Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces that each show of its 2017 Nutmeg Summer Series, 1776, Noises Off, and Disney’s Newsies, will have performances interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) through a partnership with the University of Connecticut Interpreting Services (UCIS), a division of the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). ASL- interpreted performances will take place during the Saturday matinee performances on June 10 (1776), June 24 (Noises Off), and July 15th (Disney’s Newsies).

Nutmeg Summer Series’ Executive Producer Matthew J. Pugliese said, “We are very happy that we can offer the ASL interpreted performances this summer. We want all the members of our community to be able to enjoy the theatre. This is a step to make that possible.”

Donna M. Korbel, assistant vice president for student affairs and director of the Center for Students with Disabilities, said, “The Center for Students with Disabilities, through UCIS, is pleased to partner with CRT to offer this public accessibility initiative to enhance our inclusive and accessible environment for the larger UConn community.”

Ticket prices range from $45 to $55 dollars, with student and senior discounts available. To purchase tickets for the ASL- interpreted performances by phone, call 860-486-2113. For additional information, visit the Connecticut Reperatory Theatre’s website here.

The first show of the series, 1776 (June 1-10), with book by Peter Stone and music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, reignites the passion of the American Revolution through song and dance, according to the press release. The show features Broadway Veterans Jamie LaVerdiere (John Adams), Gaelen Gilliand (Abigail Adams), Adam Harrington (John Dickinson), and UConn alum Richard R. Henry (Benjamin Franklin), all under the direction of three-time Tony Award Nominee Terence Mann.

Michael Frayn’s hilarious farce, Noises Off (June 15-25), the second show of the summer, follows a chaotic troupe of actors in their quest to put on a play and the mayhem that ensues both onstage and off. Former CRT Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal returns this summer to bring this comedy to life with cast members including Jennifer Cody of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog and Broadway’s Urinetown, Shrek the Musical,  Steve Hayes (Selsdon Mowbray), Michael Doherty (Tim Allgood), and John Bixler (Lloyd Dallas).

The Summer Series will close with the high-octane, dance filled musical Disney’s Newsies (July 6-16). This theatrical adaptation follows Jack Kelley and his fellow newsboys in a David versus Goliath-type battle for better wages. Under the direction of Tony-Award Nominee Christopher d’Amboise, the spirit of the strike will be brought to life, featuring performers such as Richard Henry (Joseph Pulitzer), Tyler Jones (Crutchie), and Jim Schubin (Jack Kelly).

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. Single ticket prices range from $45 to $55 dollars with $12 student tickets and senior discounts. For additional ticket information or to purchase tickets by phone, call 860-486-2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change. Single tickets are now on sale.

The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut.

CRT’s Community Partners for the Nutmeg Summer Series include Savings Institute Bank and Trust, Dog Lane Café, The Fitch House Bed and Breakfast, Mansfield Downtown Partnership, and XL Color.

Source: University of Connecticut Repertory Theatre

Image: Aerogondo | Dreamstime.com