From Why Did Sarah Bernhardt Sleep in a Coffin? to The Invisible Circus of the Present Tense, Slow Dancing Is Easy blends humor and pathos in a genre fluid collection of short pieces that resonate with memoir, observations and fantasy chronicling one woman’s adventures over decades. Originally created for stage performance, the works make an exuberant leap from stage to page.

Written by Ara Fitzgerald, designed by Ola DeKorne, illustrated by the author’s whimsical line drawings and Peter Cunningham’s explosive photographs, Slow Dancing Is Easy is playful and inventive as it touches on love and loss in daily life and the search for resilience when confronted with today’s challenges.

It is intended for the general reader as well as dance/theater, poetry aficionados and performers seeking solo material.

Author Bio:

Ara Fitzgerald is a choreographer, writer, improvisor, performer and educator. Known for solos with original text, she revels in collaborations with photographer/filmmaker, Peter Cunningham, composer, Wall Matthews, Clare Byrne, Paris based choreographer, Martha Moore, and the honor to perform reconstructions of work by renowned dancer/clown, Lotte Goslar. A graduate of Connecticut College and Wesleyan University (MALS), she taught at Connecticut College, Trinity Square Conservatory, the National Theater Institute, and served as director of dance and theater at Manhattanville College. Her work has been seen on and off Broadway, in dance spaces and museums. When she told her grandmother, a retired vaudevillian, that she would pursue modern dance, her grandmother retorted, “A modern dancer is just a vaudevillian with an education.”

Free Event

Sponsored by Bodenwein Benevolent Foundation

A concert of Diva Showstoppers featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of WICKED, GOOD WITCH/BAD WITCH has been thrilling audiences coast to coast with their stunning vocals and playful banter!

ABOUT ALYSSA FOX

Alyssa Fox, originally from Dallas, Texas, is best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway, where she led the company in celebration of the show’s 20th anniversary. A Wicked veteran of 14 years, Alyssa began her journey with the musical as an understudy in the San Francisco production before finishing multiple Elphaba standby contracts on both the National Tour and Broadway. She also recently lent her voice to the soundtrack of the first Wicked movie adaptation.

Beyond Wicked, Alyssa also starred as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen with the closing company of the U.S. National Tour, having previously originated the Elsa standby role in the original Broadway cast.

Alyssa’s versatility has been showcased in numerous concert appearances, including the national tour of Disney Princess – The Concert and performances with Disney Concerts. She also stars in a Wicked NPR Tiny Desk Concert alongside Stephen Schwartz and McKenzie Kurtz. Additional credits include Frozen(North Shore Music Theatre) and Cats (Starring Buffalo).

Follow her on Instagram: @alyssajoyfox

ABOUT ALLI MAUZEY 

Alli Mauzey most recently starred on Broadway in the Tony Award Winning Best Musical Kimberly Akimbo as Pattie. A role she also created at The Atlantic Theater Company. Other Broadway credits include Glinda in Wicked, a role she also performed to critical acclaim on the First National Tour and the San Francisco company, Ernestina in the Tony Award winning revival of Hello, Dolly!, Lenora in the musical Cry-Baby, for which she won a Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Drama League Award, Brenda in Hairspray (both on Broadway and in the original company of the First National Tour) and as a Special Guest Artist in Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls. Other New York Credits include, New York City Center Encores in the role of Minerva in The Golden Apple as well as Sydney in It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, and the Off-Broadway production of Red Eye of Love. Regionally, she has appeared as Mallory in City of Angels for Reprise! in Los Angeles, Snookie in 110 in the Shade at the Pasadena Playhouse, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at The Muny, for which she was nominated for a Kevin Kline Award.

Ms. Mauzey performs with symphony orchestras all around the world including but not limited to three engagements with The Philly Pops, Ellie in Show Boat with the New York Philharmonic, the title role in Cinderella alongside the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Wurttenbembreg Philharmonic of Reutlingen (Germany), and the world famous Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Upcoming and recent engagements include the Cleveland Pops, Maui Pops Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

Among many voiceover credits, her voice can be heard as a series regular on the animated television series Alpha Teens on Machines. She has a BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in drama and a minor in music.

This class will teach introductory woodworking techniques. Students will cut, drill, screw, nail, glue, and sand the parts of a six pack carrier, including wooden dividers. At the end of the class, students will take the assembled carrier home to be stained, painted, clear-coated, or left raw to develop a natural patina through use.

This class is aimed at novice woodworkers, and all tools and materials will be supplied - no prior experience is required.

Tool certifications for members: chop (miter) saw, drill press, band saw.

Ages 18+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Annual "Save Ocean Beach" boardwalk tag sale from 9am - 3pm.    

Raindate Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Saturday, May 10, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
(Rain Date: May 17 th)

Sponsored by Save Ocean Beach, Inc.
Sell your household rummage, arts & crafts, antiques, or promote a home business without the fuss!!

Save Ocean Beach will provide publicity for the event. 10’ x 10’ Space - $35

Deadline for reserving & paying for space is May 1, 2025. Space set up as early as 7:00AM. No sales before 9:00 AM.
To reserve a space register fill out and submit the attached registration application along with a check or money order to:
Save Ocean Beach, Inc.
P.O. Box 147
New London, CT. 06320
Contact # (860) 608-6009 (Bill)
Email: Steeringcommittee@saveoceanbeach.com
100% of our proceeds are used for Save Ocean Beach projects at Ocean Beach Park.

Event Application The vendor is prohibited from bringing and offering for sale any item as outlined in the attached Hazardous Materials and Material Restrictions, and any firearms, weapons, drugs, tobacco, pornographic or lewd materials, animals, hazardous materials, alcohol, expired or recalled items, and any other items prohibited for sale or resale within the State of Connecticut or any other items determined to be inappropriate by SOB Staff.

All merchandise is subject to inspection by SOB staff and determination on its appropriateness. SOB staff shall have the right to require removal of any items determined to be inappropriate.
Areas purchased are 10’ x 10’ spaces for $35. Vendors should bring their own tables or surfaces to display items or products.
Space set up as early as 7:00 a.m. No sales before 9:00 a.m. Vendors are requested to remain until 3:00 p.m. to minimize vehicular traffic in and around the event area and ensure the safety of our guests. Vendors shall remove all items brought to their area space at the end of the event.

The Vendor shall hold Save Ocean Beach, Ocean Beach Park, The City of New London, Centerplate Corp., its volunteers, employees and sponsors harmless of liability including but not limited to liability for any products, merchandise given, sold, or obtained during the event. The vendor will assume all liabilities, encumbrances, liens that may result from their or their representative(s) actions and any other actions or failures to act.
I, the Vendor, have read, understand and agree to abide by the requirements, terms and conditions listed herein.

Make and take a beautiful “Heart String”! There is no glass cutting required and no experience needed in this beginner-level stained glass workshop. You will choose 3 stained glass hearts from a wide selection of colors and textures. You will learn to apply copper foil, solder, and patina, as well as simple wireworking skills to assemble and embellish your string of hearts into a lovely cascade for hanging. Approx. 12” long, it’s a perfect gift!

Please be advised that sufficient hand dexterity is required as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St., New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

This class will teach introductory woodworking techniques. Students will cut, drill, screw, nail, glue, and sand the parts of a six pack carrier, including wooden dividers. At the end of the class, students will take the assembled carrier home to be stained, painted, clear-coated, or left raw to develop a natural patina through use.

This class is aimed at novice woodworkers, and all tools and materials will be supplied - no prior experience is required.

Tool certifications for members: chop (miter) saw, drill press, band saw.

Ages 18+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Make and take a beautiful “Heart String”! There is no glass cutting required and no experience needed in this beginner-level stained glass workshop. You will choose 3 stained glass hearts from a wide selection of colors and textures. You will learn to apply copper foil, solder, and patina, as well as simple wireworking skills to assemble and embellish your string of hearts into a lovely cascade for hanging. Approx. 12” long, it’s a perfect gift!


Please be advised that sufficient hand dexterity is required as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St., New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

You are to convert Make and take a beautiful “Heart String”! There is no glass cutting required and no experience needed in this beginner-level stained glass workshop. You will choose 3 stained glass hearts from a wide selection of colors and textures. You will learn to apply copper foil, solder, and patina, as well as simple wireworking skills to assemble and embellish your string of hearts into a lovely cascade for hanging. Approx. 12” long, it’s a perfect gift!

Please be advised that sufficient hand dexterity is required as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St., New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Cappadonna takes the stage at The Social Bar + Kitchen in New London, CT. This live performance promises to be a night of incredible bars, Hip-Hop, and good vibes. Don't miss your chance to see the legendary Cappadonna perform live! Grab your friends and make it a night to remember at The Social!

Meet and Greet Tickets Available

This is a 21+ event.

Music by DJ Craig G, DJ Frank Lo, and DJ GETRITE

Live Performances by Big Nate Allstar, Aida, and Splat The Big Orca

Learn the fundamentals of Inkscape! This course will go over the basics of vector graphics using Inkscape, a free and open-source program and a maker staple for integration with the various machines at Spark. You can create a design in Inkscape and turn it into a pattern to be laser cut or engraved in conjunction with Lightburn or cut on the CNC router with VCarve. But the first step is always a design program.

Class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop to bring to class, please write to electronics@sparkmakerspace.org to see if one is available to use during class. Please download and install the latest version of Inkscape before class. Click here to download.

Ages 14+

This workshop will go over: how to draw basic shapes, how to create paths, union/difference/intersection functions, snaps, alignment, and other essential operations. No experience is necessary, but if you have a project in mind, we can work on the operations that most closely relate to that project.

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320. Sign up today! Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Treat Mom to a special Mother’s Day she won’t forget at Olde Mistick Village! Stroll through charming shops, enjoy delicious dining, and soak up the atmosphere created just for her. This year’s festivities will include live music, a family photo contest, as well as an exciting $500 value giveaway for one lucky mother to indulge in with prizes that include gift cards, jewelry, and bath & body items.

Gillian Welch’s rich and remarkable career spans over twenty-five years, and she and her musical partner David Rawlings are a pillar of the modern acoustic music world. They have been hailed by Pitchfork as “modern masters of American folk” and “protectors of the American folk song” by Rolling Stone.

After moving to Nashville in the early 1990s, Welch was launched into the public consciousness when Emmylou Harris recorded a cover of Welch’s “Orphan Girl.” Her career continued to flourish as her 1996 debut Revival, produced by T Bone Burnett, was released to critical acclaim. Firmly on the roots music map following the release, Welch followed up that GRAMMY nominated album release with 1998’s Hell Among The Yearlings, a stark duet record with Rawlings, further solidifying the duo as a force in the folk music scene.

For her work as executive producer as well as a performer and songwriter on the eight times platinum O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Welch was awarded the Album of the Year GRAMMY, and was simultaneously nominated for her own Time (The Revelator) which Rolling Stone called one of the best albums of the 2000s and is widely considered by critics to be one of the best albums of all time. This release was Welch-Rawlings’ first on their own record label, Acony Records, helping to establish the duo’s fierce commitment to independent music.

No experience needed! Perfect for first-timers. Using the Tiffany copper foil method of stained glass construction, you will make and take home a unique and colorful stained glass feather. You will learn the basic skills of glass cutting, grinding, copper foiling, and soldering while you make your feather from a choice of several patterns. These feathers are elegant on their own or suitable for embellishment with beads, leather, wirework, or assembled into mobiles.

*Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This one-session class takes place at 7 Union St. New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

No experience needed! Perfect for first-timers. Using the Tiffany copper foil method of stained glass construction, you will make and take home a unique and colorful stained glass feather. You will learn the basic skills of glass cutting, grinding, copper foiling, and soldering while you make your feather from a choice of several patterns. These feathers are elegant on their own or suitable for embellishment with beads, leather, wirework, or assembled into mobiles.

Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This one-session class takes place at 7 Union St. New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

IN THE OASIS ROOM

A heartfelt tribute to two iconic songwriters from the late ’60s and early ’70s,

OF HEART AND MIND

– A Tribute to the Music of Joni Mitchell, &

CATMOONSHADOW

– A Tribute to the Music of Cat Stevens

The Joni & Cat Show features two solo performers, Nicole Gauthier and John Fuzek. In an intimate, acoustic, singer-songwriter style, they expertly connect with their audience, creating a musical journey through the timeless songs of Joni and Cat. Their voices are strikingly reminiscent of the originals in their prime, with Nicole Gauthier’s emotive tone melting hearts, while John Fuzek pours raw emotion into each performance. The show, which includes a mix of beloved hits and hidden gems, offers an unforgettable experience that pays tribute to the soul-stirring music of these legendary artists.

This stained glass project is designed for first-timers and experienced glass artists alike. A simple yet elegant design, these air plant holders bring the tranquility of nature indoors and soothing color to a sunny window. A healthy air plant (“tillandsia”) is included to make your creation complete and a perfect gift! The holders are designed and intended to be hung.

In this workshop, you will learn to score glass, grind, foil, and solder. Sign up to make your air plant holder today!

Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St. New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

This stained glass project is designed for first-timers and experienced glass artists alike. A simple yet elegant design, these air plant holders bring the tranquility of nature indoors and soothing color to a sunny window. A healthy air plant (“tillandsia”) is included to make your creation complete and a perfect gift! The holders are designed and intended to be hung.

In this workshop, you will learn to score glass, grind, foil, and solder. Sign up to make your air plant holder today!

Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St. New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Basics of Crochet

Join Sparks Crochet Wizard Maritza Vargas and learn the basics of crochet to create your own scarf. This two-part class will introduce you to the essential techniques needed to start your crochet journey.

• First Class: We will cover three fundamental stitches: single, double, and half double. These stitches form the foundation for most crochet projects.
• Second Class: Learn how to adjust these basic stitches to create new decorative patterns, adding unique elements to your scarf.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start crocheting. All materials will be provided.

This is a two-part class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Ages 16+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Something Great is coming to New London this Spring!

Join us for the World Premiere of The Great Gatsby Ballet!

Step into the jazzy world of the Roaring Twenties with this new production of the World Ballet Company. See the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, lustrous hand-crafted costumes, and lavish, groundbreaking sets. The original score evokes the energy and atmosphere of the 1920s.

World Ballet Company’s “The Great Gatsby’ is a must-see feast for the eyes. Get your tickets today and be among the first to experience this lavish new production!

*The Creative Team of The Great Gatsby: Renowned choreographer Ilya Zhivoy captures the passion of the central love story with a sensual, dynamic style. Celebrated LA-based film and TV composer Anna Drubich, whose work includes the music for the 2023 Oscar-winning Navalny documentary, makes her ballet debut with a rich, lively score that embraces the sounds of the Jazz Age. Theatrical costume designs by Sonya Vartanyan complete the production with sumptuousness and fling.

Duration: 2 hours (including 20-minute intermission)

Audience: For ages 5 & over

Learn Calligraphy Basics-

Anyone can learn calligraphy, so come join this beginner class as we learn about the Chancery Italic style of handwriting, most popular during the Renaissance and most usable today. Participants will review the structure of the lower-case alphabet and proceed to the capital letters while using broad-nibbed tools. If time permits, we might even try out a dip pen. Have fun, amaze yourself. Handouts provided.

No experience with calligraphy is necessary.

We ask students to be 18+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!

It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

Recommended Grade Levels: Pre-K to 2nd

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music

Themes: Friendship, Exploration, Teamwork, Creativity, Adventure

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Beginner-Level Woodshop Class

Students will build a wooden cutting board. Students will start with mixed strips of wood and will glue, flatten, shape, groove, and finish the cutting board. This is a two-session class,( 5/22 & 5/27,) and at the end of the second class, students will take their project home.

This class will provide tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tools. (chop saw, router, & planer)

Ages 18+

Sign Up Today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Experience the gripping power of Anthony Davis's opera Amistad, a masterpiece that revives the true story of the 1839 Amistad uprising—a courageous fight for freedom that ignited a landmark legal battle in Connecticut, resonating through history. Presented by Connecticut Lyric Opera in collaboration with Harlem Opera Theater and Discovering Amistad, this visually and musically compelling production combines music, theater, and multimedia elements to bring this pivotal story to life. Join us as we explore themes of racial justice, resilience, and the enduring quest for human dignity, underscoring opera's ability to spark dialogue and reflection in today's world.

Basics of Crochet

Join Sparks Crochet Wizard Maritza Vargas and learn the basics of crochet to create your own scarf. This two-part class will introduce you to the essential techniques needed to start your crochet journey.

• First Class: We will cover three fundamental stitches: single, double, and half double. These stitches form the foundation for most crochet projects.
• Second Class: Learn how to adjust these basic stitches to create new decorative patterns, adding unique elements to your scarf.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start crocheting. All materials will be provided.

This is a two-part class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Ages 16+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Beginner-Level Woodshop Class

Students will build a wooden cutting board. Students will start with mixed strips of wood and will glue, flatten, shape, groove, and finish the cutting board. This is a two-session class,( 5/22 & 5/27,) and at the end of the second class, students will take their project home.

This class will provide tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tools. (chop saw, router, & planer)

Ages 18+

Sign Up Today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.