PRESS

 

BY JOANNE GRECO ROCHMAN | REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

 

I was happy to hear from Janice Luise-Lutkus, producing director of Aspen Dream Productions, LLC. Her production company is 13 years old and employs many area actors. Her traveling interactive dinner theatre troupe is kicking off its fall season. In spite of the economy, she already has five performances lined up for the fall and holiday season. Happily, she employs more than 30 paid actors.

The company's three big hits are: "For Better & For Worse," an Italian Wedding comedy; "Mob's Murder Mystery," Music & Dancing comedy; and "Class Reunion at St. Rigatoni High," a high school flashback comedy. Jan said the company has raised thousands of dollars for non-profits and local charities, as well as various corporations. The company is on Facebook. On Oct. 23, the "Murder Mystery" is going to be performed for the Torrington Elks; on Nov. 13, "Class Reunion" will be presented at Fairview Farms in Harwinton; and on Dec. 31 the wedding comedy will be presented for the Southington Elks.

Janice has directed at the Warner Theatre and Westchester Broadway Dinner Theatre. She has a good thing going as producing director for AspenDream and a lot of that is because she knows so many of the talented actors in our area. For more information contact: www.aspendreamproductions.com

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TESTIMONIALS

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"The room was electrified with energy. The talent was on fire with joy of music, dance, a solid script of love of family. I truly appreciate the art of delivering the joy of LIFE in such a profound way.  Thank you all."  Patron from WoodWinds

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“Lady Katharine Cruises would like to express our appreciation for the hard work your staff and actors put into the performances and how they worked with such professionalism alongside our crew.  They engaged a great deal with the crowd to make the cruise fun and entertaining.  We are so excited to be working with you…  Thank you again for putting on a great show.” Jon Manafort, Owner, Lady Katharine Cruises

 

“It was July 2016 aboard the Lady Katherine. Uncle Franco Machiavelli (aka Donald Rondini) caught the attention of an older Italian woman sitting at a table with her son. Uncle Franco managed to coax her "center stage" to dance at the “wedding”. Little did he know, that this woman had to set aside her own passion for theater while life took its punches. Little did he know that on that night, she remembered what it was like on stage, making people laugh. She remembered the families of actors and actresses with whom she had worked. And it became more than just a dance aboard Lady Katherine. It became so much more than that.

 

The journey back from grief and loss had been long but because of Donald Rondini and his infamous wedding dance routine that night, the journey would lead to a return to the stage and to the true random spontaneity only physical humor and improv can create. For her, laughter and engaging audiences would begin again- on and off stage.

 

Of course, you know by now, I am that Italian lady who took the punches of life, who danced the dance with Uncle Franco. I wanted to tell the story and to let AspenDream Productions and Donald Rondini know what really happened that night aboard the Lady Katherine, besides a mob murder!

 

That kind of applause can’t be heard!” Thank you, Elaine M.

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Clubs

Dear Janice and your Talented Crew,
It was myself and everyone Else's (including our members) pleasure to have your team perform a fantastic show for us!! We were happy to have you. It was a very interesting show and lots of FUN!! My personal favorite was Mario!!I would most defiantly consider you for another show. Thank you all for "A JOB WELL DONE!" Lisa R., Event Coordinator, Southington Elks Lodge #1669

 

“The entertainment was seamless from start to finish.”  Tom B. Vice President, St. Sebastian Club

 

Congratulations on an outstanding show.  Everything could not have gone better and our audience had a great time.”  Joe Sabatini, President Adriatic Marchegian Club.

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"Our members and guests really enjoyed the show. Hopefully we can do something again in the future.  It was a pleasure working with you." - Dan, Torrington Elks Lodge #372

 

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Banquet Facility

“Again another big thank you for all your work and skills to make our New Year’s Eve event a success.  Feedback so far has been great.  We had a great audience and your actors and actresses outdid themselves.”  Joanne, Fairview Farms

 

“The reaction tonight points towards the most successful social event in recent memory. Thanks for a wonderful job.” Joe S. Wyantuck Country Club, Mgr. 

 

“You’ll be pleased with her knowledge, professionalism, and management abilities, as well as her enthusiasm.”  Marie Knudsen, First Selectman, Harwinton, CT

 

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Fundraiser

 “It was a blast and everyone enjoyed it. My board members are excited about doing it again.. and several.. including me.. were sore from dancing so much!”

Nancy, Executive Director, Farmington Valley Visitor’s Asso.

 

“Just wanted to thank you and your troupe for a great event last night. The wedding was a lot of fun and I will be happy to recommend your company to anyone that I hear that needs a FUNdraising idea!  I must also tell you that your husband’s pride in you and his enthusiasm toward your productions is really a blessing.  Thank you again for a job well done.”  Monique, St. Francis Xavier School

 

“We received nothing but rave reviews about your production. Our fundraiser went exceedingly well.  We receive nothing but “rave reviews” about the production.” Litchfield County Board of Realtors

 

“”For Better & For Worse allowed us to successfully proved out “guests” with an excellent show, laughter, music, and dancing, while at the same time raising funds.  What an enjoyable way to raise funds without too much effort!” Fran S., Still River Greenway Committee

 

“It was the funniest most unique performance we ever attended.” The Sammy Fund

 

“We highly recommend Aspen Dream Productions, LLC for anyone wishing to hold a fundraiser.  We all enjoyed the evening so much that we know we will use them again in the future.” 

Phyllis S., Special Events Chairperson, United Methodist Church

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Special Events/Private Parties/Corporate

 

Wedding:

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication.  You made our wedding.” Carissa and Joe D.

 

Pre-wedding party (given by parents):

“It was everything I wanted and more. Everyone loved it.  The actors were wonderful. I loved the way they went to the tables and got everyone up dancing, singing.  It was so great. My son said he loved it…and the music was just his taste.  Thank you so much.  I am so glad I did this.  What a party!  Please call us for references for future events.”  Dale & Brad C.

 

Annual Corporate Party:

I am so glad we decided on your troop to entertain us this year.  We, the staff at Tuxis-Ohr’s, had a ball with all of you and so did our guests.  Jim received numerous calls asking how he was going to “top this year’s Stress Relief Party” in the years to come.  By the end of the evening I know I felt like I was part of Uncle Franco’s entourage!  Please extend our appreciation and gratitude to the rest of your group. Thank you for the memories! Randy, Executive Assistant, Tuxis-Ohr

 

Twilight Event:

“Thank you for a wonderful show last night - I heard great feedback from people that I personally knew. Jim, Tina, Paul & Dave were marvelous - really, really great - totally in character.  Great job! Thank you for all - you went above and beyond with the show - right into New Moon - loved that! Hope we can work together soon.” Joyce Special Event Coordinator, Woodwinds

 

Bridal Show

“THANK YOU and your team for some very funny and amusing entertainment at the Bridal Show. Everyone who was there walked away with smiles on their faces and said how much fun they had!”

Thanks! Charlene Chiaro, Clear Vision Productions

 

Banquet Facility

“Beacon Falls was rocking on Saturday night, April 1, and that’s no April Fool’s joke. Everyone in the audience was thoroughly entertained by AspenDream Production’s rendition of For Better & For Worse, an interactive comedy wedding performance held at Beacon Hose Co. 1. This fundraiser, hosted by Friends of Beacon Falls Library to benefit the Beacon Falls Library Building Fund, raised over $5,000 through ticket sales.” Martha M. Event Chair

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Seabury Residents

"I wanted to thank you again for providing such a fun experience for our residents at Seabury. The feedback has been extremely positive. I included a few emails I have received. Thanks again, can’t wait for the next one!"

Matt McGowan, AVP, Resident and Member Services

 

“They were just great and how kind they were to us older people, with dancing, kisses, and just fun.

Let's have them again”

 

“This was fun. Let's do it again next year.

Thanks for bringing us something new.”

 

“Matt and Kim, you provided a 6 star WOW Sat evening!! The best party we've seen since being associated for 6yrs. Please thank all the Resident Services and Culinary staff for being key to such a fun event. Everyone looked great, service was great as was the food!”

 

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