Nothing says “January in New England” like staying indoors. The weather outside is frightful, but the Connecticut artistry keeps us insightful as theaters across the state launch into a new year of new artistic endeavors. If you’re looking to cozy up to a great show, here are a few upcoming live performances to explore.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, affectionately known locally as The Kate,  is giving a new life to one of Noel Coward’s best performing comedy sensations.  Once gracing the stages of London and Broadway, “Blithe Spirit” is coming now to Connecticut for an exclusive three-day only run.  The show features the wacky hijinks of Charles, a persnickety writer, and his new wife Ruth after they unintentionally summon the mischievous spirit of his first wife, Elvira. Hilarity ensues as the ghost of Elvira remains an ever-present force, reminding Charles that in most any case, three's company. The couple’s only hope of finding peace comes in the form of an eccentric medium who claims to have the solution to their spooky problem. The show comes to The Kate as a part of their mission to “bring diverse arts and culture to the Connecticut shoreline for all ages.” ‘Blithe Spirit’ runs from January 19th through January 22nd.

On Jan. 12, the Hartford Stage embarked on a brand new bilingual bonanza as “Espejos: Clean” was welcomed to the stage where it will charm audiences until Feb. 5. An award-winning show created by Christine Quintana with Spanish and English translation and adaptation by Paula Zelaya, this innovative production features two women from opposite walks of life, Adriana and Sarah, who become an unlikely duo. When their chance meeting in a Mexican paradise unearths haunting truths they both struggle to face on their own,  the two navigate tricky miscommunications, trials, and tribulations in both English and Spanish (with respective subtitles),  in a unique story of serendipitous connection–this cultural caper is sure to win over the hearts of audiences of any background, so head to Hartford to support a rising-star production team on their new venture.

Perseverance is the theme of Playhouse on Park’s 14th Main Stage Season, and Paula Vogel’s “INDECENT” will be a perfect fit when the show opens Jan. 25. Running  through Feb. 26, the story of Jewish playwright Sholem Asch and his battle with society accepting his art becomes tumultuous when Asch’s Broadway debut quickly becomes recognized as one of 1923’s biggest controversies. Due to the lesbian love story that drives the plot of his play, God of Vengeance, he is forced to grapple with reality as audiences are both charmed and charged. “INDECENT” highlights the creatives who risked their careers in order to make the vision a reality, and the marginalized groups who are so often intentionally kept out of historical narratives.  For an incredible journey of unwavering artistry, Jewish pride, and queer love against all odds, consider a visit to Playhouse on Park–and be sure to bring tissues.  Vogel’s masterpiece is one of multiple productions that fall under the Perseverance umbrella, a theme that was chosen to celebrate the fighters and survivors who showed bravery and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. “INDECENT” pays homage to so many who persevered, and makes for an incredible night of thought-provoking theater. 

For a fresh take of a beloved classic, head over to the Palace. The Lincoln Center Theater is presenting “My Fair Lady,” a musical that follows Eliza Doolittle, a scrappy Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a pompous linguistics professor who takes on the challenge of transforming Doolittle into his version of a “proper lady” through experiments of high society and tedious practices. The musical has been showered with praise and awards throughout the years due to its enchanting storyline, charismatic characters, and toe-tapping tunes. Catch this iconic show Jan. 24-26.

Francesca Fontánez is a Meriden-based journalist, educator, and creative. A graduate of both the University of New Haven and the University of Bridgeport, she is happy to be back in Meriden writing about the city she loves. When she's not helping out in the English department at Maloney High School she's either exploring the Eastern seaboard for her lifestyle blog (@eastsidevibes on Instagram) or working on music for her band, Cessa and The Zach . Email Francesca at eastsidevibeswithcess@gmail.com with tips on what you want to read about next, or just to say hi!