkkan. HOW TO SUCCEED... June 2-12, 2016 Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre Starring Fred Grandy (The Love Boat, The Mindy Project) and Riley Costello (CRT’s Peter Pan, Broadway’s 13, Bye Bye Birdie) The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical comedy, the hilarious satire of big business, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! guarantees big laughs. Follow the rise of window-washer J. Pierpont Finch, as he climbs the corporate ladder to high-powered executive at the World Wide Wicket Company.  The Tony Award winning comedy for Best Musical and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is filled with a melodious score by Frank Loesser including “The Brotherhood of Man”, “I Believe In You” and “The Company Way”.  Power, sex, greed, ambition – it’s just another day at the office. Directed by Vincent J. Cardinal Choreography by Cassie Abate Musical Direction by John Pike Photography by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Editing by Darek Burkowski and Matt Pugliese Music: How To Succeed...Original B'way Cast Recording, Overture

Take a sneak peek at MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT starring  RICHARD KLINE (TV’s Three’s Company, Broadway’s City of Angels, National Tour of Wicked) as King Arthur and MARIAND TORRES (Elphaba in the National Tour of Wicked, World Premiere Prince of Broadway) as the Lady of the Lake! MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT April 21 - May 1, 2016 Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre Tickets at 860-486-2113 or http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ Monty Python’s Spamalot, the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail, arrives this spring to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom. As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as Monty Python, the beloved British comedy troupe that inspired it, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.  You’ll enjoy some mostly handsome Knights, a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people, before the familiar sound of clomping coconut shells brings down the curtain on the season’s goofiest if satirically dead-on comic delights. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Toronto Star critic Richard Ouzounian wrote, ““You could put a happy-meter in the theatre and watch it go off the charts. You’ll laugh a lot!” Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes including intermission. Photography and Editing by Matt Pugliese.

Take a sneak peek at the MFA Puppet Arts Festival. THE MFA PUPPET ARTS FESTIVAL Onstage through April 3, 2016 in the Studio Theatre Created and performed by Gavin Cummins, Ana Craciun-Lambru and Kalob Martinez Tickets at http://www.crt.uconn.edu/ or 860-486-2113 Go behind the scenes of DUST,  part of THE MFA PUPPET ARTS FESTIVAL with creator Ana Crăciun-Lambru Connecticut Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of three puppetry works onstage in one innovative evening under the banner of "The MFA Puppet Arts Festival". For 50 years, UConn’s Puppet Arts program defined the cutting edge of new theatre, and this dynamic evening will be no exception. "The MFA Puppet Arts Festival" will be held in the Studio Theatre from March 24 – April 3, 2016. For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486 2113. Photography and Editing by Matt Pugliese.

Go behind the scenes of OK, I LOVE YOU, BYE part of THE MFA PUPPET ARTS FESTIVAL with creator Gavin Cummins Connecticut Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of three puppetry works onstage in one innovative evening under the banner of "The MFA Puppet Arts Festival". For 50 years, UConn’s Puppet Arts program defined the cutting edge of new theatre, and this dynamic evening will be no exception. " The MFA Puppet Arts Festival" will be held in the Studio Theatre from March 24 – April 3, 2016. For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486 2113. Photography and Editing by Matt Pugliese.

Go behind the scenes of DUST,  part of THE MFA PUPPET ARTS FESTIVAL with creator Ana Crăciun-Lambru Connecticut Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of three puppetry works onstage in one innovative evening under the banner of "The MFA Puppet Arts Festival". For 50 years, UConn’s Puppet Arts program defined the cutting edge of new theatre, and this dynamic evening will be no exception. " The MFA Puppet Arts Festival" will be held in the Studio Theatre from March 24 – April 3, 2016. For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486 2113. Photography and Editing by Matt Pugliese.

Go behind the scenes of EL BETO, part of THE MFA PUPPET ARTS FESTIVAL with creator Kalob Martinez. Connecticut Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of three puppetry works onstage in one innovative evening under the banner of "The MFA Puppet Arts Festival".  For 50 years, UConn’s Puppet Arts program defined the cutting edge of new theatre, and this dynamic evening will be no exception. " The MFA Puppet Arts Festival" will be held in the Studio Theatre from March 24 – April 3, 2016. For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486 2113. Photography and Editing by Matt Pugliese.