Hair! Sing-a-Long at the Buttonwood Tree this Sunday!!

Can you name this Middletown celebrity? 

On Sunday, April 29th, beginning at 6:30pm, we welcome the community to  a SING -ALONG celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Broadway opening of Hair! The Musical.
Come to sing, reminisce and have fun! 

The event is presented by the Russell Library, Oddfellows Playhouse, ARTFARM and The Buttonwood Tree. It features a live rock band and opening with some footage from the original Broadway cast.

Get out your love beads! Warm up your voices! Prepare to enjoy an evening of “mystic crystal revelation and the mind’s true liberation”!

“Hair” opened on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre on April 29, 1968. 

The band includes: 

Keyboard - Matt Durland
Guitar 1: Matt Kerovac
Guitar 2: Tom Oh
Bass: Harper Liles
Tenor Sax: Alex Antaya
Drums: Zach Fontanaz

(Fun fact: Tom Oh was part of the national tour of the show and has worked with the writers of the show)

Refreshments are available, all are welcome.

In 1968, the production was directed by Tom O’Horgan, choreographed by Julie Arenal, with set design by Robin Wagner, costume design by Nancy Potts, and lighting design by Jules Fisher. The original Broadway ‘tribe’ (i.e., cast) included authors Rado and Ragni, who played the lead roles of Claude and Berger, respectively, and Lynn Kellogg as Sheila, Lamont Washington as Hud, Sally Eaton and Shelley Plimpton reprising their off-Broadway roles as Jeanie and Crissy, Melba Moore as Dionne, Steve Curry as Woof, Ronnie Dyson (who sang ‘Aquarius’), Paul Jabara and Diane Keaton (both Moore and Keaton later played Sheila). Among the performers who appeared in “Hair” during its original Broadway run were Ben Vereen, Keith Carradine, Barry McGuire, Ted Lange, Meat Loaf, La La Brooks, Kenny Seymour (of Little Anthony and the Imperials), Joe Butler, Peppy Castro (of the Blues Magoos), Robin McNamara, Heather MacRae (daughter of Gordon MacRae and Sheila MacRae), Eddie Rambeau, Vicki Sue Robinson, Beverly Bremers, Dale Soules and Kim Milford. The production ran for four years and 1,750 performances, closing on July 1, 1972.

"The Last Romance": A Fundraiser (shameless self-promotion!)

photo by J Greeman

There I am with two of my most-favorite people in the world, Naomi Kamins (on my left) and Anne Cassady (on my right) - the three of us are presenting a staged reading of "The Last Romance" this coming Sunday at 3 p.m. in Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street in Middletown.  Directed by Jenny Greeman (an OP alumna), and written by Joe DiPietro, the play will make you laugh, might make you cry but certainly will make you smile. Proceeds from ticket sales (suggested donation is $20) go to benefit both Oddfellows and ARTFarm.

Here's a description of the play: A crush can make anyone feel young again—even a widower named Ralph. On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk—one that leads him to an unexpected second chance at love. Relying on a renewed boyish charm, Ralph attempts to woo the elegant, but distant, Carol, without alienating his sister Rose. Ralph is an opera lover who once had a dream of becoming a singer but life had different plans. "The Last Romance" is a heart-warming comedy about the transformative power of love.

Ask I intimated above, there is humor, empathy, love, pathos, and more in the show.  And, it's for an excellent cause - these two organizations mean a lot to our city and the region. We're doing what we can to help and appreciate your attendance as well as your contributions.

For ticket reservations, call Anne at 860-349-8594 or Richard at 860-632-1067.  

Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Rep Production

She Kills Monsters: A New Play for New Audiences

Oddfellows Playhouse, one of Connecticut’s premier youth theaters, is proud to present She Kills Monsters, a new play by Qui Nguyen.

Inspired by the classic game Dungeons and Dragons, the play tells the story of Agnes Evans, a popular high school cheerleader. Agnes’s younger sister Tilly is her opposite and a total embarrassment – a geeky, shy, awkward girl. When Tilly dies suddenly in a car accident, Agnes’s only tie to the sister she barely knew is a role-playing adventure game that Tilly had created herself. Agnes enters her sister’s fantasy world and learns about who her sister was – while fighting off the monsters, real and imaginary, that plagued Tilly’s short life.

 “Qui Nguyen has written a contemporary high school play – timely, theatrical, and super fun with an emotional heft that sneaks up on you,” says Kristen Palmer, the show’s director.

“The themes of loss, acceptance, questioning sexual identity, and escapism contained in this play make it a great jumping-off point for wider conversation and reflection on issues young people face every day.”

Palmer adds that the play isn’t only for the youth, though. “Teens, their parents, young adults and anyone who has ever sought refuge and meaning in a book, video game, or film will connect to this original story.”

Don’t miss the chance to see Oddfellows’ talented Teen Repertory Company bring this unique coming-of-age play to life.

Performance Dates: March 20, 21, 22 at 7:30pm and March 23 at 2pm

                                       ** Recommended for ages 12 and up **

Location: Oddfellows Playhouse 

               128 Washington St. 

               Middletown, CT 06457

Tickets: $18 for adults and $10 for seniors and students

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE or call 860.347.6143

Oddfellows Playhouse is Seeking an Experienced Office Manager

Oddfellows youth theater needs a part time office manager (30 hours a week) with experience in general administrative duties, managing social media, press releases, marketing, and website updates.  Must have experience with databases and spreadsheets.  Must be able to multi-task and respond to walk ins and phone calls and direct the work of interns.  Hours can be flexible but will include some evenings and weekends supporting classes and productions.  Preferred Bachelors in Communications or Marketing or 5 years of business experience.  Accounting experience a plus.  

Location: 128 Washington St. Middletown, CT

Please send your resume and cover letter to info@oddfellows.org 

About us:

Oddfellows Playhouse was founded in 1975 as a community-based, multicultural theater program designed to include children from all backgrounds. Oddfellows remains Connecticut’s largest and most active year-round youth theater, an independent, not-for-profit organization that annually serves over 1,200 young people.  The mission is “ to build essential life skills through the performing arts.”
In 2013 Oddfellows Playhouse was named “Connecticut’s Best Children’s Theatre by Connecticut Magazine.  In 2012 Oddfellows was awarded its very first National Endowment for the Arts award for the Our Town grant. In 2003, Citizens Bank named Oddfellows Playhouse its Community Champion for youth services, and CPTV featured the Playhouse and its program on a special titled art.culture.life. In 1999, the Playhouse received a Community Service Award from the Middlesex County NAACP in recognition of its years of commitment to young people, particularly those challenged by poverty.  The New England Theatre Conference recognized the Playhouse’s history of quality performing arts and youth education with an Award of Excellence in 1998.

The Playhouse has produced over 350 shows, including classics, contemporary and world premieres.

Women Take Center Stage…In Life…In Excelling…In Giving Back

Oddfellows Playhouse and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and its Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women & Girls are proud to host “Women Take Center Stage.” Playwright Liz Duffy Adams and Oddfellow’s Artistic Director Kristen Palmer will lead an insightful discussion about the power of Women in the Arts. In celebrating National Women’s History Month we will focus on the importance of the Arts in our communities. The Arts provide opportunities of leadership, empowerment, independence and collaboration. Join us as two extraordinary women take the stage to share their experiences as leaders in the arts.

Liz Duffy Adams is an American playwright whose plays have been produced in theaters throughout the country. Adams is a New Dramatists alumna and received various awards in fellowships, including a Women of Achievement Award. Her original play Buccaneers will have its East Coast premier at Oddfellows Playhouse on April 4^th.

Kristen Palmer is the Artistic Director at Oddfellows Playhouse. She has designed and implemented arts programs with many organizations, engaging students in their own creative processes. A playwright herself, her plays have been seen on stages from New York to Seattle.

Oddfellows Playhouse mission is to build essential life skills through the performing arts.  It was founded in 1975 as a community-based, multicultural theater program designed to include children from all backgrounds. Oddfellows remains Connecticut's largest and most active year-round youth theater, with live productions, classes, circus and community theater that annually serves over 600 young people and audiences in the thousands.

Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County.  Its two-fold mission is: (1) to work with charitably-minded individuals and organizations to build permanent endowments and other charitable funds; and (2) to support local nonprofit organizations through effective grant making and multiple programs to address community needs. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has provided 1,100 grants totaling more than $3.3 million to organizations for the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities,  environmental improvements, and for health and human services. Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women and Girls at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a permanent fund supporting grants to organizations that empower Middlesex County women and girls to be self-reliant and reach their potential. We welcome conversations with good people who want to do great things.  For more information, visit CFMC at www.MiddlesexCountyCF.org, contact us at 860.347.0025 and info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org, and follow us at www.facebook.com/CommunityFoundationMC.

For reservations to the event on March 11, 2014 from 5:30pm-7:30pm  please email Bessie@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347.6143.

For  more information contact:

Jeannette Archer-Simons

Interim Executive Director

860-347-6143 x 101 or 203-671-9773 (c)

Spring 2014 Registration for Theater Classes and Productions at Oddfellows Playhouse is OPEN!!

Exciting new theater arts classes and productions are being offered for children and youth ages 4 - 11!  

Registration is now open for Spring Classes and Productions at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theatre.

Kids can explore their creative side, become confident in public speaking and enjoy working as a team while experiencing the arts through classes in acting and creative dramatics.  This spring there are several unique opportunities.

●       PRODUCTION CLASS: FOR FEET’S SAKE. An Oddfellows First! The Kids Company, for children 8-11 year olds, will take the main stage with this original, wild take on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid. Young actors will work together, learn rehearsal skills, choreography, and songs as they gain acting experience on-stage and off. All registered students will be cast in the show.  Attendance is VERY important, and additional rehearsals may be called as show time approaches. Performances will be on May 16^th at 7pm and May 17^th at 2pm.

●       Theater Classes for ages 4-7 develop self-confidence and build communication skills in a positive growth environment.

 

All classes at the Playhouse are taught by professional artists dedicated to arts education.  Each session culminates in a sharing for families and friends!

Details and registration is available at www.oddfellows.org

Spring classes start the week of March 17^th and end the week of May 12^th

All classes take place at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, Middletown.

About us:

Oddfellows Playhouse was founded in 1975 as a community-based, multicultural theater program designed to include children from all backgrounds. Oddfellows remains Connecticut’s largest and most active year-round youth theater, an independent, not-for-profit organization that annually serves over 1,200 young people.  The mission is “ to build essential life skills through the performing arts.”

In 2013 Oddfellows Playhouse was named “Connecticut’s Best Children’s Theatre by Connecticut Magazine.  In 2012 Oddfellows was awarded its very first National Endowment for the Arts award for the Our Town grant. In 2003, Citizens Bank named Oddfellows Playhouse its Community Champion for youth services, and CPTV featured the Playhouse and its program on a special titled art.culture.life. In 1999, the Playhouse received a Community Service Award from the Middlesex County NAACP in recognition of its years of commitment to young people, particularly those challenged by poverty.  The New England Theatre Conference recognized the Playhouse’s history of quality performing arts and youth education with an Award of Excellence in 1998.

The Playhouse has produced over 350 shows, including classics, contemporary and world premieres.

For more information contact:  Kristen Palmer at (860) 347-6143 ext. 103 or Kristen@oddfellows.org.

Back by Popular Demand 2 Additional Circophony Performances at Oddfellows Playhouse

Back by POPULAR DEMAND, Alice in Wonderland goes to the Circus in a fast-paced, all ages 45 minute show presented by the talented teen performers of Circophony.

Two additional showings of "Circus in Wonderland" will be performed

Friday, February 21 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 22 at 2 pm

At Oddfellows Playhouse
128 Washington Street
Middletown

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Circophony is a collaboration between Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater and ARTFARM. The company, directed by ARTFARM co-founder Dic Wheeler (also the creator and long-time director of the Children's Circus of Middletown), is made up of eight circus performers between the ages of 12 and 17.

"Circus in Wonderland" explores the magical world of Alice in Wonderland through the joy and spectacle of circus. Alice is plunged into a world in which the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, White Rabbit and other iconic characters juggle, stilt, unicycle, clown and perform stunning feats of acrobatics. It's Alice in Wonderland like you've never seen it before! Bring your kids! Bring your parents! This show has something for everyone.

For more information about the show, which is available for touring through May, 2014, contact ARTFARM at info@art-farm.org.
For tickets please contact Bessie at Oddfellows Playhouse, (860) 347-6143

Fall Classes Starting at Connecticut's Best Children's Theater

Oddfellows Playhouse Fall 2013 Theater classes start Oct 14th!. 

The Fall Session runs for 8 weeks, with programs beginning the week of October 14 and concluding the week of December 9.  There are no classes held the week of Thanksgiving.

Fall Theater Class Registration is Open

Oddfellows Playhouse is pleased to announce its Fall 2013 Programming.  The youth theater, which provides afterschool and weekend theatrical programming, is excited to unveil its programmatic offerings under the guidance and direction of Artistic Director Kristen Palmer.  Oddfellows’ programs use theatre as a vehicle to build essential life skills, while exploring highly educational and creative themes and plays.

Auditions for Teens and Adults for Oliver!

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater and Connecticut Heritage Productions are again joining creative forces this holiday season with a co-production of OLIVER!  the Tony-Award winning musical based on Dicken’s classic novel .  Adult and teens are invited to audition for this up-coming production.

OLIVER!, directed by Peter Lofreddo will feature a multi-generational cast of actors.  As in last year’s A Civil War Christmas, which involved Oddfellows’ Teen Repertory Company and adult actors, actors and the community will reap the rewards of this unique partnership to produce a tremendous musical.  “Oliver contains some of the best known standards in the Broadway show tune canon, ”Consider Yourself at Home”, “Food, Glorious Food,”, “You Can Go but Be Back Soon “and the haunting love ballad, “As Long As He Needs Me.” – Director Peter Lofreddo.

 Classic songs, indelible characters and a rich world will offer an entertaining and engaging show this holiday season, with performances December 5-17, 2013.   This production is being supported in part by the generous donation from John and Mary Murphy.

Auditions will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse from 7pm – 9pm on Monday September 16th and Wednesday September 18th.  Teens and Adults from all backgrounds are encouraged to audition. 

Additionally interested teens are invited to attend a pre-audition workshop at Oddfellows on Wednesday, September 11th.  This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the artistic staff and learn songs, scenes and dances from the show in a fun, introductory session.  There is no fee for the workshop or auditions.

Tuition is charged for the Teen Rep program for students. Pre-registration and scholarship applications are available at Oddfellows.org.

Oddfellows and CHP have joined forces on various projects in the past including Higher Ground: an original play dramatizing the long struggle of African-Americans for freedom and equality, and the Connecticut Valley Student Playwriting Competition.  They approach this production with the goal of bringing together various perspectives and members of the community to explore themes of juvenile justice, historical views of economic inequity and a youth’s search for family.

“Oddfellows and CHP thought this was a great production to approach with a multigenerational cast because of the age range of characters in the play.  There is a lot to learn as an actor when you are portraying a character your own age, rather than someone 20 or 30 years older.  Equally as important is the different point of views that a cast with different life experiences brings to a production.  It is important that we teach our young people different points of view on the world,” said Oddfellows’ Executive Director Matt Pugliese. 

Connecticut Heritage Productions' mission is to inspire, nurture, and sustain an appreciation of the performing arts by entertaining, enlightening, and connecting our audiences to the ever-changing sensibilities of our times. Their work is a collaborative effort of artists, professional staff, board members, and the community.

Youth Circus holds Auditions for Circus in Wonderland

Oddfellows Playhouse and ARTFARM announce auditions for the 2013-14 cast of Circophony, a touring youth circus company co-sponsored by the two Middletown-based theater groups. Young people ages twelve to eighteen are invited to audition to join the cast of this year’s show, Circus in Wonderland.

Auditions will be held Tuesday, September 10, 6 – 8 pm at Oddfellows Playhouse at 128 Washington Street in Middletown.
 
Circophony is a select youth circus company committed to providing first class training to aspiring circus artists while creating exciting new performances which will tour to schools, clubs, fairs, corporate events and festivals. Young people selected for the Company will receive a rigorous combination of circus training, physical conditioning and rehearsal/production experience. Members are expected to arrive punctually, attend all rehearsals and performances, work hard, be strong team players, and train independently outside of rehearsals.
 
Circophony is open to young people ages twelve to eighteen. Prior circus experience is not required. If you do not have circus experience, a background in dance, gymnastics, theater, cheerleading, parkour, hooping, magic or serious physical activity is helpful. The show is directed by ARTFARM’s Executive Director Dic Wheeler, who has been performing, directing and teaching circus in the United States and Europe for thirty years. Dic is the founder of the Children’s Circus of Middletown and ARTFARM’s Circus for a Fragile Planet, and is a charter member of the American Youth Circus Organization. Lead Trainer is circus performer and teacher Allison McDermott, an acrobat, aerialist, and graduate of the Professional Track Program at the New England Center for Circus Arts in Vermont.
 
Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 – 9 pm at Oddfellows starting Tuesday, September 17.  Attendance at rehearsals is compulsory – if you cannot commit to the rehearsal schedule you should not apply to join Circophony.

The opening of this year’s show will be January 17 & 18 at Oddfellows Playhouse. There will be rehearsals every evening January 13 – 16. Circophony’s Circus in Wonderland will be an original, main stage circus production loosely based on the characters and scenes from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, incorporating juggling, acrobatics, balancing, clowning, physical comedy and other skills developed by the company members.

The show will be available for touring throughout the school year, and Circophony members will be expected to be available for touring performances between January and May. Performers and their parents will be given adequate notice about show times and dates. We may also travel to regional youth circus festivals during the year.

Tuition for Circophony, which includes over thirty rehearsals plus the performances and tour, is $250. Some financial assistance is available.

To register for the audition, or if you have questions, email info@art-farm.org or call (860)346-4390

Oddfellows Playhouse Announces 2013-14 Season

Oddfellows Playhouse is pleased to announce its 2013-14 Season for its Junior and Teen Repertory Company.  The first season under the guidance and direction of Artistic Director Kristen Palmer is filled with classics, family musicals and some new endeavors.

The season will begin with the Junior Repertory Company’s of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet onstage November 14-16, 2013.

One Show Only! - Today at 5pm

3rd Annual Rubber Chicken Run

The 3rd ODDFELLOWS RUBBER CHICKEN RUN 5K Cross Country Race will take place Thursday, August 15th at Mercy High School.

Funds raised for the race will help Oddfellows maintain its high quality theatrical programming for young people and support its generous scholarship awards, which allows us to never turn a child away for financial reasons.

We hope that you, and your family and friends, will join us to run in support of Oddfellows.

August 15, 2012

*6:00pm Children's 1/2 Mile Fun Run
*6:30pm 5K Cross Country Race

Mercy High School
1750 Randolph Road
Middletown, CT 06457

Registration
$20 per Runner (ages 14 & up) in advance, $25 day of race.
$75 per Team. Teams will not be accepted on the day of the race.
$5 Children's Fun Run (ages 13 & under).
Advanced registration closes Friday, August 10, 2012

Visit RubberChickenRun.com for more information

Thanks to our Supporters!
Pratt & Whitney LLC.
Triple Frog LLC.
Dzialo, Pickett & Allen, P.C .
Community Health Center Inc.
Mercy High School
 The Iron Scissors Salon
The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill
Charles Computer Services
Prohealth Physicians Middlesex Pediatrics
Fusion Bakery
Chabaso Bakery
Illiano's Restaurant

25th Children's Circus of Middletown

25th Annual Children's Circus of Middletown:
The Big City Circus
 

The Middletown Commission on the Arts and Middlesex United Way present Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater’s 25th Children’s Circus of Middletown: The Big City Circus.  The one-time-only show will be presented on Friday August 2 at 5 PM at Macdonough School, with a rain date of Saturday, August 3 at 5 PM. 

The Big City Circus captures the hustle and bustle of city life. Through parades, traffic jams, skyscrapers and pigeons, 150 talented young performers find themselves flung into a chaotic urban sprawl. Featuring fast paced stilted construction sites, lively unicycle market places and an all out acrobatic battle with Godzilla, the Big City Circus aims to bring the sites, sounds, smells and zaniness of the big city to new heights.

 

The Children’s Circus of Middletown is an exceptional community wide program where entire families come together to create this one-of-a-kind spectacle. Director Jason Leinwand, now in his 2nd year as Director, comments often on spirit of community  “In my opinion, this is the essence of what the circus is. It's a place where everyone is welcome to participate. The circus is a place where all of our individual skills are collaged together to create an unbelievable spectacle that everyone can be proud to be a part of. We become a community of artists and over time, one big circus family.”

 

Oddfellows is asking everyone to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Amazing Grace Food Pantry.  Bring a lawn chair and enthusiasm to Macdonough School and enjoy the spectacle.  The 25th Children’s Circus of Middletown: The Big City Circus will perform at 5 PM on August 2 at Macdonough School (66 Spring Street) in Middletown.  Parking is limited to street locations, so carpooling is recommended. The Macdonough School lot is reserved for handicapped and elderly patrons.  Tickets are available at the door and are $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. 

 

The Children’s Circus is part of the Middletown Commission on the Arts Kids Arts program.  The circus is made possible by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, the Middlesex United Way, The Middletown Board of Education and Oddfellows Playhouse’s many generous supporters.  For more information, call (860) 347-6143. 

 

Fall 2013 classes, auditions and productions will be announced soon!  Keep an eye on the websitewww.oddfellows.org.  

 

Oddfellows Playhouse Names New Artistic Director

The Board of Directors at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater are delighted to announce that Kristen Palmer has been named the theater’s new Artistic Director, joining Executive Director Matthew J. Pugliese in steering the 38 year old youth arts organization.  

 “We are glad to welcome Kristen to Oddfellows, into this important role.  We share a vision for extending the theater arts to young people and underserved audiences, and I’m excited to begin working with Kristen to develop Oddfellows’ presence in our community”, said Executive Director Matt Pugliese.  

 Kristen Palmer brings with her twenty years of theater making and educational experience to Oddfellows Playhouse.

“I am tremendously excited and honored to begin as Artistic Director of Oddfellows Theatre. This youth theatre has expanded and contributed to so many lives over the years and engaged young people and adults in the art and practice of theatre. I strive to create highly aesthetic, richly engaging experiences and with Oddfellows I am joining an organization with a matching commitment to theatre and to the community”, said Palmer.  

While a member of Printer’s Devil Theater in Seattle, Palmer produced, directed and wrote new works.  In New York City she took part in the Women’s Project Theatre Lab, the Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab and the Dramatists Guild Fellows Program and continues to be an associate artist of New Georges.  Kristen received a Jerome Fellowship at the Playwrights’ Center of Minneapolis, a Connecticut State Individual Artist Grant from the Commission of Culture and Tourism and was Playwright-in-Residence at the William Inge Center for the Arts.  She has designed and implemented arts programs engaging students in their own creative processes with Dreamyard Drama Project, Brooklyn Free School, the Creative Arts Team, and many other organizations throughout the country.  She has developed and led arts education programs and directed productions with early childhood through college students, special needs populations, English language learners, incarcerated youth and underserved communities in the South Bronx, Brooklyn and D.C. 

Kristen received her Bachelors from Bretton Hall in Yorkshire, England studying Dramatic Arts with a focus on creating original work and using drama in community and educational contexts.  She holds an MA from NYU in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study with concentrations in education and theatre and an MFA from Hunter College in Playwriting where she studied under Tina Howe. Her plays have been produced and developed throughout the country.

“We’re delighted to have Kristen with us. Her combination of skills as an arts educator, playwright, and director are perfect for Oddfellows,” said Board of Directors chair, Elizabeth Bobrick. “we are looking forward to having her take her place in the community.

Circus Tech Nite Opportunity

Want to help make something like this?

Tech Nite for the Children's Circus of Middletown is an opportunity for children, adults, and families to create collaborative art projects to be used in the final performance of the circus program. Tech Nite is a loosely structured art workshop with a focus on papier mache, painting, cardboard construction, carpentry, and sometimes sewing. It's a ton of fun, a low-pressure creative outlet, and features music, candy, and watermelon.

When: Every Mon and Wed 7-9pm, beginning Wed 7/10 and ending Mon 7/29.

Where: Remington Rand Building, North entrance (parking and entryway marked).

Who: All are welcome! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact Ro Seidelman, Technical Director, with any questions: (914) 310-5231

Donations of the following are welcome and appreciated:

-cardboard larger than 3 ft x 3 ft.
-foam rubber/mattress foam
-non-oil-based paints
-spray paint
-fabric larger than 1 yd.
-coffee cans, tupperware
-paper towel and toilet paper rolls
-Tyvek
-dowels
-1x3s and 2x4s 4 ft. or longer
-newsprint
-drywall and wood screws
-misc. hardware
-painting and carpentry tools

Last Chance to Catch Hear What's in the Heart

"This show was amazing!!! I saw it opening night and everyone should see it before it leaves. A great night; I laughed, I cried."

-Rose Masselli Morse

 

"just a short note to tell you how much all of us enjoyed your performance last night! And to thank you for the love of family that you project so well in your outstanding play! Your energy, your honesty, your talent, and above all the love for your grandfather made this an outstanding experience!"

-Paul Pirrotta

 

"Whether it is his womanizing Uncle Manny from Florida who has a reputation as a lover of women, food and women or Brother Connolly from Xavier High School who tried to teach the secret to sex education was abstention or his Uncle Amo whom he likened to a "dancing banana," Steve has the profound talents to bring them each individually and memorably to life."

-Bonnie Goldberg, Member CT Critics Circle

THURSDAY June 20 - 7:30pm

Oddfellows Playhouse

128 Washington St

860-347-6143

www.oddfellows.org
$20 General Admission

 

GET TICKETS

Eat Your Art Out

Oddfellows Playhouse's 2nd Food Improv Fundraiser takes place tonight at the Wadsworth Mansion from 6-9pm.  Tickets are available at the door.  $75 per person, and $125 for a couple (two people is a couple.)

A tasting style event, Food Improv will showcase a variety of dishes created by some of the best chefs and restaurants throughout Connecticut.   Returning restaurants include: Riverhouse Catering, The New England Emporium, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, NoRA Cupcake Company, Tschudin Chocolates & Confections, and Cold Stone Creamery of Middletown.  New participants include Lan Chi Restaurant and The Lace Factory.  The event will also feature a signature cocktail mixed and created by RIPE Craft Bar Juice and Onyx Moonshine.

SPONSORED BY

Producer Sponsors
Citizen’s Bank

Connecticut Rental Center 

The law offices of Farrell, Geenty, Sheeley, Boccalatte & Guarino, PC, 

Patron Sponsor

Updike, Kelley and Spellacy, PC

CT Humanities Grant Helps Bring Middletown Story to Life

Oddfellows Playhouse is pleased to announce that is has received a $225 quick grant from the Connecticut Humanities in support of its production of Hear What’s In the Heart: A Shoemaker’s Tale.  The play stars Middletown native Steve Scionti.  Scionti co-wrote the show with Tony Award -winner Anthony Crivello, also the director, who recently completed a run on Broadway of Clifford Odet’s Golden Boy.

Hear What’s in the Heart is set against the backdrop of a post-funeral gathering to celebrate the life of Scionti’s grandfather, Angelo Morello (who owned Angelo’s Shoe Repair on Main Street in Middletown.)  Taking us through the funeral day’s events, Scionti paints a theatrical family portrait in a series of humorous and poignant vignettes, transforming himself into various family members and friends.

 

“The support from the Connecticut Humanities allows us to reach out to a broader audience,” says Executive Director Matthew Pugliese. “The show is so interesting because it brings us back to a different time and generation.  It deals with the immigrant experience and adjusting to living in a new country, which so many people have experienced as first and second generation immigrant families.  I know this show will connect with so many people.”

As part of the production, the evening of Thursday June 13 will have post-show discussions led by the Executive Director of the Middlesex Historical Society Deborah Shapiro and Steven Scionti.  Deborah Shapiro will talk about the Italian and Sicilian Immigrant experience in Middletown, and Steven will talk about his family’s roots in Middletown and the development of the show. 

This family tale began on Thursday May 16, 2013.  The show will continue weekly on Thursday nights through June 20, 2013.  All performances are set for 7:30pm.  Tickets are $20. Tickets can be purchased online at www.oddfellows.orghttp://oddfellowsplayhouse.ticketleap.com/, or call 860-347-6143 for more information.

The show, which has played to sold-out houses at the Zephyr Theater in Los Angeles, as well as shows in Westchester and New York City.  It was selected to be in the 2009 NY Fringe Festival. The show played two nights at the Wesleyan University Center for the Arts in the summer of 2012.

 Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. Connecticut Humanities brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage, enlighten and educate. Learn more by visiting http://www.cthumanities.org.