Short Takes

Darko Celebrates the Graphic Novel

Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak and Hartford Public Library CEO Matthew K. Poland will discuss Art Spiegelman’s In the Shadow of No Towers, a “powerful, introspective visual account of the tragic events s of 9/11 and its life-altering aftermath,” according to Hartford Public Library. The event will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, in the Atrium at 500 Main Street.

Education Launches Fall Classes for Adults and Children

Hartford Stage Education kicks-off a second round of Fall Studio classes with one for the adults—Adventure on Stage: Movement Combat for Actors, Oct. 20-Nov. 24. For young people, classes include Stories on Stage Workshop: Tall Tales!, ages 5-7, Nov. 1-Dec. 6; Puppetry, Ages 8-11, Nov. 1-Dec. 13; and Choreography, Ages 10+, Nov. 1-Dec. 6. For information, visit www.hartfordstage.org/education.

Ceremony Reveals New Renovations, Anticipates Next Summer’s Transformation

More than 75 special guests, including Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarro, gathered last month for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of this past summer’s $800,000 renovation of the theatre’s interior and upper lobby.

Board President Jill Adams, Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Ether Dome director Michael Wilson, actress Johanna Morrison, Ether Dome playwright Elizabeth Egloff, Mayor Pedro Segarra and Managing Director Mike Stotts. — Board President Jill Adams, Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, *Ether Dome* director Michael Wilson, actress Johanna Morrison, *Ether Dome* playwright Elizabeth Egloff, Mayor Pedro Segarra and Managing Director Mike Stotts.

Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, Former Artistic Director Michael Wilson, Board of Directors’ President Jill Adams, Managing Director Michael Stotts, and Ether Dome Playwright Elizabeth Egloff all looked on as longtime A Christmas Carol actress Johanna Morrison cut the red ribbon. View event photos.

Next summer’s final phase of renovations will include the installation of an elevator; completion of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC improvements started in 2010; renovations of the lower lobby, and the bar/food service areas; relocation of the box office and house manager’s office; renovated dressing rooms, green room and costume shop; improvements to the exterior of the building including roof repairs, the installation of a new digital marquee, new lighting, signage and landscaping.

The total cost for both phases of renovation are approximately $6 million. Hartford Stage received a grant of $2.5 million from the State Department of Economic and Community Development towards this project.