By Patricia Spugani
This June, Town Players of New Canaan invite audiences into the world of The Shawshank Redemption, a powerful stage adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 beloved novella. The production opens Friday, June 6 at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park and runs for three weekends only – including one Thursday performance on June 19.
At the heart of The Shawshank Redemption, adapted for the stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, is the moving theme of redemption, how one man’s quiet resilience and enduring hope bring light to even the darkest of places. When Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life in the notorious Shawshank prison, he forms an unlikely bond with longtime inmate Ellis “Red” Redding and begins a journey of transformation—for himself and those around him.
“This story reminds us that redemption is possible, even when it seems unreachable,” said Producer Nova Hall. “It’s not just about escaping prison walls—it’s about breaking free from guilt, regret, and despair. Director Deborah Burke has approached this production with deep respect for the story’s emotional weight and timeless message.”
Tyler Small, who plays Andy Dufresne, adds:
“Andy’s redemption comes in the form of his ability to inspire others. He believes in Tommy, so Tommy can believe in himself. He infuses Red with hopes and dreams of a life after prison. In a place where they teach you to accept that you are worthless, he shows his fellow inmates that there is another way.”
Set against the bleak, yet humanizing, backdrop of a 1950s prison and taking place over a twenty years, this compelling stage production explores friendship, hope, justice, and the belief that every soul can be redeemed.
All-in, it’s another great Powerhouse production! The cast features the best of regional talent: Tyler Small (Andy Dufresne), David Michael Tate (Red), Tom Cleary (Warden), A.M. Bhatt (Hadley), Roderick Adams (Rico), John Atkin (Brooksie), Lenny Carlucci (Pinky), Jim Chiles (Junior), Adam Coale (Bogs), Christopher Cooney (Rooster), Roger Dykeman (Dawkins), Joshua Eddy (Entwistle), and Tom Moreno (Tommy). Witness the Shawshank prison: fight scenes stage by Gus Bottazzi; prison built by Joel Reynolds, Gary Andrews, Richard Grandin, Steve Gravereaux, Erin Sullivan, and Roger Williams; and lighting design by Jessie Lizotte.
Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience that reminds us,
as Red says—“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”
Performance Dates:
Evening Shows: June 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: June 8, 15, and 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Powerhouse Theatre, Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT
Tickets: Available now at www.tpnc.org
Box Office: 203-594-3636; TICKETS@TPNC.org
About Town Players of New Canaan
Founded in 1946, the Town Players of New Canaan is a producing community theatre, dedicated to provide a home for live theatre that enriches our community, creates an opportunity for artistic expression and is accessible to all. Town Players of New Canaan at the Powerhouse Performing Arts Center – where this is theatre for everyone.
