Jude Magnotti ‘26
EE Co-Managing Editor
The town of Trumbull has long been known for its renowned and respected theater programs. Whether that be the spectacular musicals put on at the high school, community productions of shows such as Christmas Carol, or even Broadway Babies plays put on for the middle schoolers, Trumbull Theater never fails to disappoint in capturing the hearts and laughs of anyone lucky enough to see their shows.
However, the crown jewel of Trumbull may not be their extravagant musicals or well-coordinated productions, but rather the plays put on my a tiny little school tucked away at the Trumbull-Bridgeport line: The Regional Center For The Arts (or RCA as it is often referred to.)
Similar to the high school, RCA is known for its show-stopping musicals, having performed Shrek and Chicago this past school year. Although these productions certainly rake in most of the school’s revenue, they are possibly even surpassed by their neighboring cousin: The Theater Department. Run by teachers Krissy Dorn, Katie Spader, and Nicholas Urda, the theater department has gained a reputation for its phenomenal actors, creative tech design, and incredibly well fleshed out stories. This past semester, the department put on successful productions of the heart wrenching dramas Miracle Worker and Twelve Angry Jurors, as well as a creative stage reading on Charles Dickens classic story A Christmas Carol.
Now, RCA theater is in the process of preparing for its next round of shows, and the previews have never looked better. Opening the first weekend on Friday April 25th and Saturday April 26 is Decision Height, an incredibly emotional, inspirational, and heartbreaking story about a group of women training to be fighter pilots for America in World War II. During its student preview on April 24th, Decision Height was described as being tear-jerking, gut-wrenching, and ultimately incredible, with the performances of the student actors being singled out in particular.
Now, as the cast of Decision Height prepares for their first and only opening weekend, it is up to YOU to go out and show your support for the phenomenal cast and crew involved in the production. It is truly a sight to behold for the audience, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the actors and crew involved.
Fortunately for you, the excitement does not end there. Shortly after the end of Decision Height, the theater department ramps back up again with performances of A Absurdist Play, or Rhinoceros…just don’t tell the right holders I said that, a thrilling yet equally confusing drama tragedy exploring the absurdity of the human condition and the meaning of life. Finally, the spring shows will end with a production of the comedy Dearly Departed, exploring the themes of family, grief, and complete and absolute hilarity in the process.
They may not be flashy, they may not be expensive, but there are few things better at capturing your attention and respect than an intimate, special, completely one of a kind experience at an RCA theater show. So come on down and prepare to have your mind blown!
Photo courtesy: Reginal Center for the Arts website