Ah, summer.
The beach, the pool, the end of the school year — and the performers at the Youth CONNection Players singing and dancing their hearts out.
The Valley will get a taste of Broadway starting Friday, July 24 with the opening of “The Music Man” at Shelton Intermediate School.
Co-Director and Choreographer Mia Scarpa of Shelton called “The Music Man” the all-American musical.
“If people are looking for a show that will appeal to both kids and adults, this is it – it’s a musical for everybody,” Scarpa said.
The cast includes approximately 45 area performers, ranging in age from 8 to 23.
Ansonia resident Ferdinand Gojani, 23, stars as Harold Hill, a charming con artist who poses as a band director in the small town of River City, Iowa.
Hill enchants the town with promises to organize a boys’ band, provided the residents pay for instruments and uniforms. He plans to escape with their money, until he falls in love with the town librarian, Marian, played by Shelton resident Katelyn Matuska, 17.
“I think as classic musicals go, ‘The Music Man’ is revolutionary. It’s a story that shows that people who make mistakes can still rise to their full potential. It’s a throwback to classic American culture,” Scarpa said.
“The Music Man” is Gojani’s fourth YouthCONNection musical.
“I like playing Harold Hill because he always in a good mood – he is a salesman, but there’s something lovable about him,” Gojani said. “I always have fun with these shows.”
Scarpa’s parents, Gary and Francesca Scarpa of Shelton, started the YouthCONNection more than 25 years ago. They had already been directing Shelton High School shows for almost a decade.
“The majority of this cast came to the Youth CONNection through teen cabarets our daughters directed at Center Stage,” Gary Scarpa said. “They’ve nurtured their talent, and Mia has been a tremendous help with this show. It’s really a family effort – they are continuing our work.”
Regular Valley theater patrons will find the performance schedule is different this year, along with the new location at Shelton Intermediate School.
Night shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. July 24 and 25, with an added matinee showing at 2 p.m. on July 25.
There is also a Thursday night performance on July 30 before the final weekend shows on July 31 and August 1.
Tickets ($20) are available at the Scarpas’ non-profit theatre, Center Stage on Center Street in Shelton, each day between 3 p.m. and 6 pm, or by calling (203) 924‑2622.
