NEW MILFORD, Conn.—Merryall Center has announced two performances for Pride 2025, including “It Goes Without Saying” by Bill Powers on June 7 and “An Evening with Lisa Stephen Friday” on June 14. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Both explore themes of identity, silence and transformation through the lens of storytelling, theater and music. Before each event, audiences are also invited to join a pre-show social hour with small bites and beverages.
Powers, a mime, shares humorous and heartbreaking stories drawn from his life growing up in Montana, to becoming a Broadway actor (The Lion King, The Scarlet Pimpernel), and student of the legendary Marcel Marceau.
“Bowers’ autobiographical work blends silence and storytelling with physical theater to reflect on how we communicate, conceal and ultimately, connect” said Merryall board member Paul Rajeckas. “With a storytelling style often compared to satirist David Sedaris, he brings wit, vulnerability and depth to the stage.”
The evening will also include a performance of Doug Wright’s powerful 10-minute play “An Address to the Florida Legislature,” which premiered as part of Voyage Theater Company’s “Say Gay Plays” at the New York University Skirball Center.
All attendees are invited to a pre-show social hour at 6:30 p.m. hosted and organized by New Milford Pride. The suggested donation is $25.
On Friday, June 14, Merryall presents Lisa Stephen Friday, actress, musician and trans trailblazer. Friday’s show is a high-octane, deeply personal journey through her years as a rock performer, her experience coming out as a transgender woman, and the healing power of living one’s truth without apology. She will be joined onstage by keyboardist Adam Rineer.
There will also be a pre-show wine and cheese reception sponsored by Theodore W. Hine at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at door.
Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended for both performances at merryallcenter.org. Merryall Center is located at 8 Chapel Hill Road.
Funding was provided by the Connecticut Community Foundation’s Pride in the Hills Fund and New Milford Commission on the Arts.