Back to ABOUT
June Is Bustin’ Out Moves This Summer:
A Preview of The Sharon Playhouse 2024 Season
In the immortal words of Rodgers and Hammerstein, “a crowd of Doubtin’ Thomases was predictin’ that the summer’d never come. But it’s comin’, by gum! Y’ken feel it come.”
And so is the 2024 summer season of The Sharon Playhouse!
Many of us may want to escape the swirl of domestic and global news surrounding us this year. The Sharon Playhouse is no exception. Hence, we have designed a season to provide a joyful respite from the everyday life and entry into the lives of fascinating characters. Sometimes we just need some good old-fashioned entertainment and a SEASON OF JOY!
All productions take place on the main stage of The Bobbie Olsen Theater. Follow below as we take you on a journey you won’t soon forget through the adventures of rock stars, high school seniors, Broadway divas, Southern belles, and a beagle that lives on top of his dog house.
Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical built around classic rock songs from the 1980s, especially from the famous glam metal bands of that decade. The musical features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe, among other well-known rock bands. It was written by Chris D'Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine with music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp.
The original Broadway production ran for 2,328 performances, from 2009 through 2015, making it one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. Since debuting in 2009, Rock of Ages has spawned productions in Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as several touring productions. The Broadway production starred theater standouts Constantine Maroulis and Amy Spanger, and nabbed five Tony nominations, two Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, and a Drama League Award nomination.
During the show, the performers frequently break the “fourth wall,” directly addressing the audience and seemingly forgetting (or perhaps reminding the audience) that they are actors in a musical. You may be tempted to break that wall as well, jumping to your feet to stomp along with the infectious music and singing.
Be prepared to party on the Sunset Strip like it’s 1987, and join us at The Sharon Playhouse, June 21 – July 7, 2024.
The Prom is a musical with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin (of The Drowsy Chaperone fame) and Beguelin, based on an original concept by Jack Viertel. The musical follows four Broadway actors lamenting their days of fame, as they travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom.
The musical had a tryout at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016 and premiered on Broadway in October 2018.
An all-star film adaptation – Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden – was released in 2020.
The Prom was the first musical of the 2018–2019 Broadway season to be named a New York Times Critics Pick, with Jesse Green calling it “such a joyful hoot. With its kinetic dancing, broad mugging and belty anthems, it makes you believe in musical comedy again.”
Frank Rizzo, writing for Variety wrote that “with a tuneful score, a playful book, and performances that remind you what Broadway heart and chutzpah are all about, this cause célèbre of a show turns out to be a joyous, funny, and sweet production that should appeal to several generations of musical fans.”
New York Magazine’s Sara Holdren wrote: “There’s such genuine joy rolling off the stage in The Prom that you’re ready and willing to forgive its minor misfires... Did I shed several real tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did… I also seldom stopped laughing. The show is full of witty delights.”
Adam Feldman of Time Out Magazine gave the show 4 out of 5 stars, saying “It is cheering to see a musical comedy that engages with modern questions, with a teenage lesbian romance at its center to boot... But while the issues are contemporary, there is a 1980s feel to the character types and the overall style of Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar’s score, which resembles their work in The Wedding Singer.
In The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney called the show “one part satire, packed with delicious theatrical in-jokes delivered with aplomb by game stage veterans playing caricatures of themselves; and one part inclusivity teaching moment, reminding us there's a place for everyone beneath the Mylar balloons at a high school dance, even in conservative Indiana.”
The original Broadway production garnered six Tony Award nominations, five Drama Desk nominations (winning Outstanding Musical), four Outer Critics Circle Awards nominations, and two Drama Leagues Awards nominations.
So love whom you love, and let’s dance at the prom Broadway-style at this heart stopping and heart wrenching show, July 26 – August 11, 2024.
Everyone seems to know the story of Steel Magnolias, perhaps from its original off-Broadway production; its Broadway revival with Marsha Mason, Delta Burke and Frances Sternhagen; its all-African American television version with Phylicia Rashad, Alfre Woodard and Queen Latifah; or, most famously, its all-star movie starring Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah and a very young Julia Roberts (in an Academy Award-nominated performance). American writer Robert Harling crafted this comedy-drama about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana.
The title suggests the “female characters are as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel.” The play by Harling, a lawyer by profession, was a therapeutic way for him to cope with a very personal family experience. Above all, this story is about this group of women’s underlying friendship, the support they provide to each other throughout, and how the characters use humor and lighthearted conversations to cope with the seriousness of their underlying situations.
For those unacquainted with this touching, heartrending piece of theater, there will be no spoilers here. You’ll have to find out for yourself. Let’s dish, laugh and have a good cry with our friends, August 30 – September 8, 2024.
Happiness is You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!
This delightful show, based on Charles Schultz’s Peanuts characters, has a storied history. During the early 1960s, Clark Gesner had begun writing songs but was unable to get permission to use the characters. Eventually Gesner sent Schulz a demo recording of some of the songs and Gesner soon had permission to properly record them, which he did in 1966. Although Gesner originally planned his songs as a “concept album,” he fleshed out his work when he learned a similar musical (based on Snoopy) was in development. The 1967 Off-Broadway production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was a rollicking success, and ran for 1,597 performances, leading to its first Broadway production in 1971.
Fast forward to 1999, which saw a newly revised Broadway production (with additional music and lyrics by Andre Lippa, later of The Addams Family fame) The 1999 Broadway revival was notable for making stars of Kristen Chenoweth as Sally (before her Glinda in Wicked) and Roger Bart (later Tony-nominated for his performance in The Producers and now starring on Broadway in Back to the Future) as Snoopy, earning both of them Tony Awards.
The revival also garnered Tony Award nominations for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Director of a Musical. It also scored five Drama Desk nominations, winning three for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Chenoweth) and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Bart). It even was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a show for the entire family. Let’s fly a kite and remember what happiness is, September 20 – September 29, 2024.
Tickets are now available for all main stage productions, so don’t wait! Visit sharonplayhouse.org for more information about these shows, our 2024 Summer Youthstage Program and tickets all productions.
The Sharon Playhouse 2024 Spotlight Gala
The Sharon Playhouse Spotlight Gala is back with a fresh twist this year! For starters, our annual Spotlight Gala is now a Kick-off event to our fabulous summer season, taking place on Saturday, June 1.
TO BOBBIE, WITH LOVE is a dazzling musical revue featuring the best of Broadway and special guest stars. Directed by our own Sarah Combs, and choreographed by Amy Van Norstrand, TO BOBBIE, WITH LOVE will feature special appearances by Kate Baldwin, a two-time Tony Award Nominee (and starring in The Prom at The Sharon Playhouse this season); Danny Drewes, a Sharon Playhouse favorite (starring in Rock of Ages and The Prom this season); and Julia Murney, Drama Desk Award nominee and Broadway favorite (who will be directing You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown also at The Sharon Playhouse this season).
There are three ways to be a part of our star-studded evening:
Option 1: Cocktails (on the Playhouse Patio), Dinner (in the Bok Gallery) and the Show (on the MainStage in The Bobbie Olsen Theatre)
Option: 2: Cocktails and the Show
Option 3: Just the Show
There will also be a silent auction and a paddle raise during the Dinner.
For reservations and pricing options, visit https://www.sharonplayhouse.org/spotlight-gala.
As the theme suggests, the Gala is dedicated this year to Bobbie Olsen, former president of The Sharon Playhouse Board of Directors and namesake of our main stage, The Bobbie Olsen Theatre.
A bit about our dear Bobbie: Bobbie, a resident of Salisbury, is a huge theater fan, dating her earliest experiences to playing the Queen of Hearts in second grade. Bobbie grew up in California and spent summers in New York. Once bitten by the “theater bug,” she starred in high school theater productions and immersed herself in college theater as a critic. After college, Bobbie’s day job was advertising copywriting; during the evenings, you could find her with standing room tickets for whatever caught her fancy (don’t tell anyone she used to sneak into an empty seat during intermission).
In New York, Bobbie has been a board member of The York Theatre and The Manhattan Theatre Club. She is also a board member of The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida. A huge advocate for children’s involvement in and exposure to live theater, Bobbie is thrilled with the expansion of The Sharon Playhouse’s Youthstage Theater Program. Bobbie also champions the development of emerging playwrights and new works.
Come celebrate Bobbie’s myriad accomplishments and contributions to our theater-loving community in what promises to be a great evening of live theater. There’s nothing like it!
The Stage as a Classroom: Exploring the Benefits of Theater Education
In the heart of summer, when creativity blooms alongside flowers, theater education stands as a ground for nurturing young minds. Theater education isn't just about learning lines or stage cues; it represents a holistic approach to developing curious and compassionate minds. In these programs, children delve into the world of emotional expression and collaborative creation, gaining invaluable skills that will serve them long after the summer ends. Through acting and exploring, they develop confidence and empathy, learning to walk in others' shoes and broadening their understanding of diverse perspectives.
Theatrical education builds life skills. By engaging in various aspects of theater, children enhance their problem-solving abilities and creativity. These skills translate beyond the stage and foster versatile thinkers prepared for the complexities of the real world. Theater education also has meaningful impacts on academic outcomes, as studies show that students who receive theater arts education score higher on the SAT and other standardized tests.
If you do want to expose your child to the theater arts, choosing the right program is crucial. It begins with understanding their interests and needs. Does your child thrive in group settings, or would they prefer the more individual-focused technical side of theater? Ensuring the program’s philosophy aligns with your child’s growth is essential. Look for programs that prioritize personal development and foster a nurturing environment, encouraging children to express themselves without fear of judgment.
For families in the northwest corner of Connecticut and beyond, The Sharon Playhouse offers a spectrum of opportunities for children and teens through its classes and YouthStage programs. We offer a range of programs that cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring that every child can find a place to shine. Whether it's stepping into the limelight or bringing stories to life behind the scenes, The Sharon Playhouse is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative thinkers and performers.
Theater isn't just entertainment, it's a portal to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. At The Sharon Playhouse, children experience the power of empathy as they connect with characters, develop communication skills in a supportive environment, and join hands with fellow theater lovers in a vibrant community where collaboration leads to magical productions and lasting friendships.
Discover more about our offerings by visiting our Education page and exploring our current classes.
There Are Shows, And Then There Are Favorite Shows!!!
There are shows, and then there are favorite shows!!! We were curious about which shows, musicals, dramas, or performances hold a special place in the hearts of local residents. We didn't limit answers to any time period or locale. We just wanted to know which shows they consider their favorites and will always remember fondly, no matter where or when they saw them. Check out the responses we received and see if your favorite matches any of them
I’m a sucker for all musicals, but the one that probably holds my heart is Fiddler on the Roof. My mother had the original soundtrack with Zero Mostel and we nearly wore it out. My children loved it too, and would dance to it in their bedrooms (there’s an embarrassing video somewhere). Anytime I hear it I can’t help but sing along. And “Sunrise, Sunset” makes me cry every time.
Sarah Marshall is the Kent Memorial Library Director and a Kent resident.
My first Broadway show was the opening night of Big River on April 25th, 1985. It was such an event! The set, music, and voices were all so marvelous. I think it won best show that year. I’ll never forget it!!
John Champion is a part time resident of Sharon.
In 2005, I had the pleasure of working with Matthew Morrison (TV’s Glee) on a fundraiser for Broadway Cares, Equity Fights AIDS. At our rehearsal, he handed me a pair of tickets with an invitation to see him in his next role as Fabrizio in Light in the Piazza at Lincoln Center. Matthew played opposite Kelli O’Hara as Clara, a beautiful young woman who, due to a juvenile brain injury, looked at the world through a kaleidoscope of innocent love. Fabrizio was a gentle, loving soul who basked in Clara’s childlike light. This led the pair to fall hopelessly in love. I adored every moment of the production -- the acting, the staging, the arrangements, the ‘50s costuming. It was a wonderful rendition of Elizabeth Spencer’s novel; a skillfully woven tale of romance, naïveté, and parental love.
Trisha McMahon is a freelance writer living in Washington, CT. She was the founding editor of iN New York magazine and Senior Vice President of Communications for WHERE Traveler.
Easily the most consequential theater experience in my life was going to see West Side Story in September 1957. It was a brand-new musical and while I'd gone to plays before, nothing was like this. I was born and raised (and still live) on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. What I saw that night was the energy, exuberance, conflict, pain, love and passion that reflected all the emotions that we experienced daily on the streets of the City, Moreover, it was all done in under two hours with a dynamism and skill that was breath-taking. I couldn't stop thinking and talking about it and it made me a life-long fan of the theater. The music has become iconic and to this day I think it's the most exciting play I've ever seen.
Peter Bakstansky is a theater buff and part-time Warren resident.
Guys and Dolls is a personal favorite and was the first musical I performed in at The Sharon Playhouse. Filled with Damon Runyon characters, it gave New York in the bygone 30s its own kind of magic. Frank Loesser's lyrics for “Adelaide's Lament—A Person Can Develop a Cold” or “Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat” are nothing short of brilliant. The recent performance at The Sharon Playhouse with heavy tap was fabulous. Love that show!
Bette Halby is an artist/sculptor (BetteKlegonHalby.com) and part time Cornwall resident.
While I’ll always have a soft spot for Spring Awakening, in which I played Melchior at The Sharon Playhouse in 2014, I’d have to say my favorite musical would be Dear Evan Hansen. I saw it first on Broadway with Ben Platt, and it was a truly remarkable experience. The entire cast was excellent, but Platt’s performance was something special and I wasn’t surprised at all when he won Best Actor. I still listen to the album, and made sure to see it again on Broadway, when it reopened after COVID. Every cast brings their own take on the characters, but the result is always a poignant, modern and thoroughly enjoyable theater experience.
Christian Lange is a member of The Sharon Playhouse Board of Directors and a resident of East Canaan.
My husband and I had the pleasure of attending the production of Guys and Dolls several years ago at The Sharon Playhouse. It was truly beautiful and professional. While the original show may have had its debut on Broadway in 1950, the story, the characters and songs are evergreen to us. We would love to see a sequel with the Nathan Detroit, Miss Adelaide and Sky Masterson characters. We feel incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful theater in our community”.
Arlene and Jon Glantz are part-time residents of Washington, CT. Arlene is the founder of A.Glantz,Inc. (aglantzinc.com) luxury diamonds and gemstones.
In the early '50s my best friend’s mom took us on a train from our home in Poughkeepsie to New York City to see a Broadway show called Wish You Were Here. It was one of the most exciting times of my young life. The only thing we knew about it was that our beloved romantic hero of the time, Eddie Fisher, had made the song popular and it was Number One on the hit parade. The music and lyrics were by Harold Rome and the story about Camp Karefree, a vacation resort in the Catskill Mountains, where families would go for week-long holidays and the staff would mingle to give everyone a good time. Since then I have seen hundreds of musicals. That's probably what led me to becoming an actress and cabaret performer.
Thayer Hochberg is a Washington resident and former actress and cabaret performer.
In 1983 my uncle took me to Carnegie Hall on New Year's Eve to see a gala benefit concert. The grandeur of the Hall and the performance by Yo-Yo Ma were unforgettable. At age 12 the performance set me on a life-long appreciation for New York City and all it had to offer a kid from a Pennsylvania steel town.
James Neunzig is the chef and owner of Giffords Catering and J.P. Gifford Market & Catering Co. in Kent and J.P. Gifford Cafe & Catering Co. in Sharon.
News From Our Neighbors
The Hoctchkiss Library of Sharon asks you to Save the Date!
On Friday, August 2nd from 4:45 to 7:30pm The 26th Annual Sharon Summer Book Signing will be held to benefit the Library.
10 Upper Main Street in Sharon, on the Lawn.
28 Authors and Illustrators, featuring Jamaica Kincaid, Fiction from Ann Hood, Roxanna Robinson,
Peter Steiner and Adelle Waldmann. Nonfiction from Barty Baron, Steven Brill, Michael Korda, Ann Leary, Francine Prose, Lucy Sante, Bunny Williams and many more.
The Sharon Historical Society and Museum will hold Let Them Eat Cake, a live cake auction and cocktail party on Friday, July 5th at 5:30pm.
Tickets and more information for this delicious event will be available in June at cakesale@sharonhist.org.
The Society is located at 18 Main Street in Sharon.
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND CURTAIN UP!
Publisher: The Sharon Playhouse Editor-in-Chief: Emily Soell, President of the Board of Directors*
Editor/Reporter: Jacqueline Markham-Priaulx*
Managing Editor: Rod Christensen
Design Director: Justin Boccitto
Reporters: Lee Davies,* John Christian Lange*
Advisors: Carl Andress, Artistic Director; Michael Kevin Baldwin, Associate Artistic Director/Director of Education; Sarah Cuoco, Education & Company Manager & Wendy Prause, Business Manager
*Members of the Board of Directors
All of us at Curtain Up! thank you for reading our newsletter.
Back to ABOUT