New Zenith Theatre to Present Two Free Productions

OLD WETHERSFIELD, CT - Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum is partnering with the New Zenith Theatre to present free Wednesday evening productions. The performances will be presented on the lawn on the site of the museum’s historic Webb barn and gardens in Old Wethersfield.

Ed Wierzbicki, the director of New Zenith Theatre writes: “Plain and simple, our idea grew from everyone’s missing live performance and feeling the need to reconnect in an actual, physical creative space. We also wanted to be part of the re-entry— getting back into “community”— and as a group of some 20 artists, we believed that doing free theatre could help the healing. Part of our mission was to make sure we brought our creativity and this community energy to make good theatre for young and family audiences.”

Performance dates are July 21, 28, August 4, 11 with two productions geared toward young and family audiences which will play in repertory.

“Tuck Everlasting” is a musical with a book by Claudia Shear & Tim Federle and music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tyson The musical is based on the youth novel by Natalie Babbitt. “Tuck “ is performed concert style on the outdoor stage and is appropriate for ages eight and older. This young audience version runs approximately 70 minutes and will be presented on July 21 and Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Rain Dates are the following night: Thursday, July 22 and Aug. 5

A reduced version by Ed Wierzbicki of William Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will run approximately 85 minutes. It is appropriate for ages ten and older. The play will run July 28 and Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Rain dates are scheduled for Thursday July 29 and Aug. 12.

The Museum grounds open at 5:30pm. Patrons are invited to enjoy their picnic dinner between 5:30 and 6:45. That night’s production begins following the picnic dinner. Please bring a blanket and/or low beach chairs; there is no permanent seating. Tickets are free but space is limited. Reservations for free tickets are recommended and can be made in advance by calling the museum at 860-529-0612.

With no existing budget, the project is a total volunteer effort anchored by many CCSU theatre students and alumni, with generous contributions by Middlesex Community College, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, Looking In Theatre, Bristol Central High School, and Wethersfield High School. Led by musical director Danielle O’Neil and vocal director Theresa MacDonald, they are also being supported by several professional musicians and technicians.

The New Zenith features an intergenerational company committed to building new audiences and community involvement. The NZT Acting Company at Summer Stage includes many Central Connecticut State University theatre majors and alumni, and other talented local actors. The summer ensemble features…Justin Pesce, Theresa Degan, Emily Barbi, Douglas Sobon, Kendra Garnett, Kelsey Culup, Timothy Diebolt, Steven Kalpin, Christopher Whitcomb, Ricky Hamilton, Patryk Mathieu, Maria Franco Ortiz, Christopher Gallagher.

Summer Stage productions are led by Artistic Director Ed Wierzbicki, an Emmy Award winning arts producer with a long history as a contributing producer with Connecticut Public Television.

Founded in 1999 with a mission to create engaging and relevant theatre for Connecticut youth, schools, and family audiences, NZT has partnered with numerous cultural and educational organizations including Naugatuck Valley Community College, Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center, Central Connecticut State University, Naugatuck Public Schools, Waterbury Public Schools and others. NZT has also toured to Connecticut schools, and travelled to Sweden and the United Kingdom.

“Our project is new and will likely be imperfect—but our heart and our hopes are in the right place, and many young theatre people are rehearsing each night to create something real; something that is all about the joy and spirit of theatre and community.” adds Wierzbicki.