Everyone’s favorite ‘practically perfect’ nanny takes the Summer Theatre of New Canaan stage in this ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ family musical adventure. With unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers this beloved Disney classic is a ‘jolly holiday’ for the whole family. This July, the Summer Theatre of New Canaan presents Mary Poppins for three weeks only! Don’t miss this Broadway caliber production that will leave you singing, laughing, and believing that ‘anything can happen if you let it!’
Fri/Sat @7pm; Sat/Sun @2pm
More information at Stonc.org.
The Summer Theatre of New Canaan returns for the 2024 season with “Mary Poppins” (tickets here). The show will run July 12 to 28.
We caught up with the nonprofit organization’s artistic director, Melody Meitrott Libonati, and its executive director, Ed Libonati (they’re married) about the headline show and full upcoming season, including STONC’s popular educational programs such as the Junior Company and DramaRamas Performance Program for kids with special needs.
Here’s our exchange. ***
New Canaanite: For our readers who are not yet familiar, could you just—before we get into the specifics of this summer’s activities—give a very brief background on Summer Theatre, please?
Ed Libonati: This is our 21st professional season based here in New Canaan. We started in 2004 and have been presenting musicals and plays in the summer for New Canaan and surrounding communities. And it has grown each year.
The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s 2023 season—marking the nonprofit organization’s 20th anniversary—is set to kick off next month with “Beauty and the Beast.” Shows will run July 15 to 30, at 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, with additional 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. On Monday, we talked to Ed Libonati, Summer Theatre’s executive producer, about the upcoming season and other offerings from the organization.
Here’s a transcription of our interview:
New Canaanite: Ed, you guys have been here for so long that this may sound a little silly, but we do have new readers who are new to town. So briefly, before we get into what’s coming this season, could you give us some background on Summer Theatre?
Ed Libonati: Sure. Well, Summer Theatre is now celebrating our 20th anniversary. We started in 2004.
This week, on 0684-Radi0, our free podcast (subscribe here in the iTunes Store), we talk to Melody Libonati, artistic director of Summer Theatre of New Canaan. The nonprofit organization opens its 19th season this week, featuring productions of Broadway Tony-winning revival “Once On This Island” and, for Theatre for a Young Audience, “The Wizard of Oz,” both at the bandshell in Waveny Park. Sponsors of Summer Theatre of New Canaan include Walter Stewart’s, Karl Chevrolet, Bankwell, New Canaan Community Foundation, Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and The Professional Associates, P.C. Media sponsors include Hearst, WSHU Public Radio and NewCanaanite.com.
Here are recent episodes of 0684-Radi0:
For the second straight year, parks officials have approved use of Waveny Park for the long-established Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s shows and programs.
Following discussions at its Feb. 9 meeting, the Parks & Recreation approved an approximately monthlong use of the southwest corner of the soccer fields at Waveny. Summer Theatre of New Canaan, known locally as “STONC,” offered up a pandemic-shortened season last summer in the same area. STONC will launch its Thursday-through-Sunday shows around July 7, following a unanimous vote by the Commission at its regular meeting. The traditional Family Fourth picnic and fireworks are scheduled to be held in Waveny on Saturday, July 2, with a first rain date of July 3 and backup rain date of July 9.
