Each season at A.C.T. of Connecticut is built with extraordinary care. With only three mainstage productions—each in production for nearly three months—the responsibility of choosing the right titles is one that, as Artistic Director of A.C.T. of CT, I take very seriously.
Selecting a season isn’t simply about picking shows I love; it’s about crafting a journey for our audiences—a blend of familiarity, discovery, and surprise. My decision-making process begins long before the curtain ever rises. In fact, I start curating each season a full year in advance. While audiences are just beginning to enjoy our current productions, I’m already deep into reading scripts, discussing rights, exploring creative possibilities, and envisioning what stories might best complement one another the following year. As I write this, next season’s lineup is already mostly finalized—and though I’d love to share it, that information is strictly top secret. Not even our board of directors knows what’s coming yet!
Over time, I’ve developed a kind of formula for building a well-balanced season. I aim to include one show that most people have heard of, one that audiences may have heard of but perhaps never seen, and one that might be entirely new to them. This mix ensures that each season feels both welcoming and adventurous; grounded in recognizable favorites while also introducing fresh perspectives and possibly new musical voices. Ultimately, the question I always return to is simple: Will our audience connect with this story? My hope is that, after years of loyal patronage, our audiences have come to trust my choices and taste—to know that, whether they recognize a title or not, they’ll leave the theater moved, inspired, and entertained.
This season’s trio of productions exemplifies that balance. Almost Famous – newly reimagined – launched our 2025/2026 season. Frozen, Disney’s global hit, is a joyful and family-friendly favorite. We will close with Dear Evan Hansen, a groundbreaking contemporary piece that continues to define modern musical theater. Together, these three show reflect what I strive for every year: a season that surprises, delights, and reminds us why live theater matters. •
