15th Annual Mandell JCC Hartford Jewish Film Festival Award-winning feature films, romances, thrillers, power-packed documentaries, comedies, and shorts are all on the roster for the 15th annual Mandell JCC Jewish Film Festival, which runs from March 26 through April 5 at eight area venues. This year's ambitious lineup includes 21 films from seven countries plus a newShalom Sesame film with a Model Matzah Bakery, a concert with musicians from the University of Hartford's Hartt School, visiting filmmakers in “Reel Talk” panels, a vintage Israeli film poster exhibit, and an opening night gala …
New Adaptation of Scarlet Letter at Playhouse The regional premiere of a new adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic The Scarlet Letter continues in performances at West Hartford's Playhouse on Park. Set in colonial Massachusetts in the mid-17th century, this tale of adultery, guilt, and revenge is directed by Stuart Vaughan, a Tony Award winner, former artistic director of New York's Shakespeare Festival, and founder of the New Globe Theatre, Inc. Vaughan and three of the show's actors produced this adaptation of The Scarlet Letter to favorable reviews Off-Broadway in 2007. Remaining …
Experience hospitality in the style of the 18th century as West Hartford's Noah Webster House presents the continuation of its Tavern Night series. One of the museum's most popular adult programs, the evenings feature home-cooked fare, traditional beverages, tavern games such as Skittles, Captain's Mistress, and Shove Ha'penny, and early American music. On March 11, the menu is corned beef with soda bread, cabbage, vegetables and Irish shortbread, with musical entertainment by Rick Spencer. On March 12, the same Irish-inspired menu is featured with music by Cece Borjeson and Ruth George. …
Maple Sugaring at Roaring Brook Canton's Roaring Brook Nature Center hosts Maple Sugaring in Your Own Back Yard, an annual demonstration of the how-to's of making maple syrup. The one-hour event teaches participants the entire process – from identifying the tree to tasting the final product. The event is March 6 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $6, adults; $4 adult members; and $3, children; $2 young members. No registration required. Roaring Brook Nature Center is at 70 Gracey Road, Canton. Visitwww.roaringbrook.org/events/. Maple Day at Stanley-Whitman How do you know it's almost spring? The …
If there are monsters in the field of folk music, Bill Morrissey is one. The twice Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-guitarist stops at Canton's Roaring Brook Nature Center for a Feb. 26 concert of new songs and audience requests. After that, the Hartford-born Morrissey departs for Paris where he is scheduled to sign copies of his novels Imaginary Runner and Edson. Stephen Holden, writing in The New York Times, compares Morrissey's work to that of other literary giants: "Mr. Morrissey's songs have the force of poetry ... a terseness, precision of detail and a tone of laconic understatement …
Running out of ways to entertain junior during school break? On Feb. 23, Farmington's Hill-Stead hosts a Mini-Art Adventure for children from kindergarten to grade 4. Activities include an "Art Safari" to locate works inspired by nature, and an arts and crafts workshop so children can create their own masterpieces in paint and clay. The Art Adventure runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required. Phone Marcie Charest at 860-6774787 ext. 142. Cost is $24 per child; $16 per child for members. The Hill-Stead is at 35 Mountain Road, Farmington. For more information, visit www.hillstead.…
What's big and green and about to stomp across stage at Hartford's Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts? (Hint: He is usually pursued by a mouthy donkey.) Yes, it's that heroic tender-hearted ogre Shrek who headlines in the Broadway touring company of Shrek the Musical, which is making its Connecticut premiere this week. Based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek!, as well as the DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the movie series, Shrek the Musical features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Olivier Award-…
Get an early start on a Valentine's Day gift by making truffles with the one you love. Farmington's Stanley-Whitman House presents an afternoon truffle-making workshop on Feb. 13. Heritage cook Judy Witzke will talk about types of chocolate before leading the class in the creation of a variety of truffles. Cost is $25 per couple for museum members; $30 per couple for non-members. Registration is required by Feb. 7. The program has sold out in previous years. The Stanley-Whitman House is at 37 High St., Farmington. For more information, visit www.stanleywhitman.org or call 860-677-9222. Eye …
Concert promoters at Canton's Roaring Brook Nature Center can't hide their enthusiasm for Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, calling the duo one of "the best blues shows we've presented over 31 years." Rishell and Raines return to the Nature Center on Jan. 29. The pair has racked up multiple nominations for W.C. Handy and Blues Foundation awards. They bring a blend of roots blues, folk, ragtime, and jazz. Concert time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Roaring Brook Nature Center is at 70 Gracey Road, Canton. Visitwww.roaringbrookconcerts.org. Winter Nature Walk at Hill-…
Nutcracker Mania Call it the Nutcracker-palooza. With performances of the Nutmeg Ballet's The Nutcracker coming up Dec. 18 and 19 at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford (visit www.bushnell.com), two more versions of the classic holiday ballet open this week. The West Hartford-based Ballet Theatre Company debuts a Nutcracker choreographed by the company's new artistic director Roman Baca. Founder of the New York-based dance company Exit 12, Baca is a former U.S. Marine. He brings his military experience to the world of ballet, and his interpretation of the tale of dueling …
Next Generation Guthrie at Roaring Brook Sarah Guthrie, the granddaughter of Woody Guthrie, daughter of Arlo Guthrie, and an acclaimed singer/songwriter in her own right, returns to Canton's Roaring Brook Nature Center on Dec. 4 with her husband, singer/songwriter/guitarist Johnny Irion. The duo blends roots references with contemporary instrumentation and stunning harmonies to create a unique folk-rock sound. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Roaring Brook Nature Center is at 70 Gracey Road, Canton. Visitwww.roaringbrookconcerts.org. Stanley-Whitman …
On Nov. 27, the town of Simsbury hosts its annual holiday celebration. New this year are carolers costumed in the style of Dickens' England, performance by the Airborne Jugglers, a Festival of Firs at First Church, and a gingerbread house exhibit at Scout Hall. Other events include a performance by the Gaelic band Mac Talla Mor, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, dreidel- and Hanukkah-card crafts, soup and snacks at the United Methodist Church, an ice carving demonstration, and, if funding is secured, the traditional fireworks display. For a complete calendar of events, including locations …
