Our 2009-2010 will include:

Twelve Angry Men
Little Women
A Merry Mulberry Street Musical
Catch-22
The Full Monty
Driving Miss Daisy
Hello, Dolly
The Graduate
I Remember Mama

Click on any link to the right for more details on a specific show.

HELLO, DOLLY!
Kweskin Theatre   l  April 2 – May 1

One of America’s most beloved musicals is back where it belongs – Curtain Call’s mainstage. Hello, Dolly! is set in New York, during the 1890s. When irrepressible matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi is hired to arrange a marriage for the miserly half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder, she finds him the perfect mate – herself!  Employing a host of other talents - like corset re-boning, ear piercing, pierced ears re-plugging, and dance instructing - Dolly attempts to win over her unsuspecting “husband to be” before he gets hitched to somebody else. Brimming with joyful tunes from “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By” and “It Only Takes a Moment” to the irresistible title song, “Hello, Dolly!” is a delectable treat for musical theater lovers of all ages. Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Dolly! is the show-stopping “perfect match” for every musical fan.

DRIVING MISS DAISY
Dressing Room Theatre   l   March 12 – 28

It’s not very often, if ever, that a piece of work can win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, win an Academy Award for Best Picture and win the hearts of millions of theatergoers. Driving Miss Daisy is one of those rare works. The play was called “a total delight” by the New York Daily News. The place is the Deep South, the time 1948, just prior to the civil rights movement. Having recently demolished another car, Daisy Wertham must rely on the services of a chauffeur, an unemployed black man, Hoke, whom Miss Daisy immediately regards with disdain and who, in turn, is not impressed with his employer's patronizing tone and, he believes, her latent prejudice. But, in a series of absorbing scenes spanning 25 years, the two, despite their mutual differences, grow ever closer to, and more dependent on, each other, until, eventually, they become almost a couple. They both come to realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible - and that times and circumstances would ever allow them to publicly admit.

FRANK MASTRONE: - Broadway Moments

Kweskin Theatre   l   March 14 at 7:00 pm

After a sold-out smash performance here last season, Frank Mastrone returns with another one-night-only special evening of songs and stories featuring a collection of his favorite selections from some of Broadway’s finest shows. This Broadway veteran (Les Miserables, Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Jekyll & Hyde, Big, and currently, The Phantom of the Opera) will again be joined by acclaimed musical director Frank Spitznagel to bring you some of the theatre’s best musical moments in this very intimate theatre concert.

Our 9th Season
MUSICAL MONDAYS

2009 - 2010 season: 

APRIL 14, 2008
7:30 PM - The Kweskin Theatre
BLINDSIDED BY A DIAPER:The Musical

A touching and humorous new musical based on the recently published book of the same name, which is a collection of essays about the changes and challenges couples face in their relationships when kids enter the picture.

Written by Dana Bedford Hilmer, Jeffrey Lodin and Stamford's William Squier

December 10, 2007
GREENBRIER GHOST
This stirring new musical is based on the true story of Zona Heaster Shue, whose murder trial in 1897 marked the only time in judicial history that a conviction was based on evidence presented by the victim from beyond the grave. And, over 100 years later, the battle between proof and faith wages on.

Written by Susan Murray with a score by Norwalk resident Clay Zambo.

THE GRADUATE
Dressing Room Theatre     l April 16 - May 2

A hit on the West End and a popular show on Broadway, The Graduate brings the quintessential movie sensation of the 1960s and one of the most popular films of all times to life on stage. The Graduate is the story of Ben — whose future looks bright to everyone but him. When he returns home after college graduation, he finds that his parents now expect great things from him. At his homecoming party, Mrs. Robinson – the wife of his father’s business partner- seduces Ben, which leads to an affair between the two. The affair eventually ends, but comes back to haunt Ben as he finds himself falling for Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s daughter. “And here’s to you Mrs. Robinson”…

(Yes, this production runs concurrently with Hello, Dolly!)

I REMEMBER MAMA
Dressing Room Theatre   l   June 4 – 27

I Remember Mama is one of the most enduring of literary titles having had tremendous success as a novel, a film, a stage play and a long-running television series. It was written by playwright John Van Druten based on the 1943 memoir “Mama's Bank Account” by Kathryn Forbes. The play is about an immigrant family from Norway who settled in San Francisco in the early 1900s. The story is told by the eldest daughter after she has grown into a woman and has fulfilled her dream of becoming a successful writer. The play touches on different events that all families have to deal with, including sibling rivalry, the reality of growing up, and the death of beloved family members. I Remember Mama chronicles the comic trials and tribulations of raising a family with Mama at the helm and is sure to entertain young and old.

Curtain Call is proud to announce the return of the American Harmony Prize, an annual award that acquaints Fairfield County, CT, audiences with diverse new works of musical theater.

The goal of the American Harmony Prize is to showcase new musicals that explore our country’s many ethnic, religious and gender identifications. In 2007, the inaugural award was given to “Jip: His Story,” by Danny Duncan (Book) and Emily Klion (Music & Lyrics), a family-friendly musical that focused on the history of Black Americans. This past year the award went to the pop-rock romantic comedy “Love, NY,” by Robert Rokicki (Music & Lyrics) and Michael Ruby (Book & Lyrics) in celebration of the experience of Jewish Americans.

The third annual American Harmony Prize will showcase a new musical that dramatizes an aspect of the experience of Italian Americans. In addition to a cash award of $250.00, a sixty-minute version of the winning musical will be performed as the centerpiece of Musical Mondays @ Curtain Call, a series of new musicals presented in concert, on a Monday, February 22, 2010.

In order to qualify for consideration, a musical cannot have been professionally produced (Equity Dinner, LORT, Production, Special Production, SPT, Stock, etc...) or published. It may have been performed in readings, concerts, workshops and non-professional productions.

Submissions will be accepted via mail from Monday, September 7, 2008 until Saturday, October 10, 2009. Submissions postmarked after Saturday, October 10, 2009, will ineligible for consideration. We are not able to receive electronic submissions at this time. Your submission should include:

1. A plot synopsis of no more than 800 words (or roughly two pages).

2. The first 10 pages of the libretto (with all dialogue, lyrics and stage directions included).

3. A cd that demonstrates as much of the musical’s score as has been recorded to date (it needn’t be of studio quality).

4. One sample of the sheet music for a song from the show’s piano / vocal score.

5.  A self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have your materials returned. (If not, they will be recycled after the judging.)

6. Note: there is no submission / reading fee.

Submissions should be mailed to:

Curtain Call, Inc.

1349 Newfield Avenue

Stamford, CT 06905

Attn. American Harmony Prize

Short-listed applicants will be asked to submit additional materials after Monday, October 26, 2009. Additional materials postmarked after Saturday, November 14, 2009, will ineligible for final consideration. The winner of the American Harmony Prize 2009 will be announced Monday, December 7, 2009, at www.CurtainCallinc.com.

MAYDIE MYLES

Dressing Room Theatre   l   February 19 & 20

SHE’S BACK!!! After an absence of several years, Maydie Myles is back in The Dressing Room Theatre with her brand of jazz that has been known to pack the place and have the joint really jumping. Maydie returns with her four-piece band for just two nights of fabulous music. Book early as her previous Curtain Call engagements have consistently sold out.

THE FULL MONTY
Kweskin Theatre   l   February 12 – 28

The Full Monty is a heart-warming musical comedy that will have you cheering for underdogs everywhere! Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, The Full Monty exposes the spirit and determination of six out-of-work and out of shape steelworkers, desperate for money and respect, who find themselves contemplating a one-night-only striptease. Jerry, Dave and their buddies hatch a scheme to put on a show when they see the enthusiasm the local gals have for the male strippers who have come to town. But Jerry realizes that they will have to offer something “different,” like going “The Full Monty!” Will they triumph over their fears, their nerves and their zippers? Filled with “razor-sharp humor” and toe-tapping pizzazz, this is a one-of-a-kind musical that bares its soul to reveal its heart. Based on the smash British film of the same name, The Full Monty features a book by famed playwright Terrence McNally and a score by composer David Yazbek who was best known as the composer of the popular children’s show “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” (Contains brief nudity - adult language - Not suggested for those under 18.)

A MERRY MULBERRY STREET MUSICAL
Dressing Room Theatre  l November 20 – December 20

For over 70 years, audiences have laughed along with Stamford’s most-produced romantic comedy, Mulberry Street. Now, the same families are back for a heart-warming and riotous musical romp featuring a terrific new score by Jeffrey Lodin and William Squier. Join the Morello and Baccolini families during the 1944 holiday season  and watch what happens while the boys are overseas and an outcast sister-in-law comes back into their lives! Our April 2009 concert presentation of this new show was a sell-out smash, so don’t miss out on the laughter and good cheer!

Directed by Brian J. Bianco

The cast:

Lucia Morello - Gail Yudain

Piccino Morello - Lou Ursone

Angelo Baccolini - Randy Bucknoff
Carmella Baccolini - Donna Fox
Concetta Morello - Carole Claps
Marie Morello Bowman - Dana DiCerto
George Bowman - Joe Efferen
Fillipo Morello - Matt Schmiedel
Nina Baccolini Morello - Samantha Moorin
Giovanna Baccolini - Dana Della Monica
Mrs. Prosperoni - Betty Pia

Tony Spumonzi - Dominick Cundari

THE CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM

 Dana DiCerto & Joe Efferen

Randy Bucknoff & Lou Ursone

Gail Yudain & Lou Ursone

LITTLE WOMEN
Dressing Room Theatre   l   October 16 – November 1

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nighst at 8:00pm  /  Sundays at 2:00pm

One of the best-loved classics of literature!  Little Women follows the March family as they deal with adversity during the Civil War. The story is told through the eyes and voice of aspiring writer and headstrong sister, Jo. She thinks the fastest path to success is penning pulpy tales of adventure and romance, but it’s when she begins to actually write what she knows that she finds her true calling. Though she and her family face tragedy and heartbreak, there is a happy and hopeful conclusion. Great for the entire family.

Directed by Carin Zakes

THE CAST

Jackie Abbott
Tess Brown
Annalisa DiNucci
Meghan Elliot
Dan Fitzgerald
Emma Green
Luke Lynch
Jacquie MacLean
Elayne Mordoff
Sea McHale
Jim Ringel
Ted Yudain

Rehearsal photos from LITTLE WOMEN

Tess Brown

Ted Yudain

(L-R) Jackie Abbott and Emma Green

Annalisa DiNucci

Sea McHale

Tess Brown and Jim Ringel

Emma Green and Luke Lynch

TWELVE ANGRY MEN
Dressing Room Theatre   l   September 11 - October 4

The greatest courtroom drama of all time! Twelve Angry Men is the gripping, penetrating and engrossing examination of a diverse group of 12 jurors who are uncomfortably brought together to reach a verdict after hearing the facts in a seemingly open-and-shut murder trial case. They retire for deliberations to serve up a just verdict for the indigent defendant (with a criminal record) whose life is in the balance. Eleven jurors are quick to conclude that the 16-year-old boy on trial for murder is guilty. Yet one juror insists there is reasonable doubt, and leads his annoyed and impatient peers to reconsider. A timeless masterpiece and a great examination of our judicial process. DIRECTED BY PETER BARBIERI, JR.

The production features from STAMFORD: Roger Dykeman, Hugh Foster, Michael Pelazza, Mac Jackson and John Zimmerman; from DARIEN: Andrew Bogdan; from GREENWICH: Brian Borowka; from BETHEL: Jim Muthersbaugh; from LITCHFIELD: Jonathan Jacobson; from the New York State towns of MAMARONICK: Peter Dell Uomo; RYE: Bob Praid; WHITE PLAINS: Scott Faubel; and NEW ROCHELLE: Rich Masotti. Costume design for this production is by Megan Latte Ormond with stage management by Jan Ursone (both of Stamford).