'Theater Week' Showcases Hartford Area's Massive Theater Scene

Greater Hartford Arts Council

HARTFORD, CT — A multi-day celebration of Hartford's theater scene, along with accompanying discounts and offers, officially kicked off on Thursday.

The Greater Hartford Arts Council announced the return of Hartford Theater Week, which is actually a two-week event.

Its aim, organizers said, is to make theater more accessible to the community, promote the excellence of local theatrical productions, and build a broader, more diverse audience for the arts in Greater Hartford.

Now in its second year, Theater Week will run through Oct. 17, "providing the community with enriching theatrical experiences that foster inclusion, creativity, and a sense of belonging through the arts."

"We’re so excited to bring back Theater Week for its second year — it’s really a chance to celebrate our amazing local theater scene,” said Amanda Roy, interim chief executive officer of the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

“We’re inviting everyone to come out and enjoy live performances, special events, and great deals at some of Hartford’s most iconic venues. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of theater while connecting with the creative spirit that makes Hartford so special.”

Participating theaters include:

• HartBeat Ensemble
A locally-based professional theater company that creates provocative theater that connects communities beyond traditional barriers of race, gender, class and geography.

They are performing “Jimmy & Lorraine,” an award-winning play written by Talvin Wilks and directed by HartBeat Ensemble-member Brian Jennings.

Discounts: Free performances

For more information on events & discussions visit hartbeatensemble.org.

• Hartford Stage

Hartford Stage is aTony Award-winning regional nonprofit theater located in downtown Hartford.

Hartford Stage is showing "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.” In this witty and suspenseful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, decency and depravity battle to see which side will ultimately control the man.

Discounts:

• Buy 1, Get 1 ticket Use code THEATERWEEK. (Discount applies to all seating price points)
• Dining partnership on website

Tickets available and more information available at HartfordStage.org.

• Playhouse on Park (West Hartford)

Managed under the direction of Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc., Playhouse on Park is Greater Hartford’s award-winning destination for the performing arts.

Visit Playhouse on Park to view “The Shark is Broken” this Theater Week. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixo, this “bitingly funny” comedy centers on the making of the blockbuster film "Jaws."

Discounts:

• Lunchtime (Noon to 1 p.m.) Special- $15 tickets Student
• Rush - $15 tickets - 15 minutes before any show with student ID
• Up to 20 percent off check from dining partners with the show of ticket stub (visit website for list of restaurants)

For more information on panel discussions, restaurant partnerships and discounts as well as additional special events visit playhouseonpark.org.

• The Bushnell

The Bushnell is a dynamic 21st Century performing arts center that presents, creates, inspires and shares the best in the performing arts.

The Bushnell is presenting “A Beautiful Noise.” Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, this is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon.

For more information on discounts, events, and ticket giveaways visit bushnell.org.

• TheaterWorks Hartford

With more than 30+ years of producing award-winning theater, this ‘state of the art’ performance space is as intimate as ever, reaching out to welcome the community in the city we call home.

TheaterWorks is performing “Fever Dreams (of Animals on the Verge of Extinction),” written by Jeffrey Lieber and directed by Rob Ruggerio.

Discounts:

• Offer $25 tickets to Hartford residents
• $35 Tuesdays (regular $60)

To learn more information on pre-show receptions, restaurant partnerships and additional discounts and events visit www.twhartford.org.

For more information on the Greater Hartford Arts Council and 'Theater Week,' click on this link.