Broadway classic SOUTH PACIFIC and Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID Jr. OPEN SUMMER THEATRE of NEW CANAAN’s 2013 Theatre Festival Season in Waveny Park

The Broadway classic South Pacific, known for its romantic score and widespread success, will open the mainstage season of the Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC) 2013 Theatre Festival in Waveny Park with preview performances scheduled on Saturday, June 15 at 8pm, Sunday, June 16th at 4pm, and Thursday, June 20th at 8pm, and an opening performance on Friday, June 21st at 8pm. All remaining performances of South Pacific are scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 4pm thru Saturday, July 13th.

With such songs as Bali Ha’i, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, Some Enchanted Evening, There is Nothing Like a Dame, Happy Talk, Younger than Springtime, and I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy, there is no question as to why this show is considered to be Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest success. Derived from the collection of short stories written by James A. Michener entitled Tales of the South Pacific, the musical features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and is paired with book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. The music and story effortlessly flow together to create an incomparable experience for the audience. The story entices the audience into the two parallel love stories set in an island paradise during World War II, while the lovers are challenged by the dangers of prejudice and war. The show opened on Broadway in 1949 and won an incredible 10 Tony Awards including “Best Musical.”

There’s no wondering as to why South Pacific became the second-longest running Broadway musical at the time. The enchanting love stories, following Nellie, a nurse from Arkansas, and a French planter, Emile, contrasted and compared to the pairing of Lt. Joe Cable and Liat, an innocent native Tonkinese girl, provide for a story that causes us all to question our own prejudices and beliefs. The music and book by Rodgers and Hammerstein are unmatched by any, and set the stage for an incomparable musical phenomenon that will continue to live on for years to come.

The South Pacific cast, under the direction of Allegra Libonati, features Actors Equity performers Tiffan Borelli (Nellie Forbush), Daniel Klein (Emile de Becque), Janelle Robinson of Danbury (Bloody Mary), Jason Michael Evans (Lieutenant Joe Cable), Nick Reynolds (Luther Billis), Matt Spano (Stewpot), Jason Law (Commander Harbison), Adam Bashian(Shore Patrolman), and Katie Oxman of New Canaan(Nurse).

Additional cast members include Kim Wong, Brian Wicker, Patrick Spaulding of New Fairfield, Luke Lynch, David Rosenberg of Greenwich, Adam Hill, Sharon Malane, Lysie Jordan, Kasey Huizinga, Jessa Rose of Stamford, Allie Potenza of New Canaan, Bobby Godas, Chris Balestriere of Norwalk, Dan Faber, Patrick Beasley, Johann George of Ridgefield, Anna Oxman of New Canaan, and Blanca Grande of Trumbull.

The creative team includes David Turner (Music Director), Devon Allen of New Canaan (Lighting Designer), Julia Noulin-Merat (Set Designer), Sarah Cogan (Costume Designer) and Doug Shankman (Choreographer).

In addition, THE LITTLE MERMAID Jr., beginning June 15th, opens the season as part of our theatre for young audience programs, and will run in “rep”(rotation) with our other children’s shows, Dr Seuss’s THE CAT IN THE HAT beginning June 29 and PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL beginning July 13. Disney’s hour-long version of the Broadway hit is targeted for child audiences through age 14, and is perfect for young children and families. The story of Ariel and Prince Eric is popular with children everywhere, and this extended musical version of the fairy tale is sure not to disappoint.

Starring Sarah Mae Banning(Ariel), Bobby Godas(Prince Eric), Allie Potenza of New Canaan(Ursula), Johann George of Ridgefield(Sebastian), Christian Camporin of New Canaan(Flounder), Brian Wicker(King Triton), Danielle Defassio(Scuttle), Kellen Schult(Grimsby/Chef Louis), Chris Balestrie of Norwalk(Flotsam), and Tre Roldan of Norwalk(Jetsam) with Ali Tesluk of New Canaan, Katelyn Miles of Greenwich, Eileen Veghte of Westport, Eileen Cannon, Kasey Lee Huizinga, Stephanie Wasser, and Daniela Sawyer of Westport, THE LITTLE MERMAID will run June 15 thru August 11 on weekends and selected Friday mornings.

 The creative team includes Melody Libonati of New Canaan(Director), David Turner (Music Director), Kevin Hanna of New Canaan(Set Designer), Katie Oxman of New Canaan(Choreographer), and Orli Nativ (Costume Designer). According to Artistic Director Melody Libonati, “This will definitely be our best season yet. We offer something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Summer Theatre of New Canaan is a professional (Actors’ Equity) summer theatre company operating under a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT).

 All performances (rain or shine) are presented in the theatre’s spacious state-of-the-art open-air tent located in Waveny Park with reserved seating plus stage-side and orchestra box dining as well as open field seating and picnicking.

 The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s Tent opens 1hr prior to each performance for picnics or dining at reserved tables and the house opens 30 minutes prior to performance for regular ticket holders. Reserved seating is available online, by phone or can be purchased at the Tent box office 1 hour prior to curtain on performance days.

 For directions via auto and train go to stonc.org and click on directions or set GPS units for Summer Theatre of New Canaan located at 11 Farm Road, New Canaan CT. Take the New Canaan High School Entrance and follow road to Dunning Field and Waveny Park. The Outdoor Tent Theatre and picnic areas are adjacent to Parking area.