Arts in the City/Suburbs

One thing I really love about New York City are all of the small, hole-in-the-theaters and arts organizations that can get away with doing obscure work that might not have the selling power to fill larger spaces. It seems to me that Hartford's theaters are pretty expressive when it comes to presenting innovative works. Hartford Stage offers a thrust stage perfect for creating an interactive and innovative atmosphere, and they also offer the annual Brand:New festival featuring new works and emerging playwrights. Theaterworks' space is intimate and perfect for recent off-broadway hits. And last night I had the chance to check out West Hartford's Playhouse in Park, now in its' debut season. The creative/executive team there has been working tirelessly to essentially create a culture and build an arts organization from the ground up, and they seem to be doing all the right things. Their season has something for everyone. There are comedy nights, improv shows, community theatre productions, dance troupes, and an upcoming Christmas show. Last night's show, Collected Stories, is in it's final week, and features the theater's first equity actors. Actors who do a brilliant job of inviting every audience member in the 200-seat theater into the small New York City apartment that is the set, and into the worlds of Ruth and Lisa, a well-respected author and her up-and-coming student protege (respectively). Needless to say, I picked up all the brochures I could on my way out the door, and am looking forward to the upcoming Cage Match, a battle between CT-based improv troupes, and a collaboration with New Britain's Hole in the Wall Theater (Nothin' gets me going like a good collaboration between local arts organizations). Oh, I was also happy to see some of Hartford Stage's set pieces on stage at Playhouse on Park, makes me feel like a good neighbor! 

Proud to be a part of the Hartford theatre scene during this exciting time!