Veterans Memorial Theatre Company
Presents
"This Is My Country"

The Veterans Memorial Theatre Company (VMTC) will present “This Is My Country”, stories of American warriors since the country’s founding through the Vietnam conflict that ended in the mid-1970’s. “This Is My Country” is a festive family-oriented show with great music from our country’s wartime periods. The show is a history pageant, with poignant moments, that chronicles the experiences of soldiers and their families during those times. Performances dates are Wednesday, November 4, Friday, November 6, Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 at 8:00 p.m. at the Mandell Jewish Community Center at 335 Bloomfield Avenue in West Hartford.

“This is My Country” was conceived, written and directed by Herman Shemonsky from Old Saybrook, a founding member of the VMTC Board. The show begins with a collage of colonial and Revolutionary War music. Following scenes take us through the Civil War, World War I, World War II, The Korean War and Vietnam with musical interludes from these periods. While this is the VMTC’s first musical endeavor, the group produced two successful plays last year, “Pvt. Wars” and “American Warriors.”

The production features the talents of many actors and singers from throughout Connecticut. Narrating the show will be Sid Druckman (Vernon) and Wayne Riemer (Waterbury). Actors and singers include Tony Enright (Cheshire), Gloria Gick (West Simsbury), Emily Godeck (Broadbrook), Heather Godeck (Broadbrook), Michael King (South Windsor), Jardo Opocensky, Jr. (Hebron), Jerilyn Rae (Vernon), Elizabeth Reynolds (Bloomfield), Shayna Gunn (Hartford) and John Tuttle (Hebron).

Working behind the scenes are Musical Director Steve Starger (Portland), Producer Barry Vine (Woodbridge), mandolin player Bill Wallich, lighting and program designer Clark Bowlen (East Windsor), publicist Frank E. Bradley (New Britain), Stage Managing and properties coordinator Phil Godeck (Broadbrook), costumer Kathy Keena (East Windsor) and sound technician Frank Veneziano (Kensington).

“This Is My Country” will be presented in a special preview performance on Wednesday, November 4, with all tickets for $5. Performances on November 6, 7 and 8 will be at 8:00 p.m. each night with tickets $15 for Adults and $10 for Veterans, seniors and students. Performances will be at the Mandell Jewish Community Center at 335 Bloomfield Avenue in West Hartford, Connecticut. For reservations or more information call 1 (800) 697-2787 or go online to www.vetstheatre.org

The Veterans’ Memorial Theatre Company’s purpose is to honor all veterans by staging theatrical productions which give voice to their experiences, the effects on them, their families, and the world around them. It is a not-for-profit organization with no political affiliation, real or implied, and does not discriminate against individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, cultural, ethnic differences or physical abilities. Membership includes, but is not limited to veterans.

“This is a must see show!”
Bonnie Goldberg (Connecticut Critics Circle)

Listings and Mentions

“This is My Country”. A musical story of American warriors from Colonial days through Vietnam. Nov. 4, 6, 7, 8. Family oriented show. Presented by Veterans Memorial Theatre Company at Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. Tickets Nov. 6, 7, 8 are $15 for Adults, $10 for Veterans, Seniors and Students. Nov. 4 is Preview night with all tickets $5. For information and reservations call 1(800) 697-2787 or (860) 870-1412 or go online to www.vetstheatre.org.


Veterans Memorial Theatre Company. “This Is My Country”. A musical story of American warriors from Colonial days through Vietnam. Nov. 4, 6, 7, 8. Family oriented show. Presented by Veterans Memorial Theatre Company at Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. Tickets Nov. 6, 7, 8 are $15 for Adults, $10 for Veterans, Seniors and Students. Nov. 4 is Preview night with all tickets $5. For information and reservations call 1(800) 697-2787 or (860) 870-1412 or go online to www.vetstheatre.org.

This Message presented by East Windsor Veterans Commission