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The show takes its name from the title of one of the hit tunes of a Country Music icon, the singer-songwriter Cash.

IVORYTON - The Ivoryton Playhouse continues its 2022 season with a stellar production of “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.” The show is directed and choreographed by Sherry Lutken (“The Porch on Windy Hill,” “The Million Dollar Quartet”) and runs through Sept. 11.

The show takes its name from the title of one of the hit tunes of a Country Music icon, the singer-songwriter Cash, but “Ring of Fire” is more than a biography of The Man in Black. Conceived by William Meade and created by Richard Maltby Jr., it draws from the incredible cache of Cash’s songs to craft a musical mosaic of American experience.

The result is a stunning, moving, and ultimately uplifting musical that includes more than two dozen of Johnny Cash’s unforgettable hits. The scenes move through his early years, Memphis, The Grand Ole Opry, The Johnny Cash Show, Prison Concert, Redemption to an Epilogue, with marvelous harmonies for the beautiful hymns.

The director and her husband, Music Director David M. Lutken, deem this show as more than the life story of John R. Cash. “The show is a landscape of the music and memories of a quintessentially American artist and icon performed, personified and played by a cast of characters but also of themes, ideas and ideals of Southern Roots Music…The songs themselves and our image of the man who sang them are the drama, the conflict and the comedy.” This truly is a new twist on what we know as the American musical and is highly entertaining.

This show requires an especially talented cast, as only a handful of musicals demand. A theatrical “triple threat'' usually applies to a talented actor/singer/dancer. However, the performers in this cast are all talented actors/singers/musicians (who also dance a bit.) I did my best to keep track of who played which instrument in my printed program.

The All Equity cast is composed of seven supremely talented performers, including the music director. David M. Lutken was a member of the original Broadway company of “Ring of Fire” and is a favorite on the Ivoryton Playhouse stage from his many appearances there. Lutken sings the bass line for “Daddy Sang Bass” and plays guitar and two harmonicas as he portrays the older Cash.

Morgan Morse is an actor, musician and writer originally from Ansonia, Connecticut and has appeared in “Ring of Fire” “everywhere from Houston to Vienna.” In this return to the Ivortyton stage, I saw him play mandolin, electric and acoustic guitar, and accordion.

Sam Sherwood has been seen many times in Ivoryton and returns to play the role of the young Johnny Cash and perform on guitar. Sherwood has appeared in more than a dozen productions of this show in the United States and abroad.

Four newcomers to the Ivoryton stage do equally as well with their roles. Brittany Brook, a Montana-made actor/musician who plays guitar, upright bass, autoharp, and trumpet during the performance, portrays a young June Carter and Cash’s first wife Vivian.

Leenya Rideout (Broadway’s “War Horse,”“Company”) plays Cash’s mama and an older June. She plays guitar, upright bass and a mean fiddle.

Nygel D. Robinson, an artist based in Chicago, Illinois, is (not surprisingly) a recording artist and music producer. He plays drums, trumpet, upright bass (a lot,) guitar, keyboard and metal folding chair (seriously.)

Spiff Wiegand, who I last saw in the title role of “The Buddy Holly Story” at Music Theatre of CT, is an accomplished recording engineer and songwriter who plays more than 20 musical instruments. Here we get to see him perform on the bass, banjo, drums, trumpet and fiddle.

The scenic design by Cully long fills the Ivoryton stage with weather-worn wood and plenty of locations to safely stow the numerous musical instruments when they are not in use. Lighting design by Marcus Abbott makes the set look even better. Costume and wig design by Elizabeth Saylor masterfully covers the outfits seen throughout the years of Cash and June Carter Cash’s lives. There was an issue with the body mic on Rideout for a good part of the first act, but she professionally persevered nonetheless. Sound design is by Jacob Zonderman.

This season, the Playhouse is back to full capacity for the first time in two years, yet the safety of our audience remains their primary concern. Masks are optional with proof of vaccination and required for those without a vaccination card.

“Ring of Fire” is presented without one 15-minute intermission and runs through Sept. 11. After Sunday matinees, there are Hootenannies with the cast — on the patio (weather permitting), free-of-charge at 5:00 p.m.. You are invited to sing along, or bring your instrument to play along. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Nancy Sasso Janis is a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle (ctcritics.org) that presents annual awards to Equity productions.

Essex was in the national spotlight on Tuesday as The Today Show visited as part of its "Merriest Main Streets" holiday series.

It was a joyful morning in Ivoryton as dozens of people packed onto the patio of the Ivoryton Playhouse to show the country what makes this little town so magical during the holidays.

Here they have the Ivoryton Illuminations that come to life the first Saturday in December and continue every night of the month.

The lights are all set up by a team of volunteers.

“We set up all the lights, we put them on the trees, it’s really wonderful. We all get together and have a great time while helping the community," said Corina Pagliuco, of Essex.

The Illuminations began 14 years ago thanks to Chris Shane.

“I've always loved Christmas light all of my life, just my thing. And I overtime you tend to accumulate. And by the time my daughter was 18, I was up to 50,000 of them at my house. Unfortunately, 18-year-old girls can be a bit hysterical. And to make a long story short, she never be so grossed out and embarrassed in her life. And it was basically her or the lights," said Ivoryton Village Alliance President Chris Shane.

Shane said he called his good friend at The Playhouse and together they decided to put them on display for the whole town to enjoy at The Green.

“Downtown Essex is historic and beautiful, and has the quintessential New England look, Ivoryton didn't have anything at Christmas. So, we decided we were going to just have a Christmas Extravaganza," said Ivoryton Playhouse Executive Artistic Director Jacqueline Hubbard.

It's continued to grow over the years to at one point, half a million lights with as many as 2,000 people on opening night.

The lights are just one piece of the magic that locals say draws people in for the holidays.

As you drive through downtown Essex, you will see a beautiful and historic place filled with local shops. Your journey ends at the Connecticut River Museum next to the river. Up on their third floor is a train show that is now in its 30th year.

"Steve Kryon has been bringing his amazing collection of trains to our third floor during the holiday season. And it has really become a holiday tradition. They are wonderful for kids of all ages. And they're great fun to see and really you know, when you think about Christmas time and trains around the Christmas tree, this is that but so much bigger and so much better," said Connecticut River Museum Executive Director Elizabeth Kaeser.

The Essex Steam Train's North Pole Express is also a huge attraction for tourists who want to journey back in time to the North Pole to see Santa. Every year, tickets sell out in a matter of hours.

“A very magical train ride to the North Pole. And we have special guests in each car that are the hosts along the way. There's a lot of music, a lot of dancing games, and it's just really interactive family time," said Essex Steam Train President Kevin Dodd.

People in Ivoryton said they always knew their town was special, but it's exciting for the country to know as well.

“I think this is wonderful. I think it’s so cool how a tiny little town like Ivoryton and Essex, like this is amazing. We’re able to get on national television," said Pagliuco.

“It’s very energized and it’s awesome to be a part of it and great to see the families coming out," added Josh Painter, of Essex.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Musicals for families and romantics, stories of challenges overcome and evenings that are just plain fun are included in the new season.

Ivoryton: On April 6, 2023, The Ivoryton Playhouse opens its doors for a stellar new season - a year full of exciting, uplifting and affordable professional theatre. Musicals for families and romantics, stories of challenges overcome and evenings that are just plain fun, our 2023 Season has a little bit of everything and something extra! A great melting pot of a season in a theatre that feels like home

The season opens on April 6, 2023 with a big hearted, music-filled comedy. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE by Matthew Lopez is a wildly entertaining story filled with drag queens and an Elvis impersonator, snappy zingers and dance worthy numbers. A show that will challenge your assumptions with extraordinary humor and depth.

Ernest Thompsons’s charming and nostalgic play, ON GOLDEN POND will open on May 18, 2023. The movie was a big hit for one of the Playhouse’s most famous alums – Katharine Hepburn – and the play is a beautifully crafted love story about generations of a family struggling to show affection for each other. Heartwarming and hilarious, this is a play filled magic and memorable moments.

The summer opens on June 29, 2023 with one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The glorious melodies and timeless tale of Maria and the Von Trapps makes this the perfect musical for the whole family. Featuring Ivoryton favorites, last seen together in SOUTH PACIFIC, David Pittsinger, Patricia Schuman, Adrianne Hick and Bruce Connelly. You don’t need to “Climb Every Mountain” to see this show, but you better get your tickets early!

JERSEY BOYS, the international musical phenomenon, opens in Ivoryton on August 10, 2023. Come peek behind the scenes - and behind the music - of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Filled with all of their greatest hits, “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and so many more. No wonder that, for over 15 years, America’s favorite musical is the one about the boys from Jersey.

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THE COLOR PURPLE, which opens on September 28, 2023, is an inspiring saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds strength to triumph over adversity and discover her voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life.

The Playhouse Holiday Show will round off the season, opening on November 16, 2023. At this time, the title is still a secret but we are hoping to be able to announce it by the end of this year.

We will be taking a long winter’s nap to get ready for this sensational season but you can purchase gift certificates and subscriptions now. Subscriptions are a great way to save money as single ticket prices will be going up for our three summer musicals. Six and three play subscriptions are available. Single tickets will go on sale March 1, 2023. Visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org or call (860) 767 7318 for the latest ticket information.

IVORYTON — This year, perhaps more than any other year in recent times, the magic, the surprise, the joy and the excitement of the holidays is uber important. Understanding the significance of spreading holiday cheer, in any and every way possible, the Ivoryton Village Alliance is at it once again, to fill the center of its Village with a fantastical light display like no other.

“We do this for the kids,” said Chris Shane of the Ivoryton Village Alliance, a group of local business people and interested local citizens who support not only the Farmer’s Market, but the Ivoryton Illuminations in the winter holiday season and the Fourth of July Parade.

Shane added, “This year, we all really need something to look forward to and make us happy.”

Fortified with a dedicated army of volunteers, the Alliance has set out to create an even more exciting, more extreme light display than ever before. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Ivory Illuminations boast some of the largest living Christmas Trees in the state with over 500,000 holiday lights. However, the light show is usually accompanied by a very special evening event, which kicks off the display, but this year, due to COVID, the event has been canceled. In addition, funding for the lights has also gone by the wayside. Usually, area businesses sponsor the Illuminations and all that it takes to make it happen.

However, all is not lost! A very generous, anonymous donor has graciously agreed to match all donations made, up to $5,000. So, Alliance member Rosemary Sousa has set up a convenient go fund me page, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/btv2f-ivoryton-illuminations-2020[KG1] , so people from the community and beyond can donate to the cause. Sousa and Shane said every donation is appreciated, no matter how large or small.

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“This year everyone needs a little light, happiness and joy, which is what the lights display always is,” said Sousa. “It’s something we all look forward to and it’s something that we can all enjoy this holiday season, while also remaining socially distanced. I hope we raise all that we need so we can continue to light up the center of Ivoryton for all to enjoy.”

The lights will be turned on the weekend following Thanksgiving and will shine brightly through January 4th.

"With everyone on lockdown and social distancing, this light display is literally a bright spot," said Shane. Families can come enjoy the lights in their car, tune into the radio station (101.5 FM) and enjoy watching the lights dance to the music. It's something special and wonderful and we enjoy making the kids happy. That's very important to us every year, but this year especially."

“The Ivoryton Illuminations light display gets better and better every year,” said First Selectman and State Senator Norm Needleman. “It is a beautiful holiday display that brings the community together and brightens the spirit of the season for everyone.”

ESSEX, CT — At the September 7th, Essex Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, civil engineer Tom Metcalf, returned for the continued Public Hearing portion of the meeting to further discuss the possibility of horses being allowed on Mary and Ian Lewis's property, located at 2 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Metcalf originally filed the request to the town to amend a section of the Zoning Regulations,("PZC Application 21-6 Text Amendment to Section 60A.3(E) of the Zoning Regulations to allow the keeping of horses in a Village Residence (VR) District with minimum 3 (three) acre land size and maximum number of horses restrictions. (Agent: Thomas Metcalf, P.E. L.S.; Applicant: Mary Cunliffe Lewis and Ian Carr Lewis (Received July 6, 2021)".

Metcalf explained at the August 3rd meeting that his intent was to purchase approximately three acres from the Lewis's, to build a dwelling and keep two horses.

The Lewis's, who live at 2 Main Street, in Ivoryton, have a property with 10.29 acres, which has, "an historical farm use associated with it," according to an e-mail regarding the proposed text amendment sent to the Chairman of the Essex PZC, Russell Smith from Metcalf.

Metcalf once again presented on behalf of the applicants at the September 7th Commission meeting and he addressed concerns brought up at the August meeting.

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He worked with Carey Duques to rewrite the proposal, which now includes a minimum acreage of four acres, instead of the three the proposal previously stated.

In addition, Metcalf's new proposal included wordage that increased the setbacks for agricultural buildings and required submission of a zoning permit to provide a formal record of use and to create some review accountability.

The revised proposal was discussed at length by the Commission members and Metcalf, (who brought along a petition signed by 86 town members in support of the proposal). Ultimately, a motion was made to once again continue the public hearing on the matter to the October 5th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting which will be held at 7 p.m.

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