The Dec. 4 opening at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park marks the Connecticut premiere and only the fourth regional theater production of what has been called a ‘brilliant’ new musical.
Submitted by Playhouse on Park
Playhouse on Park is thrilled to present Passing Strange, a Tony award-winning soulful rock musical running from Dec. 2-20, 2015. Opening night, and the official Connecticut premiere of Passing Strange is set for Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:30pm, with a wine and cheese reception before the show.
Darryl Williams. Submitted photo
Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the “freshest musical in town,” Passing Strange chronicles the travels of its protagonist, Youth, an African-American bohemian musician struggling to find himself and what’s “real” in life. His journey begins in black middle-class America, and his heart leads him to Amsterdam, Berlin and beyond, where experiences with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll pave the way to self-revelation. Music and theater lovers alike will instantly connect through passionate performances presenting themes of family, roots, and personal authenticity. Playhouse on Park is proud to be one of the only professional theaters to produce this ground breaking musical written by singer-songwriter and performance artist Stew.
Famecia Ward. Submitted photo
Passing Strange marks the return of the award winning duo, Playhouse on Park’s Co-Artistic Directors Sean Harris and Darlene Zoller. Sean Harris (Director) is the co-founder of Playhouse on Park, where he has directed ANGELS IN AMERICA, OF MICE AND MEN, METAMORPHOSES, CABARET, and HAIR. Darlene Zoller (Choreographer) is the co-founder of Playhouse on Park where she has directed and choreographed CHICAGO, SWINGING ON A STAR, CABARET and HAIR. Michael M. Morris (Music Director) rounds out this dynamic artistic team.
Eric R. Williams. Submitted photo
Featured in this production are Darryl Williams (sang for Pope [now Saint] John Paul II, Bologna, Italy, THE WIZ in Central Park, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Gospel Version at the Alliance Theatre, Finalist at the Apollo Theater) as Narrator, Eric Williams (NYC: The Public: INTO THE WOODS, Nat’l Tours: 1st Nat’l/Japan: DREAMGIRLS) as Youth, and Famecia Ward (Bruyette Anthenaeum: The Wiz [Dorothy], Hong Kong Disneyland: Festival of The Lion King [Nala]) as Mother.
Also featured in this production are: Karissa Harris, Skyler Volpe, J’Royce Walton, and Garrett Turner.
In addition to these amazing performances, audience members are given the opportunity to join in making music during an Open Mic Night on Dec. 12! This special event is BYOB, free and open to the public. The music continues after the show, and an accompanist will be provided.
Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $32.50-$42.50, all seats reserved. Due to language and drug use, Passing Strange is recommended for ages 13 and up. Call our box office today at 860-523-5900 x10 for your tickets or visit www.playhouseonpark.org for more information. Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Rd., West Hartford, CT 06119.
