Concord Resident Connell Benn Appearing in "A Little Night Music" May 2-18 in Arlington

Concord resident Connell Benn will appear in one of Stephen Sondheim’s most beautiful works when “A Little Night Music” waltzes onto the stage at AFD Theatre, opening May 2 at 22 Academy Street in Arlington. This captivating tale of romance and loss exquisitely reminds us: the best dance is done with a partner you love.

Performances are Friday May 2, 9, and 16 at 8 PM, Saturday May 3, 10, and 17 at 8 PM, and Sunday May 4, 11, and 18 at 4 PM. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at www.afdtheatre.org or by calling the box office at 781-646-5922. A talk-back with cast and production team will be held after the May 4 matinee.

Based on the Ingmar Bergman film “Smiles of a Summer Night,” “A Little Night Music” is set in Sweden at the turn of the twentieth century. The story centers on the tangled trios of relationships formed by actress Desiree Armfeldt and the men who love her: a lawyer by the name of Fredrik Egerman and the fiery Count Carl-Magnus. When the two men—and their wives—join Desiree and her family at a weekend in the country at Desiree’s mother’s estate, infinite possibilities bring new romances and second chances.

Benn will perform the role of Mrs. Nordstrom, one of the members of a singing quintet that observes the characters, fills in some of their pasts, and foreshadows their futures—similar to a Greek chorus, but garbed in beautiful, 1900s-era evening dress.

A soprano with extensive opera, concert, and oratorio appearances, Benn has performed in the Concord Players productions of “Les Misérables” and “The Sound of Music.” She has also appeared in numerous singing roles with the Savoyard Light Opera Company, including Hope Harcourt in “Anything Goes” and Fiametta in “The Gondoliers.” She also appeared as Mabel in Opera Comique's "The Pirates of Penzance." As a soloist, she has performed in concerts with Longwood Opera, Greater Worcester Opera, Mass Theatrica, Savoyard Light Opera Company, Friends of the Performing Arts in Concord and Holy Family Parish.

Benn has been a featured singer in Patriot’s Day and Memorial Day observances in Concord. 

AFD Theatre, located at 22 Academy Street in Arlington Center, was founded in 1923 and is one of the ten oldest continually performing community theater groups in the country.

AFD Theatre stages four annual productions. Beginning in October 2014, its next season includes “Avenue Q,” “Good People,” “Nine,” and “Quartet.” Visit AFD Theatre online at www.afdtheatre.org and on Facebook. AFD Theatre is handicapped accessible. Assisted-listening devices are available.