Chris Manuel (Robert F. Kennedy)
RFK
For the MTC’s production of RFK they offered patrons the opportunity to experience the play two ways, in person as well as live streaming, making the play easily accessible to a wider audience. After months of theatre closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt fabulous to be back in the theatre to see a play! We attended the opening night performance on Saturday, October 24, 2020, where MTC Co-Founder Kevin Connors told the limited attendance audience that the MTC is 1 of only 3 equity theatres in the country to open and that they were the first (and only) theatre to open in Connecticut.
However, with MTC’s eye on safety for the actor as well as for the audience, patrons were required to have their temperature taken before entering the theatre, and masks were required and had to remain on inside the theatre. As an added precaution, there were limited tickets available with seating very spread apart. Patrons were seated only with those in their group in "pods" and entrance was by timed seating only. Their theatre in the round seating worked especially well for social distance seating.
Chris Manuel (Robert F. Kennedy)
RFK
Written by Jack Holmes, directed by Kevin Connors, and starring the talented Chris Manuel in the role of RFK (Robert F. Kennedy), the one-actor play RFK is a hard-hitting look at politics, as apropos historically, as it is to present day. The play delves into the interesting and oftentimes controversial life of Robert F. Kennedy.
Robert F. Kennedy aka RFK, Bobby, or Bob Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925 to the legendary affluent political and influential Kennedy Family in Brookline, Massachusetts. One of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the family figured heavily in politics. His father, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. was United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom (1938-1940). His brother was John F. Kennedy aka JFK or Jack Kennedy (1917 – 1963), the 35th president of the United States. His brother Edward aka Ted Kennedy (1932 – 2009) was a United States Senator for Massachusetts.
Chris Manuel (Robert F. Kennedy)
RFK
Robert F. Kennedy became the United States Attorney General at the age of 35 appointed to the position by his brother, President John F. Kennedy. He held the position from 1961 – 1964. Upon his brother’s death by assassination, Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908 – 1973) became the 36th President of the United States and it was bantered about that Robert might become the Vice-President, a thought which quickly vanished into thin air.
Chris Manuel (Robert F. Kennedy)
RFK
RFK then held a United States Senate seat for New York where he advocated for civil rights and fought against organized crime. When President Lyndon B. Johnson decided to decline running for a second term, RFK’s political aspirations and causes lead him to campaign for president.
Like his brother, JFK who was assassinated and died on November 22, 1963, at the age of 46. RFK was assassinated on the campaign trail and died on June 6, 1968 at the age of 42, leaving a wife and 11 children, and a political legacy behind.
Portraying a historical or famous person can be a challenge as the audience brings a pre-set image of the person in their head when they enter the theatre. Actor Chris Manuel nailed his performance as RFK in his appearance, speech, mannerisms, and approach, and for that we must say, well done. Bravo!
Chris Manuel (Robert F. Kennedy)
RFK
RFK performance schedule: Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm.
The play runtime is 1 hour and 45 minutes with a short intermission.
Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!
Cast:
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Chris Manuel |
RFK |
The Creative Team:
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Jack Holmes
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Book
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Kevin Connors
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Director
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Jim Schilling
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Stage Manager
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Jessie Lizotte
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Scenic Design
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Diane Vanderkoef
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Costume Design
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RJ Romeo
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Lighting Design
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Will Atkin
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Sound Design
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Jack Parrotta
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Production Assistance
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For information on the play, upcoming plays, or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at +1-203-454-3883 or visit them on the website atwww.MusicTheatreofCT.com
Upcoming Performances – 2020 – 2021
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Plays 2020 – 2021 Season
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Dates Running
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RFK
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October 23 – November 8, 2020
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It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
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December 11 – 20, 2020
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TBA
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February 5 – 21, 2021
|
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Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical
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April 9 – 25, 2021
|
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Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
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July 15 – August 1, 2021
|
About MTC
"Music Theatre of Connecticut is the premier provider of musical theatre performance and training. Founded in 1987, we produce an annual series of Equity productions featuring New York professionals (MTC MainStage), numerous annual student productions, and a conservatory-style School of Performing Arts with curriculum-based training for students ages four through high school, including the nationally-recognized College-Bound in the Performing Arts program for performance career-focused high school students."
The Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) was founded in 1987 by Kevin Connors (Artistic Director and Co-Founder) and Jim Schilling (Co-Founder), where MTC’s focus is musical theatre performance and training.
Music Theatre of Connecticut
509 Westport Avenue
(Enter the Bright Beginnings parking lot and look for MTC’s orange awning)
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
United States
Box Office: +1-203-454-3883
Fax: +1-203-557-0496
Website: www.MusicTheatreofCT.com
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