Brief History - The Gary-The Olivia Theater at the Abbey of Regina Laudis is a place where professional and amateur alike come to perform in a unique and transforming environment. Built in 1982 through the generous support of actress Patricia Neal, this open-air theater, surrounded by the lush Connecticut countryside seats approximately 300 people.

Today - The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center
The Gary - The Olivia Performing Arts Center is a new performing arts organization presenting, promoting and fostering excellence in the performing arts through theatrical productions and educational workshops at The Gary-The Olivia Theater.

Founded by Sally and Thomas Camm (whose theater connection to the Abbey goes back to the 1987 production of Pablo Casal's Oratorio, El Pessebre), one of the organization's first efforts is to organize a series of benefits for The Gary-The Olivia Theater. Event proceeds will go towards sound, lighting and structural upgrades of The Gary-The Olivia Theater - a theatrical tradition in northwest CT, entertaining and enriching local audiences for over twenty five years.


Mabel & Heinzie in Flight - The Pajama Game

What the Critic's Are Saying!

The Pajama Game-2009

" The love-at-first-sight encounter between Plant Superintendent Sid Sorokin and the head of the union's grievance committee, Babe Williams, sets the stage for a series of events that entertain the audience with show tunes, antics, and some seriously gifted performances."

"While it is hard to single out one performance over another, it would be more difficult to ignore the quality of several scenes and actors.
One such moment is when Sorokin, played by Thomas Camm, enthusiastically proclaims his love for union devotee, Babe Williams,
in a rousing rendition of “There Once Was a Man”. He is answered
by an equally enamored Williams, played by Katie Keough. The chemistry between these strong, mature voices, backed by the
eight piece orchestra, takes the production to a professional level. Whether solo or duet, these lead characters set the bar for their
fellow performers."

"While each cast member is worthy of mention, T. Abram Lee’s
portrayal of the Union leader and loveable lecher, Prez, is a joy to watch. Rob Iulo, as a love struck time manager, shows a range of emotion during a therapy session to remedy his uncontrolled jealousy. Sarah Robards cleverly projects her true motives as his tormentor, while trying to soothe the vexed Iulo. And finally, “Steamed Heat”, perhaps one of the most recognized scenes in the original show, was executed with style by Adrienne Camm, and Ashley Moret."

Henry Moore-The Register Citizen

"... lively music and amazing choreography."

"Especially jaw-dropping was Ms. Moret’s rubber-jointed dancing in "Steam Heat," which she performed with Adrienne Camm. For pure comic relief, Fredrik Doms stole every scene in which he played Pop,
the slow-moving, stamp-collecting father of Babe. Every time
he shuffled on or off stage, the audience howled."

"...a regional theater to be reckoned with."

Jack Sheedy-The Catholic Transcript











What the Critic's Are Saying!

West Side Story - 2008

"The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center has harnessed the energy of a cast of talented young performers to deliver a striking, full out production of this Leonard Bernstein/Arthur Laurents/Stephen Sondheim/Jerome Robbins masterpiece."

"A special plus for a local theater production is the solid, lush and exciting musical support given under the direction of Craig Hartley at
the piano."

"Rob Iulo as Tony and Adrienne Camm as Maria handle their romantic ballads with ease and contribute sympathetic portraits of a couple discovering real love for the first time."

Chesley Plemmons, Theater Critic - The Danbury News-Times


"Acrobatic dancing by the Jets is one of the highlights of
a new production of West Side Story."

"Those who have enjoyed theatrical productions and/or the movie version of West Side Story will not be disappointed in this effort."

"Music Director Craig Hartley leads a nine member pit orchestra who ably handle Bernstein's brilliant score."

Jean Dunn, Voices Weekender

Would you like to be informed about upcoming workshops and  performances at The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center? Are you interested in being involved with our productions in the areas of hospitality, box office and set and lighting design? E-mail your contact information to: info@thegarytheolivia.com and let us know your wishes.

(For any special needs regarding performance attendance at The
Gary-The Olivia Theater please e-mail us at info@thegarytheolivia.com.)


(Entrance to The Gary-The Olivia Theater)

Thank you to all our contributors for your generosity and support.

The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center
at The Abbey of Regina Laudis