Community Corner

Theater, Music, a Benefit, and More

Check out what is going on in the region this weekend.

TRAILS
Friday, 8 p.m.TRAILS, a new musical at Spirit of Broadway Theater in Norwich is the perfect tonic to brighten the spirits and warm the hearts of winter-worn hibernators. The story, which is filled with mystery, wisdom, humor, startling revelations, and edge-of-the-seat suspense, centers on two childhood friends who find themselves face-to-face after a long separation. They agree to fulfill a long-ago promise to hike the Appalachian Trail together from beginning to end. Along the way, they meet a series of characters who send them on journeys within their larger quest. As the challenges of the trail become increasingly difficult, long-kept secrets begin to surface and their friendship is put to the ultimate test. The music - a mixture of folk and traditional musical theater with a country and Appalachian flavor - is easy to listen to and uplifting. The story is engaging and fun, and contains a powerful message about the meaning and value of friendship. The cast - a blend of professionals from New York and Connecticut - features Brian Detlefs as Seth, Matt Smolko as Mike, Laura Kathleen Donnelly as Amy, Anne Fowler as Ranger/Molly, Shawn Rucker as Ranger/Mama Harley, and Brett Bernardini as Ranger/Virgil. The musical director is Dan Brandl, set designer is Mike Billings, and lighting designer is Charlie Winter. Lisa Foss is the fight choreographer. All seats are $31 plus a $1 reservation fee. For tickets call 860-886-2378. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, please call 860-886-2378, e-mail SBT@99main.com, visit Spirit of Broadway’s Facebook page, or go to its Web site.

Music at the Harp & Hound
Friday, 9 p.m. - Come out for live entertainment every Friday night at The Harp! The musical talents of The First Responders will begin at 9 p.m.

Benefit for Dorian Murray
Saturday, 9 a.m. - He battled cancer and won, and relapsed the weekend before Christmas. This craft and vendor event will help offset costs associated with treatment.

The Native American Way of Fletching Arrows

Saturday, 1 p.m. - The art of making arrows is as complex and difficult as making bows; and yet, it is a simple and easy technology requiring very few tools. Arrows have been made by indigenous peoples all over the world for the last 12,000 years. Dr. Manuel Lizarralde, professor of Ethnobotany at Connecticut College, a bowyer and arrow maker for the last 25 years, demonstrates how to fletch an arrow. He uses real turkey feathers and hand-split deer sinew (tendons) with hide glue and warm water to bind the feathers and sinew to the arrowwood (Viburnum) shaft. Three feathers, not two, are attached to the arrow shaft which is more complex and efficient. Local natural resources are used in the process. This program is free with museum admission, and is free to museum members.

Mayfly Playhouse
Saturday, 8 p.m. - 24 hours + 7 plays + 1 performance = Mayfly Playhouse 6. The math doesn't look right, but it all adds up to an evening of unparalleled theater. Seven plays, written and rehearsed in one day, presented with one showing only. No encore, no matinee - this is a must-see, one-time event. 


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