NEW MILFORD, Conn.—Merryall Center welcomes back the Folk/Americana duo, The Rough & Tumble Friday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Touring relentlessly for more than a decade—often out of a 16-foot camper with two large dogs—Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler have earned critical acclaim and awards, including showcases at Folk Alliance International, and the Independent Music Awards’ Americana Song of the Year for “The Hardest Part.”
Their 2023 release, “Only This Far,” was described as “rawness meets polish on this striking acoustic songwriting outing.” Melina Cohen of American Atheist praises their 2024 release “Hymns for My Atheist Sister,” for “its open-hearted invitation to people of all faiths and none, to place a higher value on doing good than clinging to dogma.”
“Suffice to say you’ll be charmed by their delivery, moved by their lyrics, and impressed with their musicianship,” says Merryall board president Missy Alexander. “Above all get tickets while you can. Our shows have all sold out this year. Our 75th anniversary season is going strong.”
On June 27 at 7:30 p.m., it’s “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey,” the inaugural production of Merryall’s new To the Power of One Play series and the conclusion of the Center’s Pride programming. Written and performed by Celeste Lecesne — actor, writer, Academy Award winner and co-founder of The Trevor Project and The Future Perfect Project — this acclaimed solo drama earned a New York Times Critic’s Pick during its Off-Broadway debut, with the paper calling Lecesne “among the most talented solo performers of his (or any) generation.”
Directed by Tony Speciale, whose work centers on queer storytelling and ensemble-driven creation, the production ran Off-Broadway and toured nationally. “It’s the story of a bright and unforgettable teenager whose disappearance prompts a NJ Shore community to confront its fears, prejudices, and capacity for love,” says Speciale.
A post-show panel discussion will follow, featuring Lecesne, Speciale and Anna Fossi — a New Milford native, queer historian and project manager for Connecticut’s LGBTQ Historic Places project at Preservation Connecticut.
Go to Merryallcenter.org for more information and to purchase tickets. Merryall Center is located at 8 Chapel Hill Road, New Milford.
