2021 - 2022 SEASON

Nickel Mines

January 20 - January 30, 2022

  • “…fascinating, always elegant, and ultimately powerfully moving”

    -Nancy Sasso Janis, Connecticut Critics Circle

  • “A graceful and exquisite way to continue an important conversation.”

    -The Newton Bee

  • “… a triumph of a production for all involved - told with such force, boldness and volatile inspiration.”

    -James V. Ruocco

  • “Theatre can move you in a way unlike any other medium can, and A.C.T’s production of NICKEL MINES will do just that.”

    -HamletHub

  • “The depth, power, messages, and entertainment value of this production are all so strong that it is difficult to put them into words.”

    -BroadwayWorld

  • “You’ll be moved to dig deep.”

    -NewsBreak

Nickel Mines is a new musical centered around the 2006 Lancaster, PA Amish schoolhouse shooting in which a lone gunman shot ten girls (five fatally) before taking his own life. This breathtaking piece of theater combines spoken dialogue, movement, and original music to explore multiple viewpoints and perspectives from that fateful morning. Nickel Mines is a living memorial to the young girls who tragically lost their lives and is an entry point to a conversation on how violence, faith, forgiveness, and justice speak to and interact with one another. Nickel Mines is a powerful exploration of community, perseverance, and ultimately one of hope.

A.C.T of CT was the first professional theater to premier this fascinating, elegant, and moving new musical. Due to COVID-19, Nickel Mines (which was originally scheduled for March 19-29, 2020) was canceled just days before opening. We were ecstatic to be able to bring back this important and powerful new musical as part of our 2021-2022 season.

Nickel Mines played its final performance on January 30, 2022.

 Official Videos


Production Stills

Photo Credit: Jeff Butchen

Production Credits

  • Conceived by: Andrew Palermo
    Book: Andrew Palermo and Shannon Stoeke
    Music and Lyrics: Dan Dyer

    Director and Choreographer: Andrew Palermo
    Music Supervisor: Bryan Perri
    Music Director: Tom Cuffari
    Costume Designer: Sera Bourgeau
    Lighting Designer: Christopher Chambers
    Sound Designer: Emma Wilk
    Production Stage Manager: Katie Girardot
    Presented in association with Anita Donofrio

  • Daxton Bloomquist*
    Lauren Celentano
    Anna Cooper
    Shea Coughlin
    Emma Lou DeLaney
    Morgan Hollingsworth
    Kelsey Jenison
    Eleni Kutay
    Milan Magana
    Mark Bradley Miller*
    Alex Nee*
    Eric Michael Parker*
    Justine Rafael
    Josephine Rose Roberts*
    Hannah Joy Snyder
    Claire Sorlie
    Zoie Tannous
    Jayme Wapple*

    * Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

  • Jeremy Stein and Sean Reeves (CT Against Gun Violence)
    Niro Feliciano (LCSW, Integrative Counseling and Wellness Group)
    Alexis Koukos (Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement)
    Dr Carol Mahlstedt (M.S.W., Psy. D, Compassionate Ridgefield)