Robert Fulghum's popular series of books started by his best-selling "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" hits the thrust stage of West Hartford's Playhouse on Park on February 22, as the musical adaptation of the same name begins three weeks of performances.
Conceived and adapted by Ernest Zulia and directed by Joe Keach Longo (Playhouse on Park's Lost in Yonkers), with music and lyrics by David Caldwell, "Kindergarten" is a musical revue that takes a funnyand insightful look at the little, but significant lessons in life. This chamber musical has ".stories about all of us" raves NPR, while the Chicago Sun Times hails it as ".a refreshing intimate combination of theatre and storytelling" that ignites "sparks of recognition" from the audience.
"Kindergarten" welcomes several stars to the stage including Megan Synder (Shakespeare Theatre Company's Taming of the Shrew and Romeo & Juliet, Off-Broadway's 45th Street Theatre's Almost Maine, etc.), Jeff Horst ( a national tour of A Christmas Carol, Catco's Evil Dead: The Musical, and Barrett's Titanic in Phoenix), Scott Scaffidi (Playhouse on Park's Side By Side), Richard Dennis Johnson (Allenberry Playhouse's Annie, OpenStage of Harrisburg's Angels in America Part II-Perestroika), and Denise Walker (Playhouse on Park's Equus, Hartford Stage's Our Town). Synder, Horst, and Johnson are making their Playhouse on Park debuts.
In conjunction with this engagement, the Playhouse is sponsoring a "My Favorite Kindergarten Teacher" contest in which parents, students, friends, and colleagues alike are invited to nominate the kindergarten teachers who have made a difference in their lives. The winning teacher takes home the title as well as a special night on the town for themselves and 5 friends that includes dinner at Rizzuto's Wood-Fired Kitchen and Bar in Blue Back Square, VIP treatment and seating at the opening night performance, and dessert at AC Petersen Farms Family Restaurant, along with other prizes
To nominate a favorite kindergarten teacher, send a narrative explaining why he or she deserves the title to kindergartenPOP@gmail.com or directly to the playhouse, 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119. Entries are being accepted now through February 15th, 2012 and must include the nominator's name and contact information along with the name and contact information for the favorite kindergarten teacher.
In addition, for Wednesday and Thursday performances (February 19th, March 1st, 7th, and 8th), all kindergarten teachers can purchase tickets for only $15!
The Playhouse is also offering a special public sneak peak of the show when the cast performs excerpts 6 pm at Falcetti Music in Blue Back Square (55 Memorial Drive) in West Hartford on Friday, February 17th, during the weekly Friday Cabaret at the music store from 5pm - 7pm (includes complimentary wine and cheese).
Previews begin February 22nd and the play opens officially February 24th, at West Hartford's professional theatre, Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road. Tickets range in price from $22.50 - $32.50 (Students, Seniors, Let's Go Arts members save $2.50 per ticket) and can be purchased in person or over the phone at the box office, Tuesday to Friday (10am - 6pm); Saturday (10am - 2pm) and 2 hours before curtain; or online at www.PlayhouseOnPark.org. Preview show tickets are available for $15.00. For more information on the playhouse's complete offerings including comedy, dance, improv, special dining offers, and ticket deals, please visit the website!
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