Bradley’s ‘Calendar Girls’ brings
warmth, humor and more
PUTNAM — Get ready to laugh, shed a tear, and feel deeply inspired, because The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at The Bradley Playhouse is kicking off June with a production that promises to do just that. From June 5 to June 14, the historic Bradley stage will host “Calendar Girls,” a comedic drama that celebrates friendship, courage, and the sheer audacity of women daring to defy expectations.
The performances are at 7:30 p.m. June 5, 6, 12 and 13 and at 2 p.m. June 7 and 14. : Tickets are: $28 for adults and $25 for seniors, students, veterans, and first responders (all prices include fees). Due to the limited run and anticipated popularity, purchasing your tickets in advance is highly recommended. at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at (860) 928-7887. “Calendar Girls” contains mature themes and partial nudity, making it recommended for audiences over the age of 18.
“Calendar Girls” is the story about women refusing to be invisible — reclaiming their bodies, their voices, and their right to take up space at any age. It's a true story of a group of ordinary women from the Yorkshire Women’s Institute. When one of their own suffers a tragic loss, they hatch a bold plan to raise money for blood cancer research: an unconventional charity calendar featuring themselves, artfully posed... with nothing to hide but their humor and courage.
Under the direction of Tina Huey, The Bradley Playhouse ensemble includes: Tonya Brock as Chris, a formidable presence both on stage and within the Bradley Playhouse community. As President of the Board of Directors for The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, and with nearly 40 years of involvement with the organization, Tonya embodies the dedicated spirit that keeps the Bradley Playhouse thriving. She is joined on stage by Christine Healy as Annie, Rebecca Theriaque as Cora, Sheila H as Jessie, Joan Stewart as Celia, and JoAnn Bromley as Ruth. Marren Sanders appears as Marie, with Dale Magnuson as Lady Cravenshire, Rylie Appolonia as young Elaine, and Bonnie Theriault as Brenda Hulse. Annie’s husband, John, is played by Dan Healy (a real-life connection to Christine Healy!), and Wade Johnson takes on the role of Chris’s husband, Rod. The cast is rounded out by Ren Fontes as Lawrence, the shy photographer whose lens captures their remarkable journey, and Jordan Miller as Liam.
What began as a local, lighthearted idea quickly blossomed into a national sensation, not only raising over $5 million dollars for cancer research but also challenging perceptions of beauty and aging, while profoundly impacting the lives and friendships of the women involved. This production is a testament to the fact that beauty is indeed ageless, and a determined spirit, powered by undying love, can accomplish anything.
The play carries a quietly urgent message about health awareness, with characters confronting the realities of cancer and the critical importance of screening. It’s a reminder that courage isn’t always loud — sometimes it looks like a group of friends in a church hall, choosing to be vulnerable for something bigger than themselves. That combination of humor and heart is what has made Calendar Girls resonate with audiences worldwide, and what makes it feel especially vital on a community stage like The Bradley.
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