Another "Festival"

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is coming back to New Haven, and for those interested in intriguing, cutting-edge theater, it's a don't-miss opportunity.

Here's what's coming up:

"Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour" -- (Just gotta love that title!!) -- this is a production compliments of the National Theatre of Scotland and will be its only American appearance before it opens in the West End in London in August.

What's it about? Well, it's a musical featuring such swinging composers as Handel, Bach (Daddy, not the sons) and the Electric Light Orchestra, and "Our Ladies," well, they're a group of somewhat raucous young women who attend a Catholic school and...girls being girls...

The press release cautions that the play is "Recommended for ages 15 and over..." It will be playing at the Yale Repertory Theatre June 10 -- 25.

A U.S. Premiere of "The Square Root of Three Sisters"

It's a remix of Chekhovian themes produced by the Dmitry Krymore Lab and Yale School of Drama -- it's offers playgoers a world where love can sweep dishes off the table, memory can control a train and a single command can change the world. It will run June 21--25 at the Iseman Theater (1156 Chapel Street).

Another Premiere -- "The Money"

Billed as an "immersive theater experience," "The Money" has audience members buy in to participate as benefactors (or just sit back and watch). The audience has 90 minutes to decide how to spend the money. It will play at the Quinnipiac Club (221 Church Street) June 18 - 25.

And Yet Another Premiere -- "The Bookbinder"

Inspired by "The Polar Express" and "Coraline," this New-Zealand production is a story of mystery, mayhem and magic, a shadow-play that includes paper art, puppetry and music -- suitable for both children and adults who still have a bit of the child in them. It runs at the Yale Center for British Art on Chapel Street -- June 17 -- 19.

Finally, at Long Wharf, will be a production of "Steel Hammer" running June 16 - 18. The play takes a look at contemporary social issues and the African American experience via a traditional folk song -- "John Henry" -- that steel-drivin' man. Of the play the Los Angeles Times said "...it bangs out a spectacularly inventive social message," and the The NY Times had this to say: "...alternately clamorous, haunting and exhilarating."