Connecticut is a stone’s throw from New York City and it is home to a highly cultured population, an Ivy League university, and two of the biggest casinos in the world. So, you know you will find plenty of live theater, music, and performance arts.
For musical theater, let’s start with the Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT, historically the first stop for Broadway shows on their pre-NYC opening tours. Yale University, also in New Haven, has a busy symphonic concert hall, as does the University of Connecticut in the inland town of Storrs, CT. Other renounced live performance halls on the Connecticut shore include the Palace Theater in Stamford, CT, the Garde in New London, and the Eugene O’Neill in Waterford, CT, all hosting a variety of top acts.
For less-formal settings, Infinity Music Hall, with locations in Norfolk, CT and the capital city of Hartford, CT, rings with music in intimate settings. The Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos are large, dazzling, and always running at full tilt. Their several performance halls bring loads of national talent. Bars, clubs, and small stages in urban or college areas often rise in reconditioned old buildings and other cozy places, offering intimate entertainment and a nice smattering of comedy. Outdoor summer festivals, specializing in jazz or country or other genres, are easy to find in the warm and green season.
Every region has its jewels of performing arts with strong seasons, both year-round and summer stock. For live performances of music, plays, comedy, and acrobatic arts, check the CT Events Page frequently.
