" We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill
Thanks for being here for GROUNDHOG DAY THE MUSICAL!
When I was first approached by the licensing agency - Music Theatre International - about producing Groundhog Day The Musical, I was excited and a bit scared.
I had never seen the show (had loved the 1983 film version) so I immediately listened to the score and read the script - and I was hooked.
While the film pushed the comedy - and how cold you not with Bill Murray in the lead and Harold Ramis directing, this musical adaptation shows some of life's darker moments.
Ironically, Murray himself was not happy with the film and had the idea that "Groundhog Day" should be more of a thinker piece—the type of movie that makes you question life and our very existence.
And that's exactly what we have here now, in it's New England premiere!
But right now I need your help.
As a nonprofit arts organization, we always need financial support from friends and fans. This has never been more true than over the past several Covid years. We are back to normal levels of producing but audience numbers are still below pre-pandemic norms. We don't want to cheap out on sets and costumes, etc., so we need your help and the best way for you to do that is on Giving Day, February 23.
If everyone who sees Groundhog Day can make a minimum online contribution of $10, that day - and ask at least one other friend or family member to do the same for the local theatre you enjoy - we could be well on our way to meeting our $50,000 goal - half of the hole we have to fill for this year's budget. The more people who contribute, the better are chances of winning some additional bonus dollars.
Asking for money is not fun - but a necessary task in my job. I truly hope you can help.
I would love to have you on our Giving Day team - really simple as I can supply you with an email template to send friends and family. Let me know if you can help: lou@curtaincallinc.com
For now, enjoy the show and thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Lou Ursone
Executive Director
Curtain Call, Inc.
The hilarious film turned West End and Broadway hit will have audiences returning again, and again, and again... Critically acclaimed on both the West End and Broadway, Groundhog Day revels in one man's journey of self-discovery, day after day. Inspired by the hilarious film starring Bill Murray, Groundhog Day features a book by original co-screenwriter Dan Rubin, and music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Tim Minchin (Matilda the Musical).How would you spend your time if forced to repeat the same day over and over again? Phil Connors, a seasoned big-city weatherman, is frustrated to be to reporting the annual Groundhog Day Ceremony in small town Punxsutawney, PA. His arrogance and cynicism are in direct opposition to the cheery townsfolk, who are ready for their favorite Groundhog to not see his shadow and welcome an early spring. After disdainfully covering the rodent's negative forecast, he awakens the next day only to discover it's February 2 once more. Initially in disbelief, Phil finally accepts he is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again.
NOTE: Groundhog Day, The Musical, is definitely not for younger audiences, as it contains adult themes and language, as well as a suicidal situation, that may not be appropriate for those under 16. However, through some difficult topics, the show does portray important positive themes of life: to love, to lose, to laugh and to cry, to connect with others, to grow, to change, and to never give up hope.
Curtain Call, Inc.
in cooperation with The City of Stamford
presents
in The Kweskin Theatre
GROUNDHOG DAY
THE MUSICAL
Book by Danny Rubin |
Music by Tim Minchin |
Music Director George H. Croom |
Choreographer Carly Jurman |
Set Design Peter Barbieri, Jr. |
Lighting Design Evan Brenner |
Costume Design Megan Latte Morello |
Production Stage Manager Tommy DeSalvo |
Director Stephen Emerick |
Groundhog Day The Musical is produced through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International, www.mtishows.com, NY, NY
The use of any photographic and recording devices is strictly prohibited.
(See performance notes below as to who is performing on which night.)
Phil Connors
Chris Balestriere / Jason Summers
Rita Hanson
Nikki Monahan / Eliza Kingsbury
TOWNSPEOPLE
Ned Ryerson
Adam Bloom / Fred Rueck
Nancy Taylor
Kelley Alejos / Charlotte Roth
Mrs. Lancaster
Donna Fox Bianco
Freddie / Pharmacologist
Jonathan Wu
Debbie
Monique Castillo
Joelle
Victoria Clougher
Ralph
Anthony Laszlo
Gus / Bartender Billy
Kevin Sell
Doris AA Person
Sara Jean George DeFelice
Buster
Rob Nichols
Sheriff
David Nielsen
Deputy
Candace Sisbarro
Jessie Jenson
Chloe Naudet
Chubby Man / Priest
Markiss Jackson
Piano Teacher
Jenny Maso
Lady Storm Chaser / Naturopath
Katie Imholt
Storm Chaser / Elder / Jenson
Marty Garcia
Hot Dog Vender / Ticket Man
Jesus Reyes
Townsperson
Kathryn Tracy
Phil Connors
Chris Balestriere - Performing February 2, 4, 11, 12, 17
Jason Summers - Performing February 3, 5, 10, 16, 18
Rita Hanson
Eliza Kingsbury - Performing February 2, 5, 11, 16, 17
Nikki Monahan - Performing February 3, 4, 10, 12, 18
Ned Ryerson / Healer
Fred Rueck - Performing February 2, 3, 11, 16, 17
Adam Bloom - Performing February 4, 5, 10, 12, 18
Nancy Taylor
Charlotte Roth - Performing February 3, 5, 11, 12, 18
Kelley Alejos - Performing February 2, 4, 10, 16, 17
Producer
Lou Ursone
Director
Stephen Emerick
Music Director
George H. Croom
Choreographer
Carly Jurman
Set Design
Peter Barbieri, Jr.
Lighting Design
Evan Brenner
Costume Design
Megan Latte Morello
Production Stage Manager
Tom DeSalvo
Sound Design
Jamie Lajoie
Illusions Created by
Mark Mazzarella
Assistant Director
Hunter Brady
Props Mistress
Martha Dombroski
Sound Engineers
Bruce Crilly, Nora Watson
Dance Captains
Sara DeFelice, Daniela Sawyer
Running Crew
Pierce Colfer, Chris Nardi
Dressers
Heather Abrado Rebecca Borowik, Molly Eagleton, Ann Marie Galgano, Celine Montaudy,
Spot Light Operators
Hailey Curtis, Eric Naydan, Zully Ramos, Daniela Sawyer
Keyboard 1/Conductor
George H. Croom
Keyboard 2
Clay Zambo
Bass
Nick Macri
Reeds
Patrick Lombardo
Trombone
Joseph Petrizzo
Trumpet
Christopher Melito
Percussion
Roger Post