NE Air Museum
The New England Air Museum brings live theater into its hangars for the first time!
The Mystery of Clara Cloud, an original play by local playwright Betsy Maguire, is a fictional story drawing inspiration from one of the most thrilling periods in aviation history. The audience will learn about Clara Cloud, an early air mail pilot from Connecticut, who captured the heart of a nation with her daring nighttime runs. The audience will also meet the “ghosts” of Clara’s past —including several aviation legends —who will help untangle the mystery of her shocking and sudden disappearance in 1935.
The Mystery of Clara Cloud has three acts, taking place in each of the museum’s three large exhibit hangars, with a run time of about one hour. There will be four performances: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 6 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.
The play is directed by Chris Bushey of Bloomfield. “I am very excited to be directing this extraordinary play by award-winning playwright Betsy Maguire. She truly brings the history of aviation and the New England Air Museum to life. Her words, our cast, and the one-of-a-kind setting make for a truly captivating evening.”
The cast includes Virginia Wolf of Farmington, Melissa Veale of Simsbury, Christy Donahue of West Hartford, Betsy Bradley of New Britain, Mark O’Donnell of Windsor, Gloria Gick of Simsbury, Karen Balaska of Somers, Stephanie MacGillivary of Enfield, and Mark Vogel of Hartford.
For more information about the show, including how to order tickets, please visit neam.org
The museum has free parking and is located at 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks.
Suffield Players productions and auditions
Almost, Maine in nearby Suffield
The Suffield Players present Almost, Maine by John Cariani on Feb. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue in Suffield.
Welcome to Almost, Maine: a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. It’s not quite a town, either, because its residents never got around to getting organized. And on one clear, cold winter night, as the aurora borealis shines above, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways.
The director of this midwinter romantic comedy is Janine Corman, with a cast that includes Rachel Berezin, Ryan Bird, Steven Close, Hanna Madler, Amanda Marschall, Terrance Peters, Josh Prouser, Jamie Reopell and Kathleen Stango. Also, stage manager Dorrie Mitchell, lighting design advisor Jerry Zalewski, sound advisor Jason Fregeau, set design by Bob Williams, Kelly Seip and Konrad Rogowski. Original music by Michael Corman.
Ticket prices are $20 ($15 opening night) with discounts available for seniors, students, groups and season subscribers. Purchase tickets by calling 1-800-289-6148, or order at suffieldplayers.org Recommended for ages 13 and up. Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., N.Y.
Visit suffieldplayers.org for the COVID-19 precautions that will be in place, as per CDC and local guidance.
Auditions for Steel Magnolias
The Suffield Players announce auditions for their May 2022 production of Steel Magnolias written by Robert Harling. Based on events from his own life, Harling weaves a tale of friendship, love and laughter between six women who regularly meet at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, La. As the title suggests, these women are “as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel” as they navigate life’s many hurdles together.
There are six female roles ranging from age 20 to 60-plus. Truvy Jones, wife and mother of two grown sons, is sassy centerpiece whose salon provides the group with their home away from home. Shy young Annelle Dupuy-Desoto is the mysterious outsider who becomes Truvy’s assistant. Wealthy widow Clairee Belcher and her nemesis Ouiser Boudreaux, both mature women, spar hilariously with each other throughout the play. Socially prominent wife, mother and career woman M’Lynn Eatenton has a heightened awareness of how life “should” work, but her ideals are shattered through the actions of her beloved, beautiful daughter Shelby. All roles are open.
Auditions will be March 1 and 3, by appointment only. Interested actors may visit suffieldplayers.org to register for an audition appointment. Time and place for auditions will be confirmed after registration. COVID 19 precautions will also be in effect; all actors will be required to show proof of vaccination at time of audition.
The Suffield Players are an inclusive, non-profit community theater company founded in 1952. They regularly perform at historic Mapleton Hall on Mapleton Avenue in Suffield.