Arts & Entertainment
ACT of Connecticut in Ridgefield Announces 2021–2022 Season
The season features four spectacular shows: "Smokey Joe's Cafe," "Nickel Mines," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "Rent."
Press Release Provided by ACT of Connecticut
After a year of limitations due to COVID-19, the popular ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is fully opening its doors to live audiences and is thrilled to announce its upcoming 2021–2022 season. The season features four spectacular shows: Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Nickel Mines, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Rent!
ACT of CT Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine says, “We could not be more excited to be ‘back at it’ with a full season of shows. While we’re proud of the work that we’ve produced over this past year, there is nothing like performing in front of a live (and full!) audience. Next season’s shows are incredibly exciting and there is truly something for everyone. The talent that we have coming to Ridgefield this season is not to be believed, and we just can’t wait to welcome our patrons back to ACT of CT for a full season of stunning productions!”
ACT of CT’s 2021–2022 season:
SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE – The Songs of Leiber and Stoller
One of Broadway’s most enduring hits, Smokey Joe’s Cafe is a celebration of legendary songwriting team Leiber and Stoller, who virtually invented Rock & Roll. This high-energy show features nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, including “Jailhouse Rock,” "Stand By Me,” “Yakety Yak,” “Hound Dog,” “On Broadway,” “Spanish Harlem” and many more. Smokey Joe’s Cafe is a fun-filled night of electrifying 50’s Rock & Roll that will leave you flying high! This production’s Director / Choreographer will be Smokey Joe’s Cafe’s original west-end production cast member, Stephanie Pope Lofgren.
Words and Music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
Performance dates: September 30–October 24, 2021
NICKEL MINES
This new musical is centered around the infamous 2006 Lancaster, Pennsylvania Amish schoolhouse shooting in which a lone gunman shot ten girls (five fatally) before taking his own life. A breathtaking piece of theater, it combines spoken dialogue, movement and original music to explore multiple viewpoints and perspectives from that fateful morning. Nickel Mines is a living memorial to the young girls who lost their lives and a powerful exploration of community, perseverance and ultimately, hope. Nickel Mines will be Directed and Choreographed by Andrew Palermo and is presented in association with Anita Donofrio.
Conceived by Andrew Palermo
Written by Andrew Palermo and Shannon Stoeke
Music and Lyrics by Dan Dyer
Performance dates: January 20–January 30, 2022 (10 performances only).
ACT of CT is the first professional theater to premiere this fascinating, elegant and moving new musical. Due to Covid-19, “Nickel Mines” (which was originally scheduled for March 19–29, 2020) was canceled just days before opening. ACT of CT is ecstatic to be able to bring back this important and powerful new musical as part of its 2021–2022 season.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
This timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary, his disciples and the Roman Empire. The iconic 70's rock score contains such well-known songs as “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar has been wowing audiences for 50 years. This production will be directed by ACT of CT’s Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Performance dates: March 24–April 17, 2022
RENT
Rent is a show about falling in love, following your dreams, and finding your voice! Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop-cultural phenomenon. The story follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side. In this groundbreaking musical, these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts and learn that there is “no day but today!"
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Performance dates: May 26–June 19, 2022
Subscriptions for the 2021–2022 season are available now by visiting actofct.org or by calling the ACT of CT Box Office at 475-215-5497. Visit ACT of CT website to learn more about the exclusive season subscriber benefits.
