Westport Country Playhouse Calendar Listings July 21, 2008

Sunday, July 27, 1 and 4 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse Family Festivities Series.  “Cinderella’s Mice,” a musical presented by Vital Theatre. Spencer is a little mouse with big dreams of attending the Royal Ball---just like his friend Cinderella. But when Cinderella’s fairy godmother shows up and turns Spencer and his sister Mitzi into the horses who pull Cinderella’s coach, mouse and human hopes collide! Will Spencer’s crazy plan make or break Cinderella’s chance to win the heart of the Prince? A fresh take on a classic that proves even the smallest person can make a big difference. Ages K-4.  $15 per ticket.  For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

August 5 – 23 - Westport Country Playhouse stages a thriller, “Tryst” by Karoline Leach. Joe Brancato, who helmed the Off-Broadway production, will direct.  Set in mysterious Edwardian London, George Love has a habit of marrying simple, well off women who become inexplicably poor and husbandless the day after their honeymoons.   He’s come to London to con his next bride into marriage, and happens upon Adelaide, a milliner’s assistant who is sitting on a small nest egg of 50 pounds.  He woos her and two days after they’ve met, he convinces her to get married that evening and bring the total of her bank account.  Once they get to the honeymoon, however, the situation changes, as Adelaide appears to be not such a simple girl.  She too has her own agenda in marrying Mr. Love and will try anything to get what she wants. $30 - $65. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Monday, August 25, 7 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse presents “Golden Boy” written by Clifford Odets and directed by Joanne Woodward, a playreading with a cast of professional actors as part of its “Classical Series.” Joe Bonaparte’s drive to become a great violinist is sidetracked by the lure of big money as a prizefighter.  $15. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Sunday, September 7, 1 and 4 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse Family Festivities Series.  “Emilio and the Enchanted Cow,” presented by Marionetas de la Esquina. Facing change is hard for everyone.  When faced with going to a new school, trying to make new friends and living in a new home without his father, young Emilio focuses on what he likes to do best – draw. And when the cow that he has drawn magically comes to life, Emilio finds the courage-and some new friends- to help him though this tough time.  Mexico’s renowned puppet theatre company Marionetas de la Esquina uses colorful puppets, music and humor to bring us this charming and hopeful story. Pre-show activity.  Ages five and up. $15 per ticket; series packages available.  For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Monday, September 15, 7 p.m. -  Westport Country Playhouse will stage a fundraising benefit, “Footlights and Film:  A Celebration of the Great Musicals from Stage and Screen.” The evening will include a star-studded musical performance hosted by Julia Roberts in the Playhouse’s Jason Robards Theatre, a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner with celebrity guests. Festivities begin at 7pm.  Benefit tickets are $2,000.  For more information or to request a benefit invitation, call (203) 227-5137, ext. 138.

October 7 – 25, October 30 – November 1 - Westport Country Playhouse stages “Of Mice and Men,” a classic drama by John Steinbeck, directed by Mark Lamos. The play is based on John Steinbeck's 1937 tale of two traveling companions, George and Lennie, who wander the country during the Depression, dreaming of a better life for themselves.  George wants to own land and be his own boss.  His mentally challenged partner, Lennie, simply wants rabbits to play with.  When it seems that their dreams might be attainable, something goes terribly wrong.  Tony Award-winning designer Michael Yeargan will be scenic designer, with the legendary Jane Greenwood as costume designer. $30 - $65. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Monday, October 20, 7 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse presents “The ***** and Mr. Moore” by Michael Christofer as part of its “Funny Mondays,” a cheerful playreading series with a cast of professional actors.  $15. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Sunday, October 26, 1 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse presents JuggleJoy in a special Halloween “Tricks and Treats Show,” including a costume parade for ages 2 – 8.  A circus-style, comedy team with stunts, including unicycling, juggling and magic. Free by reservation.  For more information and reservations, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Monday, November 3, 7 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse presents “The Classical Series,” a playreading with a cast of professional actors.  $15. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Sunday, November 9, 1 and 4 p.m.  - Westport Country Playhouse Family Festivities Series. “Madeline and the Bad Hat,” an original musical capturing the carefree touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeleine. Our story takes us to the day when the Spanish Ambassador and his son moved into the house next door to 12 little girls who live in an old house in Paris that was covered with vines. Madeleine, Miss Clavel and the other girls quickly discover that his son Pepito is a true horror! Rude and conceited Pepito seems at first to be nothing but trouble. Does he have a good side after all? Has Madeleine met her match?  Pre-show activity. Ages K - 2. $15 per ticket; series packages available.  For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Friday, November 14, 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Arts Center co-present “Duncan Sheik and Friends in Concert.” Tony Award-winner and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter/composer Duncan Sheik performs selections from his hit musical “Spring Awakenings” (winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical), along with captivating original materials in a concert that is sure to rock the Playhouse rafters. $30, $40, $50.  For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Tuesday, November 18, 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Arts Center present professional actors reading short stories at ‘Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story,’ the live performance version of the renowned public radio show of the same name. $15, $20 and $25.   For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

December 12 – 21 - Westport Country Playhouse presents “A Holiday Garland,” featuring holiday songs, funny stories, poignant readings, jokes and poems compiled to celebrate this festive season and enchant the family.  Directed by John Tillinger (“Time of My Life,” “Relatively Speaking”) and featuring seven performers. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays 4 and 8 p.m.; Sundays 3 p.m.  $25, $35, $48. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.