Playhouse on Park Turns Three

Playhouse on Park is now in it's third season of producing a wide array of live entertainment. There are eight Main Stage productions, four comedy nights, four improv shows, two children's productions, singing, dancing, play reading, more events for children, Murder on the High Seas, The Annual Park Road Parade, Oktoberfest, The Mayor's Charity Ball, Pennies for the Playhouse, and Act III - Playhouse on Park's Third Anniversary Celebration.

I recently sat down with Playhouse on Park's Co-Artistic Director Sean Harris to discuss the 2011 - 2012 Main Stage Series.

The first play in the Main Stage Series is "Around the World in 80 Days". On stage now through October 2. This zany comedy features five actors using lightning-fast costume changes to play all 39 characters. The story centers on Phileas Fogg, who wagers his fortune that he can circle the globe in just 80 days. "You will feel like you are going around the world in eighty days, in an hour and a half. It will be lightning-fast and fun to watch as you follow the journey." Says Mr. Harris of Around the World in 80 Days.

On stage October 12 to October 30 is "An Enemy of the People". A poisonous discovery begins a war of innuendo and half-truths that threaten to tear a family and community apart. "The show is incredibly timely and very relevant in terms of doing what you believe is right and principled." Says Mr. Harris. "We're putting a different spin on it, it'll be different than anyone who's ever seen this production." He adds.

On stage November 30 to December 18 is "Company" The clashing sounds and pulsing rhythms of New York City underscore this landmark musical, considered by many to have inaugurated the modern era of musical theater. "Company is one of Stephen Sondheim's more sophisticated works. It's so smart, and you'll know all the music. You will laugh and also relate to the difficulties, the trials and the humor that comes across in trying to find your soul mate."

On stage January 11 to January 29 is "The Mystery of Irma Vep". This Charles Ludlam comedy is one of the most produced comedies in U.S. history. "The comedy comes out of how tragic the circumstances are for the two characters. It's two men playing these roles." Says Mr. Harris who will play all eight characters, along with Rich Hollman. Mr. Hollman has appeared in the playhouse productions of Shakespeare Abridged & Art. "It's part comedy, part horror movie, part mystery it has something for everyone and it's considered by many to be one of the funniest plays ever written." Says Mr. Harris.

On stage February 22 to March 11 is "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" This musical guide to life, for grown ups is based on Robert Fulghum's best-selling books. "It's a story people know, it's for adults, it's extremely relatable to us and how we've grown up."

On stage May 16 to June 3 is "Golda's Balcony" it tells the story of Golda Meir from her impoverished childhood in Russia to Prime Minister of Israel. This intimate and compelling one-woman show invites you into the heart and mind of one of the 20th century's great leaders.

On stage June 13 to July 1 is "Metamorphoses" based on Ovid's classic narrative poem which tells the transformation myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The play uses contemporary language and familiar characters, such as King Midas and his golden touch and Orpheus and Eurydice in the underworld. "My favorite play of all time and Mary Zimmerman is one of my favorite playwrights." Says Mr. Harris. "She has a wonderful way of blending classical language and themes and bringing a fresh spin to them." He adds. Metamorphoses will feature an on stage pool and will be "highly athletic and physical." Concludes Mr. Harris of Metamorphoses.

On stage July 11 to July 29 is "Swinging on a Star". Based on the fabulous lyrics of Johnny Burke, this dazzling, toe-tapping, finger snapping delight of a musical revue features over 40 tunes, including "Pennies from Heaven" "What's New" "Imagination" Misty" "Here's That Rainy Day" and the Academy Award Winning "Swinging on a Star"

Wow, we covered a lot of ground, and that's just the Main Stage Series. There will be more detailed posts about the Main Stage Series and all our other offerings in future blog posts, so check back often. You'll not only learn about all of our 200 shows this season, but you'll also get unprecedented behind the scenes access to all things Playhouse on Park.

Now that I've whet your Playhouse on Park appetite, all you have to do is come join us. It's not too late to order a season subscription. You get all eight shows for much less than a Broadway show. Call our box office at 860-523-5900 x10 or check out our website at www.playhouseonpark.org. As luck would have it, you can access the blog from our home page, hint, hint. See you at the shows!