Welcome To Our Web Site

The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center
At the Abbey of Regina Laudis

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, concerts and educational workshops at The Gary-The Olivia Theater on the grounds of the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, CT.

Recent Performances

The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center recently completed its run of West Side Story to critical acclaim. The nine performances presented over two weeks were
seen by 3,000 theater goers.

What the Critic's Said

"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."

"Youthful Bethlehem cast infuses performance with verve and gusto."

"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."

"There's a talented ensemble of performers all of whom deserve praise."

Chesley Plemmons, Theater Critic - the 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

Here are several photos from this year's musical.



The Jets & Tony-Rumble
(West Side Story)

Maria at the Dress Shop
(West Side Story)



Riff & Graziella
(West Side Story)



Maria & Tony
(West Side Story)



Music Director Craig Hartley
(West Side Story)



Anita & Bernardo
(West Side Story)

Would you like to be informed about upcoming workshops and  performances at The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center? E-mail your contact information to: info@thegarytheolivia.com and we will add you to our mailing list.

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

News & Special Events

On Saturday, June 7th, 2008, we held our first annual fundraiser for The Gary-The Olivia Theater - A Little Summer Night Music.

The event featured performances from My Fair Lady (2005), The Music Man (2006), Fiddler On The Roof (2007) the 2008 production of West Side Story and a special performance by The Craig Hartley Trio with vocalist Rudy Babouder. The performance was followed by a Wine, Cheese and Chocolate reception featuring some of the best locally made specialty foods in our area. It was
a great success!

(Entrance to The Gary-The Olivia Theater)

Thank you to all our guests and contributors for your generosity and support. We look forward to seeing you at this year's production of West Side Story.

The fundraising effort on behalf of the theater is ongoing. So, if you didn't have the opportunity to make a tax deductible contribution at the benefit performance, please feel free to do so now or in the future.

Thank you.

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