Based on the fabulous lyrics of Johnny Burke, this "dazzling, toe-tapping, finger-snapping delight" of a musical revue features over 40 tunes including such classics as "Pennies From Heaven," "What's New," "Imagination," "Misty," "Here's That Rainy Day," and Academy Award-winning "Swinging on a Star."

The songs, performed by ten singer/actor/dancers, are perfectly woven into scenes and settings, including a 1920's speakeasy, a World War II USO tour and a Paramount pictures studio where Bob Hope and Bing Crosby are filming their "Road Show" pictures.

"Johnny Burke wrote his songs with moonbeams! Songs poured out of him like life-renewing raindrops, glinting like pennies." —NY Times.


Directed and Choreographed by Darlene Zoller, Musical Direction by Colin Britt

See photos from this production
in our Photo Gallery.

SPECIAL: Open mic after the Sat, July 21st performance. Bring your music and sing your favorite songs accompanied by Colin Britt on the piano. Or just hang around and listen to the performance. BYOB - snacks will be provided.

SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT
JULY 2012			11 7:30pm (Preview)	12 7:30pm (Preview)	13 8:00pm (Opening Nite)	14 8:00pm
15 2:00pm Talk Back with the cast	16	17	18 2:00pm & 7:30pm	19 7:30pm	20 8:00pm	21 8:00pm Open mic afer the show
22 2:00pm	23	24	25 7:30pm	26 7:30pm	27 8:00pm	28 8:00pm
29 2:00pm

KEVIN BARLOWSKI  Playhouse on Park: Peter (COMPANY), Linus (YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN), MC (THE CLOWNS), Professor (I THINK I CAN), Featured Soloist (THAT HOLIDAY FEELING), Boy (IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE). Kevin is thrilled to return to the Playhouse for his 10th production, having also directed their children's musical BUNNICULA and musically directed ALL I REALLY...KINDERGARTEN. Education: B.A. Emerson College and Circle in the Square Theatre School. Kevin is a core faculty member at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. He extends his unending gratitude to Darlene, Colin, Sean and his family and friends for their guidance, love and laughter.

DAKOTA DUTCHER  is thrilled to be making his Playhouse debut! Originally from Carson City, Nevada, Dakota currently attends the Hartt School of Music, Dance and Theatre, pursuing his BFA in Musical Theatre. Professional credits include HSO’s Summer Concert Series: CELEBRATE AMERICA as a Lead Vocalist, ASYLUM: THE STRANGE CASE OF MARY LINCOLN, GREENBRIAR GHOST (Spirit of Broadway), URINETOWN (Brewery Arts Center). Educational credits include TAMING OF THE SHREW, PIPPIN!, OKLAHOMA!, CORAM BOY, AND THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO. “Thanks to POP for this opportunity, and my parents who can’t be here in person, but are always in my heart.”

HILLARY EKWALL Is over the moon to be 'swinging with stars' in another POP production! Playhouse on Park Credits: Jenny (COMPANY), Sally (YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN), Blue Dog (GO, DOG. GO!), Becky Watkins (I THINK I CAN) , THAT HOLIDAY FEELING,  with stop/time dance theater company:   SHOWSTOPPERS, SWING SET, MY SHOW: A CHOREOGRAPHER'S STORY.  National Tour: George (CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE!), Ivoryton Playhouse: Gilmer (GODSPELL), Spirit of Broadway: Jo/Young Alice (ONCE UPON A TIME IN ATLANTIC CITY). Recently she was seen originating the role of Cindy Snail in the World Premier of THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE.  Thanks to Darlene, Colin, the cast and my friends and family for your constant support, blessings, encouragement, and love.

MARISSA FAMIGLIETTI a Waterbury native classically trained at the Manhattan School of Music in NYC, is thrilled to make her Playhouse on Park debut! Operatic credits include Marguerite (FAUST), Fiordilgi (COSI FAN TUTTE), Donna Elvira (DON GIOVANNI), Lauretta (GIANNI SCHICCHI), and Suor Genovieffe (SUOR ANGELICA). Equally at home in classical crossover and concert work, Marissa has performed as a soloist with the Concert Pops of Long Island and the Waterbury Chorale, and can be heard throughout the East Coast as duet partner to tenor and recording artist Michael Amante. Lots of love to her incredibly supportive husband and family!

SHANNON FARRELL  a South Glastonbury native, attended the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts as a Dance major, graduating in 2008. She also attended the Boston Ballet Summer Program in 2005 and 2006. Shannon graduated from Elon University with a bachelor of arts in Human Services in 2012. She was a part of the Elon Dance Company as well as danced professionally from 2009-2012 for Terranova Dance Theatre based out of Greensboro, NC. Shannon is currently working at the River Street Autism Program in Hartford, CT and excited to be dancing at Playhouse on Park.


AMANDA FORKER Playhouse on Park: Yellow Dog (GO, DOG. GO!) Mrs. Monroe (BUNNICULA), Featured Soloist (ICY HOT CABARET); Opera Theater of Connecicut: Lay Sister (Suor Angelica); Western CT State University: Miss Todd (THE OLD MAID AND THE THIEF), Mother (AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS); Cape Cod College Light Opera Company: Lady Jane (PATIENCE), Mrs. Higgins (MY FAIR LADY). Amanda is also a regular singer at A.C. Petersen's on Monday Nights and a member of the cabaret group The Falcetti Four. Thank you Darlene, Colin, Dawn, this amazing cast and crew, and especially YOU for swinging on a star with us!

MACKENZIE FRIEDMANN Playhouse on Park debut! Recent productions: NINE, Assistant to the Choreographer (Hartt School), ANYTHING GOES, SWEENEY TODD, URINETOWN, CABARET, DESSA ROSE (Greater Hartford Academy). Current B.F.A. Musical Theatre student at The Hartt School and graduate of The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. MacKenzie is also a summer intern at Playhouse on Park.



JENNA LEVITT is so thrilled to join the amazing cast, crew, and directors for "Swinging on a Star", marking Jenna's third show with POP.  A teacher by day, Jenna has also performed with a variety of theater groups in CT and most recently began singing with the band "Inner Groove" as well. Favorite theater roles include Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Gertrude McFuzz in SEUSSICAL, Carmen Bernstein in CURTAINS, and Narrator in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT.  A big thanks to Darlene, Colin, Dawn, and everyone at POP who not only made this show happen, but who also made it a wonderfully unforgettable experience.

SPENCER POND is thrilled to be back for his fifth time appearing on the Playhouse on Park stage. Previous shows include: HOMEROOM (Andy), SWING SET (Dancer), CHICAGO (Dancer), SHOWSTOPPRS (Dancer). Spencer is a native of West Hartford and a recent graduate of Hall High School. There, he could have been seen dancing in the annual Pops n' Jazz as a part of the Jazz Dancers. You may also recognize him from being behind bars—in the Playhouse box office! A special thanks goes out to Darlene Zoller for giving me every opportunity to become the best I can be.


SCOTT SCAFFIDI With Playhouse on Park: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN.  Scott is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse on Park.  He is starting to feel like West Hartford is a second home due to the wonderfully warm welcome he receives every time he returns. Scott has worked regionally with Geva Theater Center, Cohoes Music Hall, and RCT.  He also played the role of John in JOHN AND JEN in New York.  After Swingin’ here at the playhouse Scott will be swingin’ his way up to his alma mater, Nazareth College of Rochester, to direct MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.

 

 

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