The Gary-The Olivia Theater

Will Also Host Music This Summer

BETHLEHEM — The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center at the Abbey of Regina Laudis is planning two performances of music, song and dance over the weekend of June 6-7 to benefit The Gary-The Olivia Theater, a theatrical tradition that has presented, promoted and fostered excellence in the performing arts through theatrical productions for over twenty years.

The first performance, “Classical Edges,” will feature the soprano Rebekah Camm and fellow artists celebrating composers who expanded the classical form, taking risks in their compositions and enriching listeners. That performance will be Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 pm.

Ms Camm has established a reputation for artistic and musical excellence on the operatic, concert and recital stages.  Her burgeoning career has included such highlights as her recent creation of the role of Dolly Messiter in the world premiere of Andre Previn’s Brief Encounter for the Houston Grand Opera, as well as taking on the roles of Micaela (Carmen), Pamina (Die Zauberflote) and Eva in the highly acclaimed world premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’ dramatic oratorio The Refuge, all for Houston Grand Opera.

She has also sung leading roles with the Los Angeles Opera, including the role of Nedda in the acclaimed Woody Allen production of Gianni Schicchi, a role she will reprise this summer to open the 2009 Festival of the Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.  

Then on Sunday at 2:30, jazz pianist and composer Craig Hartley and The Craig Hartley Trio will perform “Jazz Currents.” The afternoon program will offer a variety of jazz styles while exploring the influence of jazz on American musical theater.

Each performance will be followed by a reception featuring award winning artisan made cheeses, desserts and wines and an opportunity to meet the evening’s performing artists.

Tickets are $35 per person and are available online at www.TheGaryTheOlivia.com or by mail. Checks should be made to The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center and mailed 20 Gate Post Lane, Southbury CT 06488. Call 203-273-5669 for additional information.

The theater is on the grounds of the Abbey of Regina Laudia on Flanders Road, and it is handicapped accessible.

Event proceeds will go towards sound and lighting upgrades for The Gary-The Olivia Theater. Built in 1986 through the help of Academy Award winning actress Patricia Neal, this open-air theater seats 300 people. Past productions have ranged from Shakespeare to Sartre and from opera to musical theater. Recent performances have included My Fair Lady (2005), The Music Man (2006), Fiddler On The Roof (2007) and West Side Story (2008). The 2009 summer production will be the Tony Award winning musical, The Pajama Game.