Archive for the ‘Comedy’ Category

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, March 16, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, there is a full weekend of activities planned for those who want to celebrate Irish traditions and culture. Those events include stops by Celtic Woman in Wallingford on Saturday, March 17, and Uncasville on Sunday, March 18; the two-man show, “An Irish Tale,” in Bridgeport on Friday, March 16; and the Saw Doctors in Ridgefield on Sunday, March 18. (Above, the band performs the single “Indian Summer,” which was released last year.)

Beyond St. Patrick’s Day, there is a full complement of musical performances, theatrical productions, stand-up comedy and movie events to keep all ages entertained. For instance, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band comes to Ridgefield on Friday, March 16; violinist Judith Ingolfsson joins the Greenwich Symphony on Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18; the Roches: Suzzy & Maggie are  in Mamaroneck, N.Y., on Friday, March 16; and Brian Stokes Mitchell will perform in Westport on Saturday, March 17.

There also will be an organ concert at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Stamford on Sunday, March 18, and a performance by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in Fairfield on Saturday, March 17. Or, you can check out some of Norwalk’s Crystal Theatre alums, who will return on Friday to help out at a benefit performance.

There are several programs and events planned for children and families, too, from performances of “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Tortoise and the Hare,” at the Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, March 18, to Tomas Kubinek’s one-man show at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College on Sunday, March 18. The Newtown Historical Society will be hosting an open house on Sunday, March 18. And, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a “Green Animal” scavenger hunt and a chance to save some of the green. Children who don the color green will be admitted free with a paying adult. Over at Audubon Greenwich there will be a woodcock walk.

Those looking for some live theater can make the trek to New Haven where Yale Rep will put on “The Winter’s Tale” and the Long Wharf Theatre is staging “Bell, Book and Candle.” “Jimmy Dean” gets a run in Darien. The “Irish Curse” continues at TheatreWorks New Milford. “Death of a Salesman” also continues at Stamford’s Curtain Call.

Meanwhile, cinema buffs can travel to Hartford for the Jewish Film festival. Or, check out comic Richard Lewis at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, March 17. He also returns at month’s end for a benefit performance for the Boys & Girls Village.

Sports fans also will likely be making a stop to the state when the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport hosts the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 17, and Monday, March 19. Next weekend, it will be the site of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey tournament.

So get on out there, I hear it’s supposed to be a rather nice weekend of weather.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, March 9, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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St. Patrick’s Day may be a weekend away, but the party starts early with a visit by the Dropkick Murphys to the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, March 10. The Boston-based band is currently on a tour following last year’s release of the record “Going Out in Style.”

And, there are plenty of other musical acts lined up to provide a weekend’s worth of entertainment.

The Fairfield County Chorale will welcome Argentine guest conductor David Rosenmeyer on Saturday, March 10, who will be leading the group in the world premiere of Thomas Cabaniss’ “My Song is a Fire.” That is the same night that Blue Jupiter and TGFI will be bringing the a cappella sound to the Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport. Meanwhile, the anniversary of the death of rapper the Notorious B.I.G. will bring together a number of Connecticut and New York City emcees, who will put on a tribute at the Acoustic Café in Bridgeport on Friday, March 9. The Zambonis will be having a CD release party on the same night over at Two Boots in Bridgeport.

And the music continues. Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra come to Fairfield on Friday, Travis Tritt visits Ridgefield on Friday and the Australian Bee Gees come to the Westchester Broadway Theatre. And, Brazilian guitarists Maria Haro and Vera de Andrade will perform for the New England Guitar Society on Saturday in Milford.

Cinema fans have their choice between Stamford and Bridgeport when it comes to a series of French films, in advance of the Focus on French Cinema, which is set to take place at Purchase College in Purchase, N.Y. at month’s end.

Also this weekend, “South Pacific” returns home to New Haven’s Shubert Theatre. “Celtic Nights” comes to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield, as does the radio drama, “Communists! The Red Scare on the Air.” Play With Your Food returns to the Fairfield Theater Co. Norwalk’s Theatre Artists Workshop features a “Classic Night Reading” of Noel Coward’ s”Blithe Spirit.” And, on Monday, Westport Country Playhouse hosts a reading of its own with “Stage Struck.”

A number of community theater groups are busy this weekend too, including Stamford’s Curtain Call, New Canaan’s Town Players, Falcon Repertory Company Inc., TheatreWorks New Milford, The Stray Kats Theatre Company and Stratford Theatre.

Comic Jo Koy will be performing at Foxwoods. And, Treehouse Comedy will be featuring a number of comics at locations across the state.

There are many family and children activities planned, as well, from the handbell choir that will be performing popular selections from movie scores on Saturday at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, to the foraging tour with “Wildman” Steve Brill in Danbury. At the Bruce Museum, there will be a special program linked with the current “Walter Wick: Larger than Life” exhibit. At the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, a recent refurbishment has produced 21 new exhibits, a seal show and made room for more than 300 new animals. And on Sunday, the Westport Arts Center will be hosting a WACky Family Day.

There are a number of art events worth checking out, from the opening of a number of solo shows celebrating Women’s History Month at the Silvermine Arts Center, to the ongoing exhibit of women’s art at UConn Stamford’s gallery. (Meanwhile, International Women’s Day will be celebrated with a special tea at the Wilton Library on Saturday.)

So get on out there and enjoy yourselves. Just remember, though, to set those clocks ahead an hour for Daylight Saving Time.

Until next time …

Aziz Ansari to bring ‘Buried Alive Tour’ to Foxwoods

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 by:Scott Gargan
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Aziz Ansari got some love from President Barack Obama recently. And, when he comes to Foxwoods this spring, he’ll get some love from Connecticut, too.

Named “the funniest man under 30” by Rolling Stone, Ansari will stop by the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods for a show on his Buried Alive Tour on Saturday, May 19 at 9 p.m.

Tickets, which cost are $35-$55, can be purchased by calling 800-200-2882 or going online.

During a fundraiser in New York City last week, the president gave a shout out to Ansari, who performed at the event, saying first daughter, Malia, is a “big fan” of “Parks And Recreation.” Ansari stars as Tom Haverford on the NBC show.

In addition to his network TV stint, Ansari recently starred in the action comedy “30 Minutes or Less” opposite Danny McBride and Jesse Eisenberg.

He is currently developing three films for Judd Apatow and Universal with director Jason Woliner, and he is set to voice a character in Twentieth Century Fox’s “Ice Age: Continental Drift.”

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, February 24, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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He’s been feted by the Country Music Awards, as well as the Grammys, and now Glen Campbell will take to the stage at Mohegan Sun on Friday, Feb. 24, to perform as part of his farewell tour — a long goodbye from the pop/country legend. It’s sure to be an evening of the classics (see video below) and his songs from his latest record “Ghost on the Canvas” (see video above.) Opening for the ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ will be Ronnie Milsap.

But Campbell is not the only musician arriving in Connecticut this weekend to entertain. Jonathan Jackson is set to perform in Trumbull; Joe Louis Walker will be in Fairfield, the Cowboy Junkies will take to the stage in Ridgefield, and Maydie Myles and Devino Trio come to Bethel. And, Blake Shelton, who shared the stage with Campbell at the Grammys this year, also comes to Mohegan Sun on Sunday. There also will be singing at the Palace in Waterbury, but it will be more of a communal experience when the theater hosts ‘Sing-A-Long Sound of Music.

For laughs, you can make a trip to Comix at Foxwoods to see Steve Harvey, head to New Haven for a performance by Lisa Lampanelli at the Shubert Theater or journey to Mohegan Sun for the last weekend of “Funniest Comic in New England Contest.” For a dramatic evening, journey to Newtown where Stray Kats Theatre Company will present a staged reading of Edward Albee’s “Seascape.” A combination of music and comedy is promised by the organizers of “ROAR with Laughter,” which takes place in Danbury on Saturday.

Opportunities abound for families as well, from Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret’s performance of “Sleeping Beauty;” the Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk; the “Birds of Prey” programs lined up at the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven; and the arrival of the Harlem Globetrotters to Webster Bank Arena and the XL Center in Hartford.

But, we are not done. Ballet Folklorico will be bringing a taste of Colombian culture to Stamford’s Palace Theatre. The Connecticut Convention Center will be home to the 31st annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show through the weekend. And, Lyman Orchards will present its Winterfest.

Finally, for those who are planning to watch this year’s Academy Awards program, the Avon Theatre in Stamford is providing an alternative to your living room couch. The moviehouse will be hosting its annual Oscar night party, complete with a red carpet, food and drinks, a live telecast and prizes. Guests are encouraged to arrive in festive Hollywood attire … as the paparazzi are likely to be out in full force.

Until next time ….

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, February 17, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
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Above: Foreigner will be performing many of its greatest hits Saturday night, Feb. 18, at the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport. Contributed photo

It certainly won’t be the first time that Foreigner ascends to a stage when the band comes to the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport on Saturday, Feb. 18. With hits such as “Feels Like the First Time,” Double Vision,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” the band has made a lot of fans over its more than three decades in rock. If you go, look for the Bridgeport Central High School Choir, who will be singing with the band during the concert.

There is other music to be had, as well, including an all-day, all-night Mardi Gras fundraiser in Black Rock on Saturday, Feb. 18, , featuring local and regional performers. Lucy Kaplansky is coming to Fairfield. Lynyrd Skynyrd is at Foxwoods. And, The Pink Floyd Experience comes to Storrs.

There are plenty of chances to see some quality cinema this weekend, too. At the Avon in Stamford the Oscar-nominated foreign language film, “A Separation,” will be screened followed by a question-and-answer session led by Ardeshir and Eleanor Ommani, co-founders of the American Iranian Friendship Committee.

There is plenty for children to do too, which is fortunate, since many of them are on their winter breaks. My colleague Scott Gargan has compiled many events and programs that should keep all ages occupied. Chili fans, too, which undoubtedly include many in the younger set, can take a trip to Danbury to not only sample some spicy fare, but see who earns top prizes.

Perhaps you are a fan of Ben Vereen and have always wanted to know more about his career as a successful actor, dancer and singer. You are in luck, since the Brooklyn, N.Y., native will be at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Feb. 19, to talk about his career as part of the center’s American Legends series. Or maybe you are looking for performing magic of a different sort. Just know then that the Amazing Kreskin will be working hard for his money when he performs over the weekend at Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theatre.

Over at Mohegan Sun, more than 40 comics will be gathering in the hopes that they will soon be named the funniest comic in New England. There a number of contestants from Connecticut, particularly the Fairfield County area, so if you want to cheer on the local talent, make sure to save some time on Friday, Feb. 17, or Saturday, Feb.18.

Dance fans have a chance to catch the Stage Ballet Theatre of Russia bring the classic ballet “Romeo and Juliet” to the stage in New Haven for two performances on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Clearly, there is not enough hours in the weekend to catch all the many programs and activities scheduled this weekend, but here are a few more you may want to save time to check out. The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks will be hosting an Open Cockpit Day on Sunday, Feb. 19, including an appearance by Tuskegee Airman Connie Nappier. Canines will be put through their paces in Hartford. “Winter’s Aweigh” finds its way to Mystic Seaport.

Until next time …

Norwalk named seventh on ‘least romantic’ list

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by:Scott Gargan
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Cupid’s arrow appears to have missed Foursquare users in Norwalk.

The city was named seventh in a list of “least romantic” municipalities in the United States, according to a poll by the location-based social networking website.

The results were based on more than 1.5 billion check-ins at romantic places such as French restaurants, flower shops and lingerie stores.

However, Norwalk’s spot on the list belies the city’s bevy of lovey-dovey locales, including Chocopologie Cafe, Meigas and Naughty Nancy’s, as well as its history of cultivating one of the world’s most seductive foods — oysters.

The title of most romantic city went to Lake Buena Vista, Fla. while Beaverton, Ore. was named the least romantic.

The following are the complete lists:

Most Romantic
:

1. Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
2. Napa, Calif.
3. Venice, Calif.
4. St. Louis, Mo.
5. New York City
6. San Francisco
7. Reston, Va.
8. Beverly Hills, Calif.
9. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
10. Key West, Fla.

Least Romantic
:

1. Beaverton, Ore.
2. Bethlehem, Pa.
3. Lawrenceville, Ga.
4. Sterling Heights, Mich.
5. West Chester, Pa.
6. Normal, Ill.
7. Norwalk
8. Tustin, Calif.
9. Duluth, Minn.
10. Waltham, Mass.

Larry the Cable Guy to ‘get-r-done’ in Waterbury

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by:Linda Tuccio-Koonz
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It’s time to ‘get-r-done,’ Connecticut!

Larry the Cable Guy performs stand-up at the Palace Theatre in Waterbury on Sunday, March 11 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Coming to prominence on the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” alongside fellow comedians Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White and Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy is known for his southern charm, thick country accent and signature catchphrase, “get-r-done!”

In addition to performing stand-up comedy, he has starred in several feature films, including “Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector”;  the Disney/Pixar animated “Cars” franchise; and “Witness Protection” with co-star Jenny McCarthy.

Larry the Cable Guy’s first comedy album, “Lord, I Apologize,”  remained at number one on the Billboard Comedy Chart for 15 weeks in a row. His DVD special, “Git-R-Done,” has sold more than 1 million copies.

He’s also won Billboard’s prestigious 2005 Comedy Artist of the Year and Comedy Album of the Year award, and was named to the Forbes Celebrity 100 List two years in a row (2006 and 2007), and again last year.

Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy, a reality show in which the comedian explores the country and immerses himself in different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies, currently airs on the Comedy Network.

Tickets, which cost $55, can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, online, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St., Waterbury.

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Dralion’ set for Bridgeport run

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by:Pat Quinn
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Cirque du Soleil’s “Dralion” is set for seven performances at Bridgeport’s Webster Bank Arena in June.

Tickets — which cost $100-$35 for adults; $81-$28 for ages 12 and younger; and $85.50-$31.50 for military, seniors and students — will go on sale Friday, Jan. 27 by calling 800-745-3000 or going online.

Premiering in 1999, “Dralion” fuses ancient Chinese circus traditions with the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The name Dralion (pronounced “Drah-lee-on”) is drawn from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West, according to the troupe.

“Dralion” derives much of its inspiration from Eastern philosophy, with its quest for harmony between humans and nature. The international cast features 52 acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters.

The show is scheduled for June 13, 7:30 p.m.; June 14, 7:30 p.m.; June 15, 7:30 p.m.; June 16, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and June 17, 1 and 5 p.m.

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