What's Wrong With Me?

Answers to that question will vary wildly depending on who you ask. My family and friends will certainly pull out their inner stand-up comedian and delightfully exaggerate a perceived idiosyncrasy that they think I'm afflicted with.

I'm really posing that question to myself, because for some reason I can't seem to wrap my head around everything that's happening at Playhouse on Park now through July. I have been attempting to put together the calendar of events in an effort to schedule box office and house manager staff for all the events. Scheduling errors on my part have lead to numerous e-mails to the staff, all of which I've claimed was going to be the last e-mail.

While they are sure to blame me, I blame the playhouse for offering such a diverse array of entertainment. It's no wonder I can't keep it all straight. Dr. Phil would probably say I was engaging in a "Classic avoidance maneuver." Avoiding the blame and shifting it to a third party i.e. the playhouse.

You be the judge. On Monday, May 23rd at 7:00pm is a cabaret musical performance to benefit Playhouse on Park. Playhouse veterans Carolyn Cumming and Hillary Ekwall star in "Sing On: The Carolyn/Hillary Effect" Featuring Kevin Barlowski on the piano. All proceeds will go directly to the playhouse, so just sign a check, we'll fill in the amount, or bring handfuls of cash!

Saturday, May 28th at 8:00pm is comedy night. Three comedians will be looking to tickle your funny bone. Don't worry, my family and friends won't be performing, that would be more like a Shakesperian tragedy.

Beginning June 1st is "I Think I Can" the latest in Playhouse on Park's Young Audience series. Children from pre-school through third grade will be part of this interactive show to help Becky Watkins overcome her acute case of "I-don't-think-I-can-do-it-itis". Perhaps they can also help me overcome my case of "Now-what-the-hell-did-I-do-wrong-itis".

Smack dab in the middle of "I Think I Can" are two nights of improv comedy, June 3rd and 4th at 8:00pm. I probably could've properly scheduled one night, but noooooo they have to have two. "Improvaganza" features the best known inprov groups in the area as well as some up and coming performers.

Popular children's author Ron Roy will be featured in a Q&A on Saturday, June 11th at 3:00pm. Master of Ceremonies is local TV personality Brad Drazen. Mr. Roy is the author of the A to Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries and Calendar Mysteries. The only mystery left is why you'd miss this event. You won't, mystery solved.

You would think one event per day would be enough. You'd be wrong, as was I, because after the Ron Roy event on June 11th at 3:00pm is another comedy show: "Connecticut Comics: Uncut" at 8:00pm. Ten comics take the stage in another benefit for Playhouse on Park. Doors open at 6:30 with beer, wine and munchies. Tickets are only $25.00.

June 15th thru June 26th come see "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown". and that loveable Peanuts clan we all grew up with. Speaking of peanuts, that's about what it'll cost to see this family-friendly show.

Now hopefully you can see how all that jazz made it hard for me to put together a shift schedule for all the shows, nevermind finding people to work. (Insert your sympathy here).

If you were paying attention, I just gave you a big clue as to the renowned musical that will close our second season with a bang this July. How apropos seeing as how that month is synonomous with fireworks. There will be plenty of fireworks on stage as Playhouse on Park brings "Chicago" to life. Chicago opens July 13th and runs through July 24th.

Hallelejuah, I'm done, but you're not, you still have to figure out how many shows to see at Playhouse on Park. Think it over carefully, there's still time. Go to our website http://www.playhouseonpark.org/ or call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 if you'd like more information, we'll be happy to answer any questions.