A NOTE FROM JACQUI HUBBARD: Another year is winding down and I am looking out of my window at the glorious reds and golds of autumn. How lucky are we to live here!
Inside our theatre, we have had a veritable rainbow of colors this year – from the sparkles and sequins of GEORGIA MCBRIDE to the cabin colored beauty of ON GOLDEN POND. We climbed the snow-white Alps in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and then slipped out of an alley, under a shadowy streetlight in New Jersey to celebrate the music of the Four Seasons in JERSEY BOYS. Currently, our stage is ablaze with the magnificent passion of THE COLOR PURPLE and we will wind up 2023 with tinsel and mistletoe and a rockin’ rollin’ Christmas celebration with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS.
I can’t wait to share with you our line-up for next year but you can count on the fact that it will be just as colorful and tuneful as this year, plus a little something more!
We hope you will support Ivoryton Playhouse this year with an annual contribution. Your membership allows us to maintain this beautiful building, provide subsidized tickets for schools and for those that struggle with serious illness, and breath light and life into this little community.
On behalf of the board of trustees, staff, volunteers, and the thousands of theatregoers like you who enjoy the treasure that is Ivoryton Playhouse, thank you for supporting our work with a membership donation. Thank you for being an important part of the magic and helping us bring a little more joy, a little more music and a little more color into our world.
In 2017, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, celebrating Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, was the hottest show on the Shoreline and a sell out for Ivoryton. The Tony-winning musical brought to life a legendary session that occurred on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history.
Ivoryton Playhouse is excited to announce the return of the rock ‘n’ roll legends – Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash – together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, now decked out in all its Christmas splendor with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made these four famous. Follow along with the gang’s usual antics as we journey through a story of Christmas past, present, and future
This jukebox musical, written by Colin Escott brings that legendary night to life with a seasonal score of songs including “Blue Christmas”, “Go Tell it on the Mountain”, “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree”, “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bell Rock” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
This production is directed by Katie Barton and musical directed by Ben Hope, who is also playing Sam Phillips. Katie and Ben are husband and wife who were last seen together on our stage in 2015 as Tammy and George Jones in STAND BY YOUR MAN: THE TAMMY WYNETTE STORY. Audiences may also remember Katie’s beautiful performance as the Girl in ONCE in 2018. Ben will be reprising the role of Sam Phillips, which he played here in 2017. Set design is by Martin Scott Marchitto and lighting design by Jessica Drayton. Costume Design is by Elizabeth Saylor and sound design by Jonathan White.
Our production stars: Ivoryton favorite Sam Sherwood* (ONCE; GODSPELL, THE ROAD – THE JOHN DENVER STORY; RING OF FIRE) as Carl Perkins, JP Coletta * as Jerry Lee Lewis, Scott Moreau* as Johnny Cash, Daniel Durston* as Elvis Presley, Margaret Dudasik*(ONCE) as Dyanne, Ben Hope* as Sam Phillips, Dakota Singerline as Fluke, and Mark Gehret (Ivoryton resident bass player now on stage!) as Jay Perkins.
For BIG BROTHER fans out there, Daniel Durston was a houseguest on BIG BROTHER 24. He is generally considered the villain of the season by houseguests and fans but in Ivoryton, Daniel is the much beloved Elvis and a “hunka-hunka burnin’ love!”
Don’t miss the experience of this show live on stage at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on November 16th and runs through December 17th. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Check our website for specific dates and times – there are no performances on November 22, 23 and 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Tickets are $55 for adults; $50 for seniors; $25 for students and children, and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
(Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theatre in South Central Connecticut. For many years, it has been a beacon of creativity, culture, and intimate theatrical engagement. The theatre is committed to presenting exceptional productions and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
For more information, interviews, and press inquiries, please contact:
Congratulations to Jacqueline K-D from Newington who won first prize in our Glory Days raffle! She won two tickets to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Mohegan Sun (rescheduled date to be announced).
Also congratulations to Theresa D from Essex who won second prize – two 3-play subscriptions for our 2024 season.
That was fun! Watch this space for info on a raffle next year!
First Prize is two (2) tickets – floor seats – for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for Saturday, September 16th – Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena). E Street Lounge passes have been included so you’ll have a place to go relax and have a drink before the show. The Lounge has a cash bar and opens when the doors open to the venue and will close at showtime.
Second Prize is two x 3-play subscriptions for Playhouse 2024 Season Ivoryton Playhouse is having an amazing 2023 Season. Our 2024 line-up has not been released yet but – you can be sure – it will be another block buster season. This prize is for two people to come and see three of your favorite main stage productions.
Scan this QR code to purchase raffle tickets to have a chance to win!
Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.00. When “Jersey Boys” at Ivoryton Playhouse closes so does this raffle. Entries close September 10, 2023 at 5:00pm. VIP tickets are only valid for performance at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, September 16th.
This is an exceptional opportunity to see one of the final concerts of this tour. Good luck and thank you for supporting Ivoryton Playhouse!!
Ivoryton Playhouse’s 6th Annual Women Playwrights Festival: Unleashing the Power of Women’s Stories!
Join us for an extraordinary celebration of creativity, inspiration, and the power of Women’s voices in the world of theatre. For six years, Ivoryton Playhouse has proudly hosted the Women Playwright’s Festival, showcasing the immense talent and ingenuity of female identifying playwrights from across the country in a series of staged readings, talkbacks and round table discussions. We are thrilled to invite you to our most exciting and empowering festival yet, as we continue to support gender equity and diversity onstage.
In a historically male-dominated industry, the Women Playwrights Festival aims to highlight the importance of supporting and uplifting women in theater. We believe that by providing a platform exclusively dedicated to showcasing their work, we can help create an inclusive and equitable artistic landscape that reflects a more diverse human experience.
This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. From over 200 submissions, we have carefully curated a lineup of four trailblazing playwrights whose stories will challenge your perspectives and ignite your imagination. Every year, we are astounded by the depth and breadth of talent displayed by the brave playwrights we feature. Their stories explore the complexities of human emotions, tackle social issues, challenge stereotypes, and illuminate perspectives often overlooked.
Join us at Ivoryton Playhouse on October 28th for an unforgettable day celebrating creativity, empowerment, and the boundless possibilities that arise when women are given the spotlight.
Event Details:
2:00 pm – Staged Readings (To Be Announced), followed by a talkback with the cast, writers and directors
4:00 pm – Round Table Discussion lead by The Dramatist Guild and the League of Professional Theatre Women
5:00 pm – Break
7:00 pm – Staged Readings (To Be Announced), followed by a talkback
Our festival is made possible by the generous support of the Connecticut Chapter of the League of Professional Theatre Women, The Dramatist Guild, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women & Girls, as well as individual donations from: Anonymous, Jacqueline Hubbard, Al and Kathleen Jaffe, David and Linda May. Thank you for your support!
We’d also like to extend a special thanks to our team of discerning play readers. This special group of volunteer community members and theatre professionals helped us curate our festival’s selections and we are truly grateful!
Get Ready to groove as “Jersey Boys” Hits the Ivoryton Playhouse Stage!
Ivoryton Playhouse is thrilled to announce the electrifying arrival of the Tony-winning musical sensation, JERSEY BOYS gracing our stage for a limited engagement! Prepare to be transported back in time to the swinging ’60s and be captivated by the timeless story of four blue-collar boys from New Jersey who skyrocketed to fame as one of the greatest pop bands ever!
Featuring unforgettable hits from the legendary Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, JERSEY BOYS is a journey filled with heart, soul, and the unmistakable sound of an era that defined a generation.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the magic of JERSEY BOYS to the Ivoryton Playhouse,” said Jacqui Hubbard, Executive Director of the Playhouse. “This musical has it all – incredible music, an inspiring rags-to-riches story, and a whole lot of fun. It’s the perfect evening out for theatre lovers and music lovers alike.”
Ivoryton Playhouse promises an experience like no other. Nestled in the charming town of Ivoryton, our historic theater is renowned for its intimate setting, providing an up-close and personal connection between the audience and the performers.
Tickets for JERSEY BOYS are on sale now and are expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of this iconic production at Ivoryton Playhouse. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates and surprises along the way!
JERSEY BOYS is open now until September 10th. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm; evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm; and Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm.
Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. (For information on group rates, please call the box office.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
JERSEY BOYS at Ivoryton Playhouse is directed by Todd L. Underwood, with music directed by Mike Morris. The scenic designer is Cully Long, and the costume design is by Elizabeth Saylor. Jessica Drayton is the lighting designer, Glenn Bassett is the props designer, and the sound designer is Jacob Fisch.
About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theatre located in South Central Connecticut. For many years, it has been a beacon of creativity, culture, and intimate theatrical engagement. The theatre is committed to presenting exceptional productions and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
For more information, interviews, and press inquiries, please contact: Ben Hope, Executive Producer: ben@ivorytonplayhouse.org. 321.303.0110
From Ireland’s Greatest Hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill to The Every Day Shenanigans of An Irish Family! Come and hear great favorites, “The Rocky Road To Dublin”, “That’s An Irish Lullaby”, “Star Of The County Down”, “Kerry Dance”, “Danny Boy” and many more! Let the mischievous Pookas and Stories Of Fairies carry us into what’s left of the last long days of summer!
FEATURING MUSICIANS:
Susan Mazer – Guitarist Celeste Cumming – Cellist Melanie Guerin – Pianist Michael McDermott – Vocalist & Bodhran Kathleen Mulready – Vocalist Victoria Wepler – Violinist/Fiddler Mary Gardner – Bodhran
IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE and PRIVE SWISS WELLNESS present:
The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse Directed by Jacqueline Hubbard
Starring David Pittsinger, Adrianne Hick, and Patricia Schuman Presented in partnership with Prive Swiss Wellness.
The hills of the Shoreline are alive with the sound of music once again as the beloved musical, “The Sound of Music,” makes its triumphant return to the Ivoryton stage. Opening on June 30th, this timeless production promises to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and unforgettable melodies. The Playhouse is proud to announce the casting of renowned actor and singer David Pittsinger in the iconic role of Captain Von Trapp.
Pittsinger, hailed as one of his generation’s finest performers, will bring his extraordinary talent and stage presence to this highly anticipated production. With his powerful voice and charisma, Pittsinger is set to deliver a remarkable portrayal of the authoritative yet vulnerable Captain Von Trapp. Adrianne Hick, starring as Maria, was last seen at the Playhouse as Nellie in South Pacific. In previous productions, she’s been called ‘stunning,’ ‘riveting,’ and ‘absolutely flawless’ by the press.
“The Sound of Music” tells the enchanting story of Maria Rainer (Hick), a young and spirited governess who transforms the lives of the Von Trapp family through the power of music and love. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Austria, this timeless tale is filled with iconic songs such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and the unforgettable title song, “The Sound of Music.”
The production boasts a stellar creative team, including award-winning director Jacqueline Hubbard, Francesca Webster as choreographer, and musical director Mark Cappetelli. Kate Bunce designed the costumes, Cully Long the set, and Marcus Abbott the lights. With their expertise and vision, they have crafted a production that honors the spirit of the original Broadway show while offering a fresh and engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
In addition to David Pittsinger, the cast features a talented ensemble of performers who bring the beloved characters to life, including the highly acclaimed soprano Patricia Schuman in the role of The Mother Abbess and a host of talented local kids to play the adorable von Trapp children. Joining them are audience favorites Bruce Connelly as Max and Beverley [Taylor] Ricci as the Baroness. The entire cast is dedicated to delivering a truly memorable theatrical experience.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘The Sound of Music’ back to Ivoryton,” said Executive Producer Ben Hope. “This professional production captures the essence of the timeless story, and the combination of David Pittsinger and Adrianne Hick will set a new standard for our audiences. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the magic of this beloved musical once again.”
“The Sound of Music” will open on June 30th and runs through July 30th. Tickets are available at the box office and online at Ivorytonplayhouse.org. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to relive the magic and rediscover the joy of “The Sound of Music” at Ivoryton Playhouse.
