The summer programming at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Conn. begins July 133 with a gala revival of Grease! Four other shows in the overall summer program comprise the theatre's "Summer On Stage 2000" series, as denoted by an asterisk.
Beginning July 13, Grease! runs two performances only (July 13-14) at 8:00 PM. The Garde presents "Laverne and Shirley" star Cindy Williams in the musical, which is based on the music of the '50s. Single ticket prices range from $29 - $46.
Next at the Garde is Forbidden Hollywood, a show-business spoof that parodies Madonna, Tom Hanks, Sharon Stone and others. It runs July 18 - 23. Single ticket prices range $27 - $36.
The Missoula Children's Theatre will present Treasure Island on July 29 at both 1 and 4 PM. This original adaptation of the classic features children from the New London community working together with the company's professional cast.
The dog days of summer will feel that much lighter with the return of Late Nite Catechism by Maripat Donovan and Vicki Quade. In this take on organized religion, which runs from Aug. 8 -13, the main character is a nun who goes from benevolent instructor to Marine drill sergeant. The nun works the crowd something like Dame Edna, rewarding the students (audience) who give correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards. Tickets range from $23 - $29. Next up, the Garde the presents the Connecticut premiere of If You Ever Leave Me...I'm Going With You! from Aug. 15 - 20. This comedy stars husband and wife team Renee Taylor ("The Nanny") and Joe Bologna celebrating their three-decade love affair both on and off the stage. Tickets range from $30 - $39.
Scheduled to run from Aug. 22 - 26 is the zoot suit sensation, Five Guys Named Moe, which features 27 Louis Jordan hits. Tickets range from $29 - $36.
The interactive audience experience, Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding plays Aug. 27 - Sept. 1. At the "wedding", which takes place at the Garde, the audience becomes part of the ceremony. A reception follows at the neighboring Radisson Hotel. All tickets run $65, which includes dinner at the Radisson.
The Garde Arts Center is located at 325 State Street New London, CT. Series subscriptions (shows denoted above by an asterisk) range from $87 to $112. For information call the box office at (860) 444-7373 or visit www.gardearts.org.
-- By Murdoch McBride
