The reference in Music Theatre of Connecticut's Fall workshop with Achilles Tsakiridis erroneously listed Ricky Ullman as a client of Mr. Taskiridis. Ricky Ullman has been exclusively represented by Terry Saperstein for 12 years. Mr. Ullman did not consent to the use of his name or likeness in the promotion for the above event.

Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) will be presenting two original one-act plays on their way to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Performances will be held at the MTC Studio Theatre, 246 Post Road East in Westport, on Saturday, July 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 23 at 7 p.m.

The performances will feature MTC alumnus Jon-Michael Miller, now a sophomore BFA acting major at Ithaca College.

"Presenting former students who have gone on to the next level of training and career is such a joy for us at MTC," said MTC artistic director and co-founder Kevin Connors, "It really demonstrates the MTC process at work and brings it full circle."

The two one-act plays are "Waiting for James" and "Voices in the Dark."

Written and directed by Ithaca senior BFA acting major Ellen Cribbs, "Waiting for James" won Best Original Production in Virginia's One-Act Festival, and second place in Baker's Plays competition and was subsequently published by them.

"Voices in the Dark," written in 2005 as Ms. Cribbs' senior directing project, was accepted by Edinburgh Fringe Festival within two weeks of application. "Voices in the Dark" explores a pivotal night in the lives of two extremely different couples whose needs and dreams are unnervingly similar. The characters are forced to overcome their fears and doubts while facing the consequences of their quest for happiness in this gripping love story.

Although also accepted into the New York Fringe Festival, the performances will mark the first time an entire company of undergraduates from Ithaca College has been chosen to participate in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, scheduled for August 2006. Other cast members are Gary Howell, junior BFA acting major from New Jersey; Ina Marie Smith, senior BFA acting major from Missouri; and Catherine Lena Stephani, sophomore BFA acting major from New York.

Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students. For ticket information and reservations, call Music of Connecticut at 454-3883. www.musictheatreofct.com. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged.

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MTC alumnus Jon-Michael Miller, center, will perform with other Ithaca College students at Music Theatre of Connecticut in Westport, July 22 and 23, on their way to August's Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.
www.musictheatreofct.com. 203-454-3883.

Music Theatre of Connecticut will present "The Wiz," a funky musical fantasy based on "The Wizard of Oz," Friday and Saturday, July 21 and July 22. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., at Coleytown Middle School, North Avenue, Westport.

Mysterious and fanciful, Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz are set to music in a lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul. Adapted from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, the book is by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls.

The musical production features students from MTC's summer theatre camp program. The cast includes Molly Shulman of Westport as Dorothy; Bobby Eddy of Weston and Westport as the Lion; Stevie Klein of Westport as Scarecrow; and Connor Martini of Fairfield as Tinman.

MTC's summer productions continue with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," an original musical adaptation of the classic tale, on Fri., August 4, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, August 5, 2 p.m. at Theatre Artists Workshop, Norwalk.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for students.

For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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From left, Connor Martini of Fairfield as Tinman, Stevie Klein of Westport as Scarecrow, Molly Shulman of Westport as Dorothy and Bobby Eddy of Weston and Westport as the Lion in Music Theatre of Connecticut's "The Wiz," Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22, at Coleytown Middle School, Westport. www.musictheatreofct.com. 203-454-3883.

"The Wizard of Oz" will be presented by Music Theatre of Connecitcut, on Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 14, at 2 p.m., at Long Lots Elementary School, Hyde Lane, Westport.

The classic musical adventure with Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow in the Land of Oz features MTC's Junior Company, ages 7 to 10.

The cast, from Westport:
Melissa Beretta, B. K. Browne, Ruby Dener, Jessica Fields, Julia Fein,
Emily Garber, Daniel Greenberg, Kelly Gore, Elyssa Harris, Will Haskell, Grace Hennemuth, Jessica Isaacs, Justin Jones, Juliet Kimble, Grace Kosner, Cara McNiff, George Menz, Liam Orly, Daniel Pauker, Michelle Pauker, Chloe Perlen, Anabelle Porio, Sydney Robinson, Rusty Schindler.

From Weston:
Katie Berger, Alex Brostoff, Devon Brostoff, Bobby Eddy, Caroline Guterl, Isabel Kerr, Sarah Levin, Rebecca Marks, Maddy Munford, Matthew Schmerzler.

From Wilton:
Dylan Lewis

From Southport:
Sarah Lew

Tickets are $15 and $12.

MTC also will present "Working" on Friday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m., at Long Lots Elementary School. With book by Stephen Schwartz, this musical revue offers a cross-section of attitudes about the kind of work people do and why they do it. Adapted from Studs Terkel's book, the cast is MTC's Senior Company, ages 11 - 18.

For more information and tickets, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut will present "Bye Bye Birdie" on Friday and Saturday January 6 and 7. Performances are on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., at Long Lots School, Hyde Lane, Westport.

The musical is a fully staged and costumed production performed by MTC students, ages 11 and up.

The plot revolves around rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie and the complications that arise when his agent stages a publicity stunt on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in which he will kiss one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio before being drafted into the army.

The cast includes Alexa Aron, Westport, as Rose Alverez ; Stephen Autore, Fairfield, as Charles F. Maude/Freddie/Snoops; Caley Beretta, Westport, as Mrs. Doris MacAfee; Stacy Berlin, Westport, as Ursula Merkle; Evan Brucia, Fairfield, as Hugo Peabody; Rachel Eddy, Weston, as Randi MacAfee; Billy Gaffney, Monroe, as Conrad Birdie; Bobby Goelz, Westport, as Albert Peterson; Karl Keasler, Wilton, as Mr. Johnson/Mayor/Karl; Halle Lucas, Weston, as Margie; Jessica Olderman, Fairfield, as Suzie/Mrs. Merkle; Jordan Olson, Westport, as Kim MacAfee; Molly Riddles, Westport, as Deborah Sue/Penelope; Ben Rosner, Fairfield, as Harvey Johnson/Conductor/Scoops; Molly Shulman, Westport, as Edna Mayor/Helen/Mrs. Pinsky; Andrew Schwartz, Weston, as Mr. Harry MacAfee; Alyssa Smith, Shelton, as Mrs. Mae Peterson; Laura Thompson, Westport, as Alice; and Lauren Weinberger, Westport, as Nancy/Gloria Rasputin.

Music is by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Lee Adams and book by Michael Stewart.
Tickets are $12 for student; $15 for adults.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut, based in Westport, is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883

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Moncia Keena, who played Abby on "Dawson's Creek" and was in HBO's "Entourage," will present an Audition Workshop for ages 12 to 18, on Monday, December 12, 7:30 p.m., at Music Theatre of Connecticut, 246 Post Road East, Colonial Green, Westport.

Each student should prepare a 30- to 60-second monologue. Ms. Keena will discuss auditioning and work with each student on auditioning technique. There will also be a Q&A about entering the film and television business and pursuing professional careers.

Tuition is $50 per student.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut, based in Westport, is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information and to enroll in the workshop, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut will present "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11. Performances are on Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m., at Theatre Artists Workshop, 5 Gregory Blvd., East Norwalk.

The musical features the Peanuts gang with songs and comedy sketches. A fully staged and costumed production performed by MTC students, ages seven and up, the cast includes Will Haskell of Westport as Charlie Brown; Max Freedman of Westport as Linus; Chloe Perlen of Westport as Iris; Sarah Lew of Southport as Peppermint Patty; and Bobby Eddy of Weston as Pigpen.

The musical is based on characters created by Charles M. Schultz. Book, music, and lyrics are by Clark Gesner.

Tickets are $12 for student; $15 for adults.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut, based in Westport, is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information and tickets, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

For more information and images from this production, click here.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut in Westport will conduct "College Bound in the Performing Arts," a crash course in researching performing arts degree programs for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, and their parents, on Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m., in Westport.

The seminar, designed for students interested in pursuing an acting, music or musical theatre degree path in college, is led by Kevin Connors, MTC co-founder and producing artistic director. He brings more than 25 years of experience as a professional theatre director and composer, as well as having served as adjunct professor of musical theatre at several colleges, including The Hartt School of Music/University of Hartford and the University of Bridgeport.

Connors and MTC co-founder Jim Schilling have advised, coached and guided a large number of MTC students through the college process---selection through audition and admission. Many MTC alumni have completed or are currently enrolled in college programs and appear in Broadway shows, feature films, and commercials.

Westporter Justin Paul, a Staples High School graduate who is enrolled in University of Michigan's BFA musical theatre program, participated in a past "College Bound" seminar. He said, "MTC and Kevin Connors have been essential in helping me find the programs and institutions that would best suit my desired career track. Though guidance counselors are wonderful in preparing for post-high school academic studies, Kevin guided me toward the best arts-specific programs in the country."

Haley Petersen, Westport, another Staples graduate, currently enrolled in Emerson College's musical theatre program, also attended the MTC seminar and was an MTC student. She said of her experience, "Music Theatre of Connecticut nurtured my appreciation for theatre and started me down the right path. The staff is very passionate about theatre and they certainly spread it to their students."

Ms. Petersen added, "When I look back to when I started MTC and where I am now, I am amazed. I never would have guessed that I would actually pursue a college degree in theatre, but they kept pushing me further and I fell deeper in love with it."

MTC's workshop covers the performing arts college admission process from start to finish. It explains the many crucial elements of performing arts degrees most school or college counselors may not know, including consideration if a performing arts degree is right for the student, specific information on more than 15 colleges and their programs, how to begin "college shopping" and narrowing the field, degree programs and their differences, realizing that timing is earlier than one may think, finding the right fit in college department philosophies, unique elements to performing arts degree programs, academic and admission requirements, making the most of an on-site tour, audition material selection and preparation, separating the marketing from the reality, plus individual/family consultation.

The workshop is at Music Theatre of Connecticut, 246 Post Rd. E., Westport. For more information on "College Bound in the Performing Arts," or to register, visit musictheatreofct.com, or contact Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut's School of the Performing Arts will offer a series of master classes in its 2005-06 season, bringing Broadway and New York professionals to Westport.

"Professional Kids: Commercial, TV and Film Opportunities for Children," led by Achilles Tsakaridis, head of the theatre and children's departments at Prestige Entertainment in New York, will begin the series on Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. to noon.

"As a manager of children's talent in New York we see a lot of kids," said Tsakaridis. "The ones who come out of great training programs like MTC are by far the most professional and book the jobs. MTC is one of the best."

MTC also will present a workshop, "College Bound in the Performing Arts," for high school students interested in pursuing a degree in acting, music or musical theatre, on Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m.

Future master classes include "Auditioning for the Musical Theatre," led by Joe Cassidy of Broadway's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," on Monday, January 23, 7:30 to 9 p.m.; and "Theatre Dance for Singers and Actors," led by Josh Bergasse of Broadway's "Hairspray," on Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. to noon.

MTC offers year-round programs in acting, musical theatre, film and television, improvisation, voice and dance, for youngsters ages four through teen. There are opportunities for students to support their training curriculum with performances in full-scale musicals. For ages 11 to 18, productions are set for "Bye Bye Birdie," January 7 and 8, and "Working," May 19 and 20. For ages 7 to 10, musicals will be "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," December 9 and 10, and "The Wizard of Oz," May 12 and 13. Also available are small ensemble showcase productions.

Founded in 1987 by Kevin Connors and Jim Schilling, Music Theatre of Connecticut is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member. The only organization of its kind in the state, MTC is a complete resource for the musical theatre, providing conservatory-style education programming and professional musical theatre. MTC trains over 500 students per season. Governed by an elected board of directors, MTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization.

For a brochure detailing master classes, course descriptions and schedules, musical productions, policies, and tuition, visit www.musictheatreofct.com or contact Music Theatre of Connecticut by email at mtcarts@aol.com or call (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut's School of the Performing Arts is now registering for classes in acting, musical theatre, film and television, improvisation, voice and dance, for youngsters ages four through teen.

The 2005-06 semesters begin Monday, September 12, with afternoon and evening classes. MTC is located in Colonial Green, 246 Post Road East, on the lower level, Westport.

There are opportunities for students to support their training curriculum with performances in full-scale musicals. For ages 11 to 18, productions are set for "Bye Bye Birdie," January 7 and 8, and "Working," May 19 and 20. For ages 7 to 10, musicals will be "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," December 9 and 10, and "The Wizard of Oz," May 12 and 13. Also available are small ensemble showcase productions.

"Over 6000 students have appeared in over 125 MTC productions before 50,000 audience members since we began in 1987," said Kevin Connors, MTC artistic director and co-founder. "Many MTC students are now in college performing arts programs or are working professional actors on the New York stage, in film and on television.

Founded by Connors and Jim Schilling, Music Theatre of Connecticut is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member. The only organization of its kind in the state, MTC is a complete resource for the musical theatre, providing conservatory-style education programming and professional musical theatre. MTC trains over 500 students per season. Governed by an elected board of directors, MTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization.

Schilling commented, "MTC provides quality performing arts education to children and youth that focuses on the joy of accomplishment, increased self-esteem, personal expression and growth through classroom and performance work."

John Stefano, theatre department chair, Otterbein College, stated, "I regard MTC as one of the best after-school theatre programs in the country."

A parent of an MTC student, Ulla Atweh of Westport, said, "MTC is about inspiring children to become compassionate about the arts and allowing them to be creative at the same time. The faculty and staff bring joy to the children in a very professional environment with lots of grace and courtesy. It almost feels like a second home to us."

MTC also will present a workshop, "College Bound in the Performing Arts," for high school students interested in pursuing a degree in acting, music or musical theatre, on Saturday, October 22.

Future master classes include "Auditioning for the Musical Theatre," led by Joe Cassidy of Broadway's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," on January 23; and "Theatre Dance for Singers and Actors," led by Josh Bergasse of Broadway's "Hairspray," on March 18.

For a brochure detailing course descriptions and schedules, musical productions, policies, and tuition, visit www.musictheatreofct.com or contact Music Theatre of Connecticut by email at mtcarts@aol.com or call (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut will present "Cinderella" on Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6. Performances are on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., at the Theatre Artists Workshop, 5 Gregory Boulevard, East Norwalk.

This classic tale is brought to life in a new musical adaptation with music and lyrics by MTC artistic director Kevin Connors. The musical features all the favorite characters, the evil stepmother and stepsisters, the dashing prince and the glowing Cinderella, as good triumphs over bad - all with a contemporary twist.

The musical is a fully staged and costumed production performed by MTC students, ages seven and up.

Tickets for "Cinderella" are $15 each.

An upcoming MTC production is "Broadway under the Stars," on Monday, August 22, 7 p.m., at Westport's Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut, based in Westport, is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut will present "Seussical, the Musical" on Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23. Performances are on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., at Long Lots School, 13 Hyde Lane, Westport.

"Seussical" will bring to life all of the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. This is the first production of "Seussical" in the Fairfield County area.

The musical is a fully staged and costumed production performed by MTC students. Composers are Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, who also composed "My Favorite Year," "Once on This Island," and "Ragtime."

The cast includes: From Westport, Caley Beretta as Sour Kangaroo; Stacy Berlin as Bird/Girl/ Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Caroline Corbally as Who/Cadet/Hunch; Julia Fein as Thing 2/Who/Cadet/Hunch; Maeve Flaherty as Who/Cadet/Hunch; Nora Flaherty as Jungle Citizen/Fish/Hinch/Circus Person; Megan Foreman as Who/Cadet/Hunch; Emily Garber as Who/Cadet/Hunch; Stephanie Klein as Jungle Citizen/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Andie Levinson as Bird/Girl/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Adele Mackey as Jungle Citizen/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Sitara Mahtani as Jungle Citizen/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Roni Mandelkern as Who/Cadet/Hunch; Cara McNiff as Young Kangaroo; Chris McNiff as Horton the Elephant; Alanna Morton as Jungle Citizen/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Jordan Olson as Bird Girl/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Liam Orly as Wikersham Brother/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; Daniel Pauker as Who/Cadet/Hunch;
Michelle Pauker as Wickersham Brother/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person;
Rusty Schindler as Wickersham Brother/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person;
Max Stampa-Brown as Cat in the Hat; Elise Tardiff as Mayzie La Bird;
Alison Thomson as Who/Cadet/Hunch; and Anita Vohra as Who/Cadet/Hunch.

From Weston, Isabel Kerr as Who/Cadet/Hunch; and Andrew Schwartz as The Grinch/Yertle the Turtle/McGurkus. From Fairfield, Stephen Autore as Mayor; Eliza Fath as Wickersham Brother/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; and
Jessica Olderman as Mrs. Mayor. From Norwalk, Caylin Carbonell as Bird Girl/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person. From Wilton, Walker Schneider as Who/Cadet/Hunch; and Danielle Flom as Bird Girl/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person.
From Trumbull, Allison Frank as JoJo; Justine Holleran as Thing 1/Jungle Citizen/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person; and Leah Holleran as Gertrude McFuzz.
From Monroe, Billy Gaffney as General Genghis Kahn Schmitz. From Redding,
Caroline Cornish as Wickersham Brother/Fish/Hunch/Circus Person.

Director is Deb Levy, musical director is Justin Paul, choreographer is Leanne Allan and assistant director is Michael Bloom.

Tickets for "Seussical, the Musical" are $15 each.

Upcoming MTC productions are "Cinderella" on Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6, at Saugatuck Elementary School, Westport; and "Broadway under the Stars," on Monday, August 22, at Westport's Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut, based in Westport, is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information, call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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For images from Seussial The Musical, click here

"Edges," a new song cycle co-written by Justin Paul of Westport, will be produced by Music Theatre of Connecticut, of which Justin is an alumnus, on Sunday, May 29, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., at The Seabury Center, 45 Church Lane, Westport.

"My first attempt at writing for musical theatre was for the MTC adaptation of 'Pinocchio' when I was in ninth grade," said Justin. "It's certainly been a few years since then, so it's really neat to come back to MTC with some brand new material now that I have had the chance to hone some of my skills."

"Edges" is a new musical theatre song cycle that tracks four distinct characters who feel stifled by a world in which they are not challenged to truly know themselves. They have succumbed to the definitions that their social surroundings have forced them into. This allows them to only partially invest in finding out what would really fulfill them. As they experience pivotal moments in their lives, they question whether they are simply stuck being who others want them to be, or whether they can indeed break through to discover their own potential.

According to Justin, a "song cycle" is a collection of songs that are connected through themes and overall concepts, but are not part of a book show with a script.

A Staples High School graduate, Justin is currently enrolled at the University of Michigan in the BFA musical theatre class of 2007. "Edges" was original produced at the University of Michigan musical theatre department.

Co-writer is Benj Pasek, also a BFA musical theatre major at Michigan. The show incorporates four singers who are current and graduated members of the University of Michigan musical theatre department.

"We're taking this show to several large cities, but I wanted to bring it to my hometown and get a chance to share my work with the people who have supported me for my whole life," added Justin.

Justin's training at MTC included acting, musical theatre, and improvisation. He also studied voice for five years with Kevin Connors, MTC co-founder and artistic director. His MTC roles were Harold Hill in "The Music Man," Billy Crocker in "Anything Goes" and Stephen in "Godspell." Currently, he continues to musically direct for MTC's summer theatre program, including the upcoming shows "Seussical" and "Cabaret Camp" in July and August, respectively.

On June 17, Justin will open in the role of Matt in Stamford's Rich Forum's production of "The Fantasticks." The musical will be directed by Kevin Connors, and will feature Jim Schilling in the cast, the two MTC co-founders.

At Staples, Justin played Franklin Shepard in "Merrily We Roll Along," and The Baker in "Into the Woods," among others. He traveled with the Staples Players to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he appeared in "Pippin." He is also an accomplished pianist and percussionist. Justin has served as a musical director and conductor for Staples High School's "Hello, Dolly!" and Coleytown Middle School's "Footloose." During the summers, he worked for Staples and Bedford Middle Schools conducting "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Fiddler on the Roof."

At the University of Michigan, Justin served as an assistant to the conductor for "Guys and Dolls" and assisted Broadway conductor Ben Whiteley ("Cats," "The Full Monty" National Tour) while playing keyboard for "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Tickets for "Edges" are $10 students, $15 adults. For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call the box office at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Where the Sidewalk Ends," a musical revue of the poems that illuminate the remarkable world of famed children's writer, humorist and folksinger, Shel Silverstein, on Friday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m., in the MTC studio theatre, 246 Post Road East, lower level of Colonial Green, Westport.

From the outrageously funny to the quietly affecting, and touching on everything in between, the children's classic, "Where the Sidewalk Ends," is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Also on the bill and marking its 30th year, Silverstein's "A Light in the Attic" will bring to life such wondrous characters as Backward Bill, Sourface Ann, the Meehoo with an Exactly Watt and the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire.

Silverstein also wrote "The Giving Tree, "Falling Up," "A Giraffe and a Half," "Running Babbit" and "Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?"

Tickets are $10 and all seating is general admission.

Music Theatre of Connecticut is a not-for-profit professional theatre
company and school of performing arts, located at 246 Post Road East
in Westport. Founded in 1987 by Kevin Connors and Jim Schilling,
MTC is Fairfield County’s most complete musical theatre community
resource providing quality performing arts education and professional
musical theatre, and the only organization of its kind in Connecticut.

With an annual enrollment of more than 400 students and eight student
productions per year, MTC offers quality training in a non-competitive
atmosphere in which children discover increased self-esteem, a
sense of achievement and community. MTC has produced more than
100 full-scale student productions and its alumni can be seen in professional
theatres throughout the country, as well as in commercials,
films and on television. MTC is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information or reservations, visit www.musictheatreofct.com or call (203) 454-3883.

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"Improv-edy Tonight!," an improvisational comedy showcase loosely based on the television game show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," will be presented by Music Theatre of Connecticut on Friday evening, May 13 for two performances, 6 and 8 p.m., in the MTC studio theatre, 246 Post Road East, lower level of Colonial Green, Westport.

Eight MTC students will split into two teams, improvising wild and wacky ideas given to them by the show's host, or "Drew Carey," played by Jim Schilling, co-founder of MTC. Contestants might be asked to sing about an audience member, speak only in questions, become weird superheroes, guess at bizarre quirks, or a wide range of other hilarious challenges. Schilling will award points to the players based on their improvisational expertise.

The cast members, all enrolled in an MTC improv class taught by Schilling, are Darby Searl, Megan Zimmerman, Walter Kosner and Janine Atway, all of Westport; Stephen Autore and Ali Shaw, both of Fairfield; Andrew Schwartz of Weston; and Allison Frank of Trumbull.

Schilling co-founded MTC in 1987 and over the years has served as instructor, director, general manager, actor, producer and currently as general director of MTC's School of Performing Arts. He directed several MTC Equity mainstage productions and student productions. He acted on stage and film and was Sean Penn's double in "Dead Man Walking."

As an arts educator, Schilling created a number of programs for MTC, both at the School of Performing Arts and for MTC's ArtReach programs in many area schools. He holds a BFA degree in theatre from Otterbein College, in Ohio, with an emphasis on children's theatre, and was also trained at the Actors' Theatre of Louisville and Playwright's Horizons in New York City. He is a graduate of the AMICI Arts Management Program from the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.

Admission to "Improv-edy Tonight!" is $10, general seating.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For more information or reservations, visit www.musictheatreofct.com or call (203) 454-3883.

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To mark National Volunteer Week, the Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield tonight honored area volunteers, including seven from Westport, at a reception in Wilton. On behalf of the town, Westport Representative Town Meeting Moderator Gordon Joseloff presented certificates of appreciation to the honorees, including Sue Messervey of the Westport-based Music Theatre of Connecticut. She has been a volunteer with the group for more than 10 years, serving as parent producer, fund-raising chairman, and board member. Other Westporters honored included Geneva Bentley (Westport Health Care Center); Sally Berry (Girl Scout Council of South West Connecticut); Robert Halloran (Home Delivered Meals); Peter Silkowitz (March of Dimes); April Tome (Earthplace), and Jean Wells (Norwalk Hospital).

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Music Theatre of Connecticut, located in Westport, will present three summer theatre camp programs from June through August. Students will participate in in a fully staged and costumed musical production performed for the public at the end of each theatre session.

The first session, for ages seven and older, June 27 through July 23, will present "Seussical The Musical." Composers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("My Favorite Year," "Once on This Island," and "Ragtime") have brought to life all of the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. This is the first production of "Suessical" in the Fairfield County area.

"Cinderella" will highlight the second session, July 11 through August 6, for ages seven and up. This is a new musical adaptation of the classic tale with music and lyrics by MTC artistic director Kevin Connors. The favorite characters take the stage, including the evil stepmother, stepsisters, the dashing prince and the glowing Cinderella, as good triumphs over bad - all with a contemporary twist.

"Cabaret Camp," August 8 through August 22, for ages 10 to 17, will be presented in the third session. Students will create an exciting musical revue called "Broadway under the Stars," to be performed on Monday, August 22, at Westport's Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.

MTC is a certified member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.

Programs, in the air-conditioned MTC studio theatre at 246 Post Rd. E., Westport, run half-day (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or full day (9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut will present Cole Porter's "Anything Goes," the senior company musical for students ages 11 to 18, on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, at Saugatuck Elementary School, Westport. Performances of the tap dancing classic are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.

The cast includes: Leah Holleran, Trumbull, playing Hope; Chris McNiff, Westport, as Billy; Alyssa Smith, Shelton, as Mrs. Harcourt; Bobby Goelz, Westport, as Elijah Whitney; Joshua King, Westport, as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh; Brooke Benedetto, Easton, as Reno Sweeney; Caley Beretta, Westport, as Bonnie; and Billy Gaffney, Monroe, as Moonface Martin.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the score includes "It's Delovely," "Friendship," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," "Take Me Back to Manhattan," and the rousing title tune. "Anything Goes" was originally produced on Broadway in 1934 starring Ethel Merman as Reno. Book is by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.

The plot centers on passengers heading for England on the luxury liner S.S. American. Among them are Reno Sweeney, a nightclub entertainer, and Lord Oakleigh, a wealthy English aristocrat, accompanied by his debutante fiancée, Hope Harcourt, her protective mother and a Wall Street millionaire. Less legally on board are the stowaway Billy Crocker, desperately pursuing Hope, and Moonface Martin, Public Enemy Number Thirteen, desperately seeking the kind of notoriety enjoyed by Snake Eyes Johnson, who the FBI believe to be making the trip in disguise.

Tickets for adults are $15; students under 12 are $12.

For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut's box office at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut's School of Performing Arts is now registering for winter/spring classes in theatre arts, music theatre, film and television, private vocal training, and technical theatre and design. Classes are for children ages four through teen. The winter/spring semester begins Monday, January 10.

MTC is located in downtown Westport, in Colonial Green, 246 Post Road East, on the lower level.

There are opportunities for students to support their training program with performances in the Cole Porter musical, "Anything Goes," for ages 11 to 18, on stage in May.

Founded in 1987, Music Theatre of Connecticut is a Certified Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts---the first theatre school in the country to be accepted as a member.

For a brochure detailing course descriptions and schedules, musical productions, policies, and tuition, visit www.musictheatreofct.com or contact Music Theatre of Connecticut by email at mtcarts@aol.com or call (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut, located in Westport, will present three summer theatre camp programs from June through August. Each program will feature students in a fully staged and costumed musical production.

The first session, for ages seven and older, June 27 through July 23, will present "Seussical The Musical." Composers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("My Favorite Year," "Once On This Island," and "Ragtime") have brought to life all of the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. This is the first production of "Suessical" in the Fairfield County area.

"Cinderella" will highlight the second session, July 11 through August 6, for ages seven and up. This is a new musical adaptation of the classic tale with music and lyrics by MTC Artistic Director Kevin Connors. The favorite characters take the stage, including the evil Stepmother, Stepsisters, the dashing prince and the glowing Cinderella, as good triumphs over bad - all with a contemporary twist!

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat," July 25 through August 20, for ages nine and older, will be presented in the third session. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this musical parable featuring Joseph, a boy blessed with prophetic dreams, and his father's favorite son. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.

Programs run half-day (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or full day (9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Grease," Friday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 14 at 2 p.m., at Saugatuck Elementary School, Riverside Ave., Westport. The fully staged and costumed musical production features MTC summer camp students, ages 10 and up.

"Grease" is the popular musical about friendships, romances, and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. With music, lyrics and book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the plot takes a satirical look at the dress, manners, morals, and music of teenagers at the beginning of the rock and roll era. The show revolves around the attraction between greaser Danny Zuko (Mike Reasor of Westport) and the virtuous Sandy Dumbrowski (Christine Speare of Wilton). The score includes such hits as "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightning," and "Beauty School Dropout."
The cast includes, from Westport, Jordan Byrne as Sonny, Alyssa Gold as Cha Cha, Eva Hendricks as Katie, Britt Hennemuth as Doody, Caroline Jamison as Tammy, Joshua King as Johnny Casino, Danni McGovern as Margerie, Chris McNiff as Teen Angel, Kaitlin O'Connor as Marty, Jordan Olson as Margarita, Christina Paluch as Linda, Mike Reasor as Danny, Anya Rosen as Trixie, Max Stampa-Brown as Butch,and Elise Tardif as Midge; from Weston, Sam Champtaloup as Wally, Andrew Schwartz as Eugene, and Stacy Berlin as Pegeen; from Fairfield, Steve Autore as Herman , Kristin Errett as Misty, Katelin Overton as Becky, Amy Salce as Cheryl, Lauren Wagner as Dawn, Sabrina Weiser-Min as Brenda, and Sarah Peterson as Stacy; and from Norwalk, Camille Gillotti as KK.

From Easton, Brooke Benedetto as Rizzo; from Wilton, Hilary Clifford as Judith, Danielle Flom as Babs, Tori Hanavan as Frenchy, Cameron Nadler as Roger, and Christine Speare as Sandy; from Greenwich, Billy Gaffney as Vince Fontaine; from Monroe, Kristina Stiles as Wanda; from New Canaan, Ali Tesluk as Carly, Samantha Tesluk as Laura, and Caylin Carbonell as Doris; from Redding, Jilian Saber as Candy and Lindsay Taylor as Miss Lynch; from Stamford, Megan Dupuy as Patty; from Stratford, Allison Frank as Suzie; and from Trumbull, Jonathan Lakeland as Kinicke and Sophia Babun as Connie.

Tickets are $10 students, $12 Adults. For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call the box office at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Really Rosie," Friday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 31 at 2 p.m., at Saugatuck Elementary School, Riverside Ave., Westport. The fully staged and costumed musical production features MTC summer camp students, ages seven and up.

With music by popular singer/composer Carole King, and book and lyrics by Maurice Sendak, "Really Rosie" follows a typical summer day in the life of several neighborhood friends. Like many children, they claim to be bored. Luckily, their friend, and self-proclaimed leader, Rosie does not believe in being bored. She decides to film the story of her life, casting them all in supporting roles. They must audition first and then musically tell the exciting, dramatic, funny, and slightly exaggerated, story of her life. In addition to Rosie and her friends Alligator, Kathy, Pierre and Johnny, there is her dopey brother Chicken Soup, their parents and the residents of their neighborhood.

Songs include "Simple Humble Neighborhood," "Alligators All Around," "Screaming and Yelling," "Ballad of Chicken Soup," "The Awful Truth," "Very Far Away," "Avenue P," "Chicken Soup With Rice," and the title tune, "Really Rosie."

The cast includes, from Westport, Emily Borner as Pierre, Nina Chasnow as Rosie's Mother, Alexandra Collins as Chicken Soup, Julia Fein as Rosie, Jessica Fields as Alinda, Emma Gantz as Jenny, Arianne Goodell as Little Bear, Rowan MacColl as Sal, Adele Mackey as Dolly, Cara McNiff as Maxy, Nicole Najarian as Buttermilk, and Alison Thomsom as Kathy; from Weston, Gabriella Babun as Johnny and Alison Kolbert as Lenny; and from Wilton, Paulina Schaefer as Alligator.

The upcoming musical in the MTC summer camp program is "Grease" on August 13 and 14.

Tickets are $10 students, $12 Adults. For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call the box office at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Godspell," Friday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 17 at 2 p.m., at Long Lots School, Hyde Lane, Westport. The fully staged and costumed musical production features MTC summer camp students, ages seven and up.

With a score by Stephen Schwartz, "Godspell" utilizes clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics, and vaudeville to tell the story of Christ. Songs include "Day by Day," "Bless the Lord," "All for the Best," "We Beseech Thee," and "Light of the World."

Chris McNiff portrays Jesus, Aleksander Ornaf plays Judas, and James Overton is John the Baptist, all of Westport. Other Westporters in the cast are Caley Beretta, Melissa Beretta, Kendall Close, Lucy DeFlavio, Emily Garber, Caroline Kitchener, Sitara Mahtani, Jordan Olson, Michelle Pauker, Laura Thompson, and Anita Vohra. Also in the cast are Sofia Davis-Kos, Emma Friedman, and Andrew Schwartz of Weston; Jessica Olderman from Fairfield; Danielle Flom of Wilton; Nora Flaherty of Norwalk; Lily Pigue of Southport; Annie DeFrino of Darien; Alexa Holzberger and Eloise Somerby of New Canaan; Zachary Hutton of Redding; Caroline Cornish of West Redding; Caitlin Corbett of Ridgefield; and Allison Frank of Trumbull.

Upcoming musicals in the MTC summer camp program are "Really Rosie" on July 30 and 31, and "Grease" on August 13 and 14.

Tickets are $10 students, $12 Adults. For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call the box office at (203) 454-3883.

Justin Paul of Westport

Multi-talented Justin Paul of Westport will musically direct two shows, "Godspell" and "Grease," for Westport-based Music Theatre of Connecticut, where he started as a student nearly 10 years ago. The fully staged and costumed musicals will be performed by students in MTC's summer theatre camp sessions. "Godspell" will play July 16-17 at Long Lots School, and "Grease" will be staged August 13-14 at Saugatuck Elementary School, both in Westport. Performances are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

A Staples High School graduate and former MTC student, Justin is enrolled at the University of Michigan in the BFA musical theatre class of 2007.

"I'm very excited about coming back to MTC again this summer to do musical direction for the two shows," Justin said. "I feel so honored because it's really a privilege to work with those who once taught me."

Justin's training at MTC included acting, musical theatre, and improvisation. He also studied voice with Kevin Connors, MTC co-founder and artistic director. His MTC roles were Harold Hill in "The Music Man," Billy Crocker in "Anything Goes" and Stephen in "Godspell." At Staples, he played Franklin Shepard in "Merrily We Roll Along," and The Baker in "Into the Woods," among others. He traveled with the Staples Players to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he appeared in "Pippin." He is also an accomplished pianist and percussionist.

"Going from being a student to a co-worker is quite a journey, and I personally feel it really says a lot about MTC and the training when a student can come full-circle and return to teach," stated Justin. "The kids are so great and so talented, and because I am planning on continuing musical direction as a career, this is a wonderful way to keep my skills fresh and continue to learn in this particular field."

Justin has served as a musical director and conductor for Staples High School's "Hello, Dolly!" and Coleytown Middle School's "Footloose." During the summers, he worked for Staples and Bedford Middle Schools conducting "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Fiddler on the Roof."

This past year at the University of Michigan he served as an assistant to the conductor for "Guys and Dolls" and assisted Broadway conductor Ben Whiteley ("Cats," "The Full Monty" National Tour) while playing keyboard for "Jesus Christ Superstar."

"I'm very grateful for the chance to work on the MTC shows this summer and once again I'm excited that I might be able to make a difference in a child's life, the way that so many of my MTC instructors did in mine," Justin said.

Tickets for "Godspell" and "Grease" are $10 students, $12 adults. For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call the box office at (203) 454-3883.

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Music Theatre of Connecticut Students Stage "Godspell, " "Really Rosie" and "Grease"

Music Theatre of Connecticut will present three fully staged and costumed musicals in Westport this summer featuring MTC students who are enrolled in summer theatre camp sessions.

"Godspell" utilizes clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics, and vaudeville to tell the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It will be staged by MTC students ages seven and up on Friday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 17 at 2 p.m., at Long Lots School, Hyde Lane, Westport.

"Really Rosie" is the story of a little girl named Rosie, who decides to film the story of her life, casting her neighborhood friends in supporting roles. With music by Carole King, the show will run Friday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 31 at 2 p.m., at a location TBA.

"Grease," the popular musical about friendships, romances, and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s, will be staged by MTC students 10 and up, Friday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 14 at 2 p.m., at Saugatuck Elementary School, Riverside Ave., Westport.

Tickets $10 students, $12 Adults. For more information, visit www.musictheatreofct.com, or call the box office at (203) 454-3883.

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