PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
At a time when tales of economic woe populate the headlines on a daily basis, and the unemployment number soars, art institutions are being especially hard hit. Rising production costs, combined with the reality that people’s money has to go towards putting food on the table and not towards luxuries like entertainment, mean that many organizations are folding, taking furloughs, or cutting back on production values.
Given this reality, it is amazing that we just recently concluded the most successful season, both from a financial and artistic point of view, in our over 40 year history. Our productions of SOUTH PACIFIC, EVITA, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed sold out runs and critical acclaim. However, we are determined to do even better this season!
Today, you will see our first show……a stage adaptation of the Disney cult hit HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Be prepared to laugh, sing, and maybe even dance as you watch the antics of these youngsters play out to a great, contemporary score. It’s fun for the whole family!
While our second show is equally fantastic, you might want to leave the kids home for it. We are pleased to be mounting THE FULL MONTY here in our space. This show enjoyed an extended run on Broadway, an international tour, and has been thrilling people in small theaters like ours ever since! Be prepared to “laugh so hard it hurts” as you watch the most unlikely group of strippers you’ll ever meet bare it all as they learn a lesson about self-worth and the real nature of love. WARNING: Contains brief nudity, adult situations, and strong language.
Our third show is going to be big……really big. Unfortunately, due to contractual restraints, we cannot disclose the title of it until after Thanksgiving. However, we can tell you that we are thrilled to be presenting the Connecticut non-professional premiere of a work that took Broadway by storm, became an international hit of epic proportions, and recently closed after more than 10 years on the Great White Way. Trust me…..you’re not going to want to miss out on this one!!!
Finally, we will be closing our season with the family classic THE SECRET GARDEN. Bring your kids, grandkids, and the neighbor’s kids down to witness this heart-warming, melodic story of family love, forgiveness, and the ability to move on.
This year, we are making it easier than ever to come see all our shows. Our subscription packages are now Flex Passes. That means, you can use their four admissions how you see fit. Get one seat for all four shows, two seats for two of the shows, etc. It’s your subscription….make it work for you!
We are also pleased to announce that we will now be making ticketing available directly online at our website….www.operahouseplayers.org. Check it out!
Finally, we are using the extra money in our coffers to make some needed upgrades to the historic Opera House, including installing new floor lighting, fans, etc.
All in all, it’s a great time to be here at the Opera House. We hope that you will join us for what promises to be another historic season of great theater.
See you on the aisle!
- Philip D. Vetro
