For the past seven seasons, A.C.T. of CT has been celebrated for its Broadway-caliber productions of well-known musicals, but an equally vital part of the theater’s mission is creating and nurturing of new works. The theater is deeply committed to fostering the development of original musicals, with a passionate focus on elevating the voices of the next generation of writers, composers, and artists. This dedication not only enriches the art form itself but also empowers Fairfield County to play an active role in the evolution of new theatrical works.
In the summer of 2018, A.C.T. of CT launched its New Works Series with the “New Works Festival,” an initiative that included the debut of a new musical, Austen’s Pride. The success of Austen’s Pride led to a fully staged production at A.C.T. of CT in the spring of 2019. The musical’s journey continued with a production at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and a prestigious concert presentation at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
Since that auspicious beginning, A.C.T. of CT has continued to champion new works, presenting readings and productions that have resonated deeply with audiences. Among these was the first professional production of the new musical Nickel Mines, which left an indelible impact on those who experienced it.
This March, A.C.T. of CT proudly presents another world premiere with Few Words: A Dance Cycle. This innovative new work, told entirely through the language of dance and movement, explores the profound resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With an entirely original score composed by A.C.T. of CT’s Resident Music Supervisor Bryan Perri, the production is the brainchild of A.C.T.’s Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, with dance supervision by the acclaimed choreographer Sara Brians.
Few Words: A Dance Cycle features choreography by four of New York City’s most sought-after choreographers and promises to be an exhilarating and unique experience. By eschewing traditional dialogue and lyrics, the production relies solely on the dancers’ physicality to convey complex stories, emotions, and themes, offering a universal form of storytelling that transcends language and connects with audiences on a visceral level. The piece unfolds in four distinct and independent acts, with each one delving into themes of resilience, connection, and communication through the transformative power of movement and dance. It is a true “dance cycle.”
Composer of the piece, Bryan Perri, says, “This music is the sonic embodiment of the swirling chaos, emotion and contemplation that lives inside my mind. I am grateful that A.C.T. of CT appreciates new work and is willing to champion a piece that pushes traditional boundaries. Each piece represents its own emotional journey that everyone can connect to in their own way.”
Creator and Director of the piece, Daniel C. Levine, says, “When considering the structure and writing a treatment for this piece, I wanted to identify four very different stories that could reasonably be linked by one thematic idea – that of ‘connection’. While the four stories that I wrote are all based on either real people, true events, or existing tales, I felt compelled to take these narratives a step further. I created backstories and, within the confines of my imagination, expanded upon and dramatized these stories or factual events and delved deeper into the emotional landscapes of these characters and amplify the universal themes within these stories, making them not only relatable but also profoundly moving in ways that only the art of dance can express.”
A.C.T. of CT is honored to collaborate with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra for this limited one-week engagement in March 2025, and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share this compelling exploration of the human spirit with its audience. •
