4:00 PM

Travel with CONCORA through North, Central, and South America, exploring beautiful sacred and secular carols, glees, spirituals, and part-songs in an exciting array of indigenous styles and languages. Viva la música! Snow date: Monday, December 14, 7:30 p.m.

The works in this exhibition reflect the visions of Swedish women who broke from their traditional roles of women, mothers and homemakers to explore their creativity as textile designers, weavers, painters, sculptors and glass artists. Their art resonates with dream-like images of free-flying birds evoking flight and escape from domestic confinement, year-round idyllic visions of midsummer blossoms, and spare Nordic landscapes filled with greenery, water, space, and light.  

Women's Work, Women's Dreams celebrates a remarkable legacy from a country whose art and artists are little known to American viewers.  The Benton Museum is grateful to Samuel and Ann Charters for sharing their extraordinary collection of Swedish Art and Art Glass and for curating this exhibit.

Gallery Hours: 

Thursday & Friday: 10 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 1 - 4:30 pm

The Benton will be closed:

November 23 - December 2

Three decades of wars have deeply marked the entire culture of Afghanistan, yet artistic expression, particularly through carpets, has been maintained in spite of hardships including displacement to refugee camps.  

In traditional Afghan carpet-weaving, patterns tended to be geometric or floral, reflecting the Islamic rejection of anthropomorphic depictions.  However, by the mid-1980s, in response to the 1979 Soviet Invasion, Afghani weavers, principally women, were creating carpets that showed Russian tanks, helicopters and guns.  The subtle geometric borders often contained rows of bullets and grenades.  Most recently, these "war carpets" have included references to the American conflict and even to 9/11.  Although many of the carpets have Arabic or Persian woven into their designs, the Afghani who created them found a market for these rugs in the West.  In part this may be presumed anti-war sentiments but also, while the rugs are generally traditional in design and relatively inexpensive, they are nonetheless a contemporary artistic expression of a century old craft.  

In this exhibition of over fifty contemporary Afghan carpets showing both war and traditional designs, the rugs offer a commentary on modern Afghan history and, in their maintenance of a vibrant tradition, a measure of hope for the future.

Gallery Hours:

Thursday & Friday: 10 am-4:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 1-4:30 pm

The Benton will be closed:

November 23-December 2

Discover the history behind your collections! Visitors, members and friends are invited to bring their stone artifacts and Native American cultural items for identification by renowned archaeologist and Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin.   

Limit 12 per person please.

26^th Print Triennial, a juried competition/exhibition featuring the finest contemporary prints by established and emerging . To present a show that is in tune with the ever increasing global nature of the contemporary art world, this year Print Americas has expanded its scope to include entries from Canada, Latin America as well as throughout the United States. This year’s juror is Jacob Lewis, Director of Pace Prints in the Chelsea section of New York City. 

 Music for Christmas XXXV

Solve infectious disease mysteries by examining interactive patients, analyzing lab tests and identifying culprit microbes. Running Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. through Jan. 31.

First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, CT will be host to jazz legend Dave Brubeck, piano, on Sunday, December 13.  At 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., First Church Choirs and Soloists will unite under the baton of Conductor Russell Gloyd in two performances of Brubeck's La Fiesta de la Posada, sung in English. Brubeck explains that the "posada" is a festival re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging on the eve of her delivery.  The program will also feature traditional Christmas carols sung and played by choirs, audience, handbells and organ.

Doors will open at 3:15 for the first concert and 6:15 for the second concert.  Pre-service music will be provided by Wethersfield High School Choralaires.

The concert will take place in the historic Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT, Exit 26, off I-91. For tickets or information, please contact First Church of Christ, (860) 529-1575 ext. 209.

Hunt Hill Farm invites you to “A Home Town Holiday” at The Silo Gallery, the theme of this year’s 37^th annual Christmas tree beginning Saturday November 7^th, at 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT.  View the 27 ft. towering tree decorated with hand-crafted wooden ornaments by folk artist Joy Gaiser.  Adorning the tree are 21 well-known New Milford buildings, over 40 snow-capped pine trees and a moon with the silhouette of Santa and his eight reindeer at the top.  Gaiser’s garland of festive picket fences and snowflakes made by 4^th graders at Sarah Noble Intermediate School add the finishing touches to this spectacular tree!  The New Talent Gallery will feature artist Diana Luscombe for a second year, displaying her “Healing Strokes” paintings and a new line of note cards.  Silo tastings from The Silo Cooking School will be served throughout the exhibit’s opening day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Joy Gaiser and her father started “Handmade by Dad and Me” in 1985 consisting mostly of Christmas ornaments, wooden jewelry, birdhouses, home decorations and historic buildings of New Milford.  After her father passed away in 1997, Joy’s husband John took over the task of cutting the wood, formerly her father’s job, so the business could continue and renamed it “Dad and Me Too”.  The husband and wife team with the help of their daughter and Joy's sister worked over a year to complete the ornaments in time for this year’s show.  Over 200 additional ornaments and decorations made by the artist will be for sale in The New Talent Gallery.

Diana Luscombe’s acrylic paintings continue to be inspired by scenes from nature.  Her study on birds has progressed with more sensitivity to detail compared with last year's paintings which were derived primarily from memory and imagination.  After a serious car accident over two years ago resulted in Diana being paralyzed, painting became an emotional release for her.  She is having fun with her new endeavor and is amazed at what flows from her paintbrush!  Prior to the accident, being an artist had never crossed her mind.  The gift of painting, Diana says is “an emotional and spiritual place for me to heal and let go because it’s peaceful.”   It also is much needed “me time” for the painter who is married with two young children, all who are extremely supportive of her efforts.  “Hannah is my biggest fan!  With Cole, I just have to keep his fingers out of the paint!”  Donations from her “Healing Strokes” exhibit will go towards a handicap accessible van for Diana.

This holiday season, plan on spending some extra time on the farm to see all that The Henderson Cultural Center has to offer.  Find your traditional Silo favorites like Marzipan Stolen and Holly Berry Wreaths under the tree.  View a slice of Skitch’s life touring The Skitch Henderson Museum.  Stop by The Silo Cooking School to register for a holiday cooking class including; Gingerbread House Making, Rick Rodgers’ Thanksgiving Bash, Christmas Cookie Workshops for all ages and more!  A Home Town Holiday is free and open to the public.  Hunt Hill Farm hours are Wed. through Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday’s noon to 5 p.m.  For more information, please call Valerie Culbertson, Silo Gallery Director at (860) 355-0300 or visit their website www.hunthillfarmtrust.org. 

Stanwyck Cromwell

Journey (2):  A Renewed Consciousness

Downtown Library, 3rd Floor

November 6, 2009-January 15, 2010

Artist Reception November 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Exhibition tour of Mrs. Delany and her Circle at 2pm

At this most festive time of year, music sends messages of hope and joy around the world!  We invite you to join our celebration of carols from Eastern and Western Europe, Celtic lands, the West Indies and America.  CitySingers of Hartford will present "Resounding Joy" featuring music of the season, including motets and arrangements of traditional carols with opportunities for audience participation.  CitySingers will be accompanied by woodwinds, cello, pipe organ, suspended bells, and percussion.  Come enjoy beautiful choral works from different cultures and style periods that promise to lift your spirit in resounding joy! 

Sunday, December 13 from 3pm to 5pm

 
Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus
John McDonough, narrator; Kevin Jones, organist; Nicholas White, director
Churches and chapels across Northwest Connecticut will be filled with the music of the season
as this tradition continues to draw packed houses. Old and new arrangements of carols
and seasonal songs will be performed, along with traditional carols for the audience.
Venues this year include Washington, Lakeville, Litchfield, Hartford and Torrington.
 

Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter

A Goodspeed Christmas

As Christmas approaches the world of Frogtown Hollow, Emmet Otter and his Ma can only dream of buying each other gifts.  So when a Christmas Eve talent contest is announced, both secretly enter hoping to win the prize money.  In a heartwarming twist on “The Gift of the Magi”, Emmet and Ma risk all they have and end up with the greatest grand prize of all.  Featuring a lovable mix of actors, puppet characters from The Jim Henson Company, and a toe-tapping score, it’s a classic holiday musical for all ages!

Goodspeed Musicals

6 Main Street

PO Box A       

East Haddam, CT 06423

860.873.8668

www.goodspeed.org

Bonus Days for Kids: Child ticket only $25 with purchase of adult ticket for performances on Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 10.

The Concert Band performs.  Gary Buttery, director 7:00 pm, Connecticut College, Cummings Arts Center, Evans Hall, 270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, $5 general admission, $3 students & seniors, (860) 439-2720

Imagine if "NYPD Blue" had been written 60 years ago. Beginning November 20, Hole in the Wall Theater in New Britain presents the prototype of the modern cop drama, Sidney Kingsley's "Detective Story." "Detective Story" chronicles one steamy summer night in the lives of detectives at Manhattan's 21st Precinct in 1949. Amid cases small and large, Detective James McLeod confronts his own self-righteous ideas of good and evil as a steady parade of criminals both naive and dangerous come through the Precinct. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, November 20 through December 19, at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays, December 6 and 13, at 2:00 p.m. Hole in the Wall Theater is located at 116 Main Street, New Britain. Admission is by a $20 suggested donation. Please call 860.229.3049 for reservations, and visit www.hitw.org for further information.

Magical holiday dreams really do come true! A giant Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, valiant toy soldiers, twirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and visions of sugarplums…All this and more come to life on stage in this timeless production. Come experience the magic! An affordable holiday event not to be missed and a 35 year Connecticut tradition.

This production will highlight Connecticut Concert Ballet's talented local students alongside professional dancers from the Island Moving Company, Newport RI's resident dance company, a collaborative relationship that goes back 8 years.

The most affordable "Nutcracker" in the area is known for elaborate scenery, professional-quality costuming, intricate choreography and riveting dancing and has been a seasonal favorite for families and organizations such as scouting and arts groups. In 2008, 4,500 audience members attended the shows.

134 Middle Turnpike East

Saturday, December 5^{thwww.ctconcertballet.org or call 860-643-4796. www.connecticutnutcracker.com or call www.islandmovingco.org or call}

401-847-4470.(860) 418-7294. For more information on the Island Moving Company, please visitFor more information on "The Nutcracker" please visit at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m.

50 Sage Park Road

Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 p.m.

is a 501(c)(3) classical ballet school and performing arts organization with studios in Manchester and Windsor, Connecticut and has 300 students from 30 towns in the Greater Hartford area. For more information please visit

Constitution Plaza in Downtown Hartford will soon dazzle with more than a quarter-of-a-million tiny LED lights. Experience the magical illumination during the Opening Ceremony of the Hartford Festival of Light®. On Friday, Nov. 27 at 5:30pm, this annual holiday tradition marks its 46th anniversary. Since 1963, the event has drawn together thousands of area residents to officially kick off the season that celebrates community, family, and the magic of the holiday. The true spirit of the holiday will be experienced by all during this festive celebration.

The Hartford Festival of Light® ceremony, geared for all ages, will be co-emceed by WDRC personality Brad Davis and 96.5 WTIC’s Damon Scott, along with a special guest appearance by a Fox 61 personality. Headlining this year is a live performance by Connie Talbot, the eight year old singing sensation from Britain’s Got Talent™. Attendees will be able to see the actual tree lighting, as well as the festivities being projected onto a large sail on the plaza, which allow visitors to stroll and enjoy the events taking place. Special guest performers including the Hartford Children’s Theatre will delight with holiday dance and music and you may also catch a sneak peak of Santa’s travel as he makes his way to Hartford to help light the tree. Once the man in the big red suit arrives, he will greet children and lead them in song to magically light the tree together.

Pre-show activities include:
• A Children’s Lantern Parade, marshaled by Tiny Tim from the Hartford Stage’s production of A Christmas Carol, will process from the Connecticut Science Center to Constitution Plaza at 4:45pm;
• A reading of If I Had a Magic Carpet III: Haunted Holidays by Rhode Island-based author Laura Clarizio at the Old State House at 3:00pm;
• The Nutmeg Ballet will perform a free vignette from its 2009 production of The Nutcracker; 
• All events taking place Constitution Plaza, unless otherwise indicated.

Once again this year, the festival also serves as a major toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots™ program. The toy drive is expected to collect thousands of toys during the festival’s duration to benefit children in need throughout the state of Connecticut. In the spirit of holiday giving, festival attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the opening ceremony on Constitution Plaza, during special festival weekend events, or at satellite toy collection locations.  Constitution Plaza Garages and State House Square Garages will offer free parking during the Opening Ceremony with the donation of a toy or $5.

Following the opening ceremony, attendees are invited to stroll down to State House Square, where hungry folks can warm up in the State House Square food court & nibble on treats and drinks served by vendors, including New Haven’s The Cupcake Truck™.  Take a free tour of the Old State House, celebrate with costumed re-enactors, and join in a caroling session.

Following the opening ceremony festivities, guests can visit Constitution Plaza for “Santa Saturdays,” on Sat. 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19. Families and children can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in the State House Square Atrium before or after taking in the holiday music and lights across the plaza. Kids can help Santa this year by bringing him a toy for Toys for Tots to help a child in need. Santa Saturdays will also feature different activities each weekend, such as an ice carving demonstration, a visit from the Bob’s Discount Furniture Outreach Truck and free laminated child I.D. cards. Check LetsGoArts.org/HFOL for dates/times.

New to this season’s festival is a storefront decorating contest. Local merchants will be decking their halls in hopes that YOU will vote for them online. Stay tuned online for details: LetsGoArts.org/HFOL.

“With just over a month left, we are getting very excited to ring in the holiday spirit,” said Kate Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Hartford Arts Council.  “Alongside our title partners, Capital Properties, Connecticut Light & Power, Mohegan Sun, and United Technologies we’re proud to welcome guests from near and far, and hope everyone will come downtown in the evening or on a Saturday at least once to experience the festival’s magic.”

More details about the Hartford Festival of Light® can be found at LetsGoArts.org/HartfordFestivalofLight or by calling the Greater Hartford Arts Council at 860-525-8629.

The Hartford Festival of Light® is made possible through the generosity of sponsors throughout the region.  To date, Title Sponsors include Capital Properties, Connecticut Light & Power, Mohegan Sun, and United Technologies. Platinum Sponsors: Allied Printing Services, Inc., READCO LLC Gold Sponsors: Hartford Business Improvement District, XL Insurance. Silver Sponsors: Dunkin Donuts, Robinson & Cole LLP, Trantolo & Trantolo, UCONN School of Business. We are proud to partner with Fox61 for media on this event. Special thanks to AAO Music, the City of Hartford, to E.D.P. Wiring, and to the Charlie Company 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment.

* * *

The Greater Hartford Arts Council enlivens the spirit and economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region by planning, promoting and raising funds for cultural programs that are building one of our nation’s most vibrant communities.  It is the largest independent arts council in New England, one of the top 10 United Arts fund in the country, and a national leader in diversified services and cultural promotions.  The Greater Hartford Arts Council has raised and invested $58 million for the arts over 38 years, helping to rank Greater Hartford in the top 6 percent of metropolitan areas in North America for its arts and culture.  More information about the Greater Hartford Arts Council may be found at LetsGoArts.org. For a full list of Holiday events, visit LetsGoArts.org/Calendar.
 

 Hartford — The Clare Gallery is pleased to present A Prophet’s Ink: Drawings by Brian Kavanagh, Catholic Worker Artist. The exhibition is free and open to the public and extends from November 19, 2009 to January 26, 2010. A reception and panel discussion will be held on Tuesday, January 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The panel will include the artist Brian Kavanagh; his agent Stephen Kobasa, writer on the arts for the New Haven Advocate, New Haven Independent, and Big, Red and Shiny: An Arts Web Journal;Jackie Allen-Doucot, activist and artist, of the Hartford Catholic Worker; and Father John Baptist Pesce, C.P., Passionist priest from Holy Family Monastery.

For over fourteen years Brian Kavanagh’s work has graced the pages of the Hartford Catholic Worker newsletter, reflecting the tradition of Christian pacifism and solidarity with the poor. Therefore, his artwork feels right at home in the communal meditative environment of the Clare Gallery at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry. The small drawings, artwork from 1997 to the present, are graphic in style referencing a woodcut texture. Themes of outrage, sorrow and hope are powerfully visible throughout the series.

The Clare Gallery primarily features exhibitions that emphasize world religions or interfaith themes, as well as social justice themes, on either a global or local level. The Gallery is housed in the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry at 285 Church Street. The Center is part of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church, a vibrant and active downtown faith community.  

The Clare Gallery’s hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Gallery and all related events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available directly across from the church, and the facility is handicapped accessible. More information may be found at www.spsact.org, click “Community Life” and then “Clare Gallery

This exhibit is ONGOING through Feb. 27, 2010. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m.

The New Haven Museum announces the opening of a new exhibit, “East Shore Reflections,” a shining review of this neighborhood’s evolution from agrarian farm area, to seaside resort, to modern day family enclave and residential setting.

The Four Seasons Plus Winter Concert with Ahreum Han, Organ, Pat Hurley, Trumpet, Achilles Liarmakopoulos, Trombone, performing works by Felix Mendelsohn-Bartholdy, Johan Pezel, Henry Purcell, Astor Piazzolla and others. Meet the musicians at the reception after the concert.

Tired of another version of Jingle Bells?  Let us inspire you with some “new” sounds of the season.  Beautiful Christmas music from 15th and 16th century Germany, Spain, England and the Low Countries performed on Renaissance winds.  Special guest Ashkan Fahandej Saadi, percussion.

4:00 PM

Treasure Books: Selections from the Caroline M. Hewins Collection of Children’s Literature, is an exhibition developed by guest curator Leonard Marcus, leading historian on American children’s books.  His highly acclaimed books include Golden Legacy: How Golden Books Won Children’s Hearts; Minders of Make-Believe; Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the Moon; Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom; and The Wand in the Word.  Caroline Hewins came to Hartford in 1875 as librarian of the Hartford Young Men’s Institute, the predecessor to Hartford Public Library.  She held this position for 50 years and earned a national reputation as an imaginative, spirited, and dedicated leader, especially well regarded for her library work with children.

Hartford History Center, 3rd Floor

December through May, Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Opening Reception

Hartford History Center, 3rd Floor

Sunday, December 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Hunt Hill Farm invites you to “A Home Town Holiday” at The Silo Gallery, the theme of this year’s 37^th annual Christmas tree at 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT.  View the 27 ft. towering tree decorated with hand-crafted wooden ornaments by folk artist Joy Gaiser.  Adorning the tree are 21 well-known New Milford buildings, over 40 snow-capped pine trees and a moon with the silhouette of Santa and his eight reindeer at the top.  Gaiser’s garland of festive picket fences and snowflakes made by 4^th graders at Sarah Noble Intermediate School add the finishing touches to this spectacular tree!  The New Talent Gallery will feature artist Diana Luscombe for a second year, displaying her “Healing Strokes” paintings and a new line of note cards.

Joy Gaiser and her father started “Handmade by Dad and Me” in 1985 consisting mostly of Christmas ornaments, wooden jewelry, birdhouses, home decorations and historic buildings of New Milford.  After her father passed away in 1997, Joy’s husband John took over the task of cutting the wood, formerly her father’s job, so the business could continue and renamed it “Dad and Me Too”.  The husband and wife team with the help of their daughter and Joy's sister worked over a year to complete the ornaments in time for this year’s show.  Over 200 additional ornaments and decorations made by the artist will be for sale in The New Talent Gallery.

Diana Luscombe’s acrylic paintings continue to be inspired by scenes from nature.  Her study on birds has progressed with more sensitivity to detail compared with last year's paintings which were derived primarily from memory and imagination.  After a serious car accident over two years ago resulted in Diana being paralyzed, painting became an emotional release for her.  She is having fun with her new endeavor and is amazed at what flows from her paintbrush!  Prior to the accident, being an artist had never crossed her mind.  The gift of painting, Diana says is “an emotional and spiritual place for me to heal and let go because it’s peaceful.”   It also is much needed “me time” for the painter who is married with two young children, all who are extremely supportive of her efforts.  “Hannah is my biggest fan!  With Cole, I just have to keep his fingers out of the paint!”  Sales from her “Healing Strokes” artwork exhibit will go towards a handicap accessible van for Diana.

This holiday season, plan on spending some extra time on the farm to see all that The Henderson Cultural Center has to offer.  Find your traditional Silo favorites like Marzipan Stolen and Holly Berry Wreaths under the tree.  View a slice of Skitch’s life touring The Skitch Henderson Museum.  Stop by The Silo Cooking School to register for a holiday cooking class.  A Home Town Holiday is free and open to the public and is on display through January 4^th, 2010.  Hunt Hill Farm hours are Wed. through Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday’s noon to 5 p.m.  For more information, please call Valerie Culbertson, Silo Gallery Director at (860) 355-0300 or visit their website www.hunthillfarmtrust.org. 

Drawing on the creative legacy of Skitch and Ruth Henderson, the Henderson Cultural Center at Hunt Hill Farm, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institution, is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public the opportunity to explore music, art, cuisine, and permanently protected historic open space.

The Simsbury Community Band presents its winter-holiday concert -- "Celebration for All!," a multicultural musical celebration of the season with sounds to raise everyone's spirit.  Music will include "Sleigh Ride", "Greensleeves", "A Celebration of Spirituals", "Festive Sounds of Hanukah", and a medley of Christmas Favorites among other selections.  Ertan Sener will conduct.  Admission is free.  A light reception will follow the performance.

Irving Berlin's holiday classic, White Christmas, will be presented by the Park City Players at the Playhouse on the Green, 177 State Street in Bridgeport, on December 10 through December 13. There are 7:30 p.m. performances on December 10, 11, and 12, and 1:00 p.m. matinees on December 12 and 13. Tickets are $25 for general audience and $20 for seniors (65 and older) and students. They may be purchased on the website at www.playhouseonthegreen.org or by calling Ticket Mania at 866-811-4111. For more information call 333-3666.

Bunnell STAGE Presents Once Upon a Mattress
Dec. 10 - 13, 2009 

The Bunnell High School Student Theater Arts Guild of Entertainment (S.T.A.G.E.) invites you to partake in our musical production of Once Upon a Mattress, a fractured fairytale based on the classic story, “The Princess and the Pea”, by Hans Christian Andersen.  Our spoofed tale unfurls through a variety of robust and romantic songs , with fevers of dance and laughter: a true crowd pleaser for ALL AGES! 

Once Upon a Mattress is an American musical classic.  Opening on Broadway in 1959, Mattress launched the career of a young Carol Burnett in the starring role as Princess Winnifred; it was revived on Broadway in 1996 with Sarah Jessica Parker and won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.  The witty and off-beat re-telling focuses on a royal family whose matriarch, Queen Aggravain (Mia Gaspar), has ruled that no one in the kingdom may marry before her son, Prince Dauntless (Collin Anderson). She keeps the kingdom’s subjects single by ridiculously foiling every marital candidate the prince entertains.  

When the noble Sir Harry (Ryne Pataki) and Lady Larken (Erin Williams) learn they are about to become parents, they set out to put an end to the queen’s tyranny so that their baby may be born in wedlock. Sir Harry finds the perfect candidate for Prince Dauntless’ bride in Princess Winnifred (Tiia Fischer), also known as “Fred” to her friends: an uncouth woman from the “wrong side of the swamp.” With the help of Sir Harry, the Minstrel (Brian Talierco) and the Jester (Ian Jackson), she sets out to overcome Queen Aggravain and win her true love’s heart.  

Once Upon a Mattress is directed by Meghann England with the musical assistance of musical director/conductor Stan Wietrzychowski; choreography is directed and inspired by Sara Renstrom, a Bunnell S.T.A.G.E. alumnus.  The illustrious castle and set is designed by Lawrence Farrell and constructed with the aid of Matt Kavulich and S.T.A.G.E crew. The large cast includes a plethora of S.T.A.G.E. veterans and newcomers including Amber Martinez (Lady Mabelle), Chelsea Holtz (Lady Rowena) and Courtney Mayberry (Lady Merrill); the remainder of the cast is made up of underclassmen Joey Welch (King Sextimus), Mike Peterson (Wizard), Jonelle Sedgwick (Princess No. 12, Nightingale), Stephanie Neary (Lady Lucille), and a dedicated ensemble of which the show could not go on without!  So, come and take a swim through the swamp and help us choose the REAL princess….

The show opens on Thursday, December 10^th, @ 7:30 PM, and continues Friday, December 11^th @ 8:00, Saturday, December 12^th @ 8:00, and Sunday, December 13^th @ 2:30.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, children, and senior citizens.  Tickets may be reserved by going to http://www.bunnellstage.org  or by calling 203-816-8241. 

###

Contact:

Meghann England

Bunnell High School

1 Bulldog Boulevard

Stratford, CT 06614

englandm@stratfordk12.org
Tickets: www.bunnellstage.org or 203-816-8241 

Event Summary:
Bunnell S.T.A.G.E. presents Once Upon a Mattress
Dates: Dec. 10, 2009 – Dec. 13, 2009\
Location: One Bulldog Blvd, Stratford, CT
Admission: $10 Adults; $7 Students and Seniors
Event Time: 12/10, 7:30 PM; 12/11, 8:00 PM; 12/12, 8:00 PM; 12/13, 2:30 PM.
Info: bunnellstage@gmail.com
Web: http://www.bunnellstage.org
Phone: (203) 816-8241

Chabad is happy to announce a Chanukah celebration for the entire community. Based on the tremendous response from last year, despite the weather, once again there will be a public menorah lighting and celebration in Blue Back Square, West Hartford Center, in front of Barnes and Noble, on December 13th at 4:00 p.m. 

The entire community is invited to participate. For any more information, please call the Chabad House at 860-232-1116 or check our website: www.chabadhartford.com

Don't miss THE NUTCRACKER with The CT Theatre Group DEC 5, 6, 12, 13

Meet New Friends and Enjoy Great Arts and Theatre At
Our Group Discount Rate With The CT Theatre Group

* SAT DEC 5 * SUN DEC 6 *
* SAT DEC 12 * SUN DEC 13 *

Connecticut Concert Ballet presents: THE NUTCRACKER
SAT DEC 5 -2pm & 7pm * SUN DEC 6 -2pm in Manchester
SAT DEC 12 -2pm & 7pm * SUN DEC 13 -2pm in Windsor

Get your ticket in advance at our Group Discount Rate

Magical holiday dreams really do come true! A giant Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, valiant toy soldiers, twirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and visions of sugarplums...
All this and more come to life on stage in this timeless production. Come experience the magic!

An affordable holiday event not to be missed and a 35-year Connecticut tradition.

· WE HAVE A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE *

Reserve your seats in the CT Theatre Group section, and pick up your tickets at the Will Call window

Get your ticket in advance at our Group Discount Rate
Visit http://www.CTTheatreGroup.org or call (860) 987-7888

* This is a kid-friendly show * KIDS TICKETS ONLY $10 !

DON'T MISS THIS CLASSIC HOLIDAY TRADITION

Visit http://www.CTTheatreGroup.org
Call (860) 987-7888

Jay Mankita has performed for over one million children over the course of his musical career. He is winner of the coveted Parent's Choice Award and his music is featured on the newest CD release by Putumayo. The next stop on his world tour is...right here! Jay will appear at 3:00 PM on Sunday 12/13. Admission is free once you've paid for admission to the museum (or completely free for museum members). Check out Jay's website at www.jaymankita.com.

Beauty and excitement are sure to fill the air once again at this year’s 21st Annual Niantic/East Lyme Light Parade.
Come enjoy the thousands who attend this very special event each year to witness and cheer the beautifully decorated and lighted floats as they parade down Main. St. in the historic seaside village of Niantic. This parade is the largest and longest running parade in New England! So, bring the kids, grandma and gramdpa and come and see for yourself what makes this parade so special. Also, please remember to bring a can of food with you to help "Fill-A-Float" Food Drive. Your support will be greatly appreciated by many. For further information about the light parade visit: www.ELLightParade.com

Reserve your cup of tea at the Bee & Thistle Inn and Spa. Relax by the fire and listen to Faith Leitner on the harp and indulge in a tradional afternoon tea, with sweet and savory fare. Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through January 16, 2010. Please call for reservations at 860-434-1667.