A play reading, six short newly written plays by students of the C.H. Booth Library Theater Group, and the much-anticipated return of the poetry of Risk A Verse will create Newtown Arts Week this month.

Special events begin Tuesday, September 17, and continue to the 12th Newtown Arts Festival, returning to Fairfield Hills, September 20-22. The weeknight events are all free, open to all ages, and sponsored by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

‘Restored To Reason’ Reading

On Tuesday, September 17, Elizabeth Young will present a staged reading of her play Restored to Reason. Mary Todd Lincoln was notably quirky, but Young’s play asks: was she insane? Robert Todd Lincoln determines his mother really is quite insane and takes steps to protect her.

Morgana Kate Watson will play Mary Todd Lincoln.

The reading is planned for 7 pm at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street.

Ten-Minute Plays

On Wednesday, September 18, at 6 pm, six Ten-Minute plays written by the students of C.H. Booth Library Theater Group will be performed.

They will be directed by Elizabeth Young.

Risk A Verse

The much-anticipated return of Risk A Verse, last presented in 2018, will take place on Thursday, September 19, at 7 pm, at the meeting house.

Newtown resident Sara Wetzel, who is coordinating this year’s event, invites readers to hear the joy of poetry when local residents and public figures read, chant and even sing one of their favorite poems.

David Wheeler will perform Joe Henry’s “Salt and Sugar.”

“His lyrics are as poetic as you will ever find,” says Wheeler, who will sing his selection. “I chose this song specifically because it speaks to me of the dualities and occasional contradictory realities of a committed relationship in a way that is contemplative and compelling.”

Others planning to recite their favorite poems include First Selectman Jeff Capeci, Selectman Michelle Embree Ku, Maya Rose from Aquila’s Nest Winery, Newtown Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberti, Newtown Police Chief David Kullgren, and C.H. Booth Library Director Jennifer Nash.

Wetzel is the author of three poetry collections and the publisher-editor at Saturnalia Books. She notes there will be free poetry books from Saturnalia Books available to take away, and libations and snacks following the readings.

Friday Night Concert

The Arts Festival will open with a concert on September 20 and then two days of arts events.

Zac N’ Fried, a tribute band made up of some of the area’s best musicians paying tribute to The Zac Brown Band, will headline the Friday night concert at Fairfield Hills. Led by founder and Newtown resident Randall John, the band is backed up by fellow Newtowner Matt Spencer on drums and instrumentalists from all over Connecticut.

The opening act of the concert will be King Saison, a group with vibrant stage presence and captivating chemistry.

The concert starts at 7:30, with Zac N’ Fried beginning at 8:30.

Tickets are $15 and available at newtownartsfestival.com/

The Wine and Beer Garden will be open during the concert. Adult audience members will again be able to purchase and then enjoy wine or beer at their seats. Food trucks will also be there.

Outside food or beverages will not be allowed.

Arts Festival Weekend

The Newtown Arts Festival will then run Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, 11 am-5 pm rain or shine, at the corner of Trades Lane and DG Beers Boulevard.

The Wine and Beer Garden will be open during all hours of the festival and the food trucks will be returning.

The Newtown High School Band will open the festival each morning. Live music will then continue until close each evening.

Eighty artisans, from wood turning to jewelry to jams and jellies, will be in the center of the Saturday & Sunday Arts Festival.

The Freeway is returning, along with four tents plus Terrific Totes, with craft activities to see and do and for which there is no extra charge.

The Dance Tent will have performances both days with master classes.

The Make and Take Tent will have different crafts, members of The Society for Creative Arts in Newtown (SCAN) will be demonstrating plein-air painting at The Art Oasis on Saturday.

On Sunday, Weaving Newtown will be in the Fiber Arts tent with demonstrations and instructive projects.

The Art of Science Tent will also return this year. EverWonder Children’s Museum staff members will lead activities both days.

Shade tents will be provided all weekend so visitors can enjoy every part of the festival.

Although tickets for the two-day Arts Festival can be purchased at the door, visitors are encouraged to buy them early at newtownartsfestival.com/

Tickets are $5, in advance or at the gate; ages 5 and under are free. Cash, credit or debit cards will all be accepted at the door. Credit and debit cards will be accepted for advance sales.

Sponsored by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, proceeds of the Newtown Arts Festival funds scholarships for Newtown residents who are graduating high school seniors and grants for Newtown artists and organizations that bring the arts to Newtown.