DAC Stage Announces Spring Shows

The Darien Arts Center (darienarts.org) community theatre group, DAC Stage, has announced its upcoming spring performances. In March they will produce “Sirens” by Deborah Zoe Laufer and in May they will produce “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”.  Founded over 30 years ago, the theatre group has operated under the names the Cherry Lawn Players, Darien Players and Cabaret. Newly reorganized as “DAC Stage” their opening production last February of “The 39 Steps” was a resounding hit.  Their upcoming shows offer a “new” play and a musical revue performance.

“Sirens”, by Deborah Zoe Laufer, was a hit at the 2010 Humana Festival of New American Plays as it explored the poignancy of a once passionate relationship that has lost its sizzle after 25 years of marriage.  Events of a celebratory cruise help to focus the characters on all that is right with the long-term comfort of an enduring relationship. A husband must struggle with the terrors of middle age, the tortures of creative failure, and the desire to live in the past rather than face an uncertain future. The Chicago Sun Times reviewer said: “Sirens feels fresh, smart and hugely entertaining”. The Louisville Courier-Journal describes, “Sirens contains more than a hint of magic, but it’s grounded by the everyday struggles of marriage.”

“Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris” is a musical revue of songs that are linked thematically with a poet’s sensibilities.  With the original French lyrics written by Brel and translated into English by Eric Blau and Mort Schuman along with additional material, the show and music address themes of romance, war, loss, moral conviction, humor and the unstoppable march of time. In an analysis of the show by Scott Miller, he states “Though Brel himself insisted his lyrics are not poetry, they have an intensity of images, uncommon rhythmic patterns and a sophisticated structure that confirms his stature as a major artist.” The show was written in the late 60s but remains strongly relevant today. The original show had the distinction of running continuously off-Broadway for 4 years.

Performances of “Sirens” are March 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 at 8pm and March 16 & 23, 2014 at 2pm. Show times for “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris” are May 2, 3, 9, & 10 at 8pm and May 4, 2014 at 2pm. Both shows will take place in the DAC Weatherstone Studio located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Darien Town Hall. Tickets can be purchased by going to the Darien Arts Center website at darienarts.org or by calling the box office at 203-655-5414.

Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, & special events & live theatre performances by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit darienarts.org.