Bringing a real tragedy to the stage is no easy task, especially when it is rooted in local history. But, that’s just what TheaterWorks has done with their latest production, ‘Circus Fire,’ which focuses on the horrific 1944 circus fire in Hartford. This production successfully immerses the audience in local history through lighting and projections, writing of the show, and compelling acting.
Opening on April 26, 2026, the play, ‘Circus Fire’ has gained massive popularity, leading to its showing being extended to the end of May. The play tells the story of families at the Hartford circus fire, the legal actions that took place following the fire, and the tragic deaths of the 167 people killed that day, including five who were never identified. In June 1944, a traveling circus made its way to Hartford. During the matinee, a discarded cigarette caused the tent to go up in flames, and within minutes it collapsed. Hundreds of people were left injured or dead.
The play was not at TheaterWorks’ usual location, 233 Pearl St, Hartford, but at First Company Governors Foot Guard in Hartford, because the director wanted to utilize a round stage and arena-style seating – much like what would be used in a real circus. Twelve actors were used in this production, and through emotional delivery and acting, they were able to bring multiple perspectives to life, shifting between victims, investigators, and survivors while maintaining the emotional weight of each story. The play showed the excitement leading up to the circus but quickly shifted to the sadness faced by families and the anger of those who lost loved ones and wanted someone to be held responsible.
Techniques used in this production, such as lights, sound, and projectors, effectively immerse the audience in the event. TheaterWorks is known for using lighting and sound effects, but with a larger stage than usual, there was a greater need for lighting. The lights were able to set the mood for each scene and spotlight different characters at different moments to help drive the story. Not only that, thanks to the large open ceiling and walls, they were able to use projectors to show real scenes from the circus fire and also display the names of those who lost their lives that day.
A writer from the Poplar Review went to see the show and emphasized how real the performers on stage made the show feel. “We watched alongside the performers as projected flames slowly engulfed the Foot Guard. It was a bold, visceral choice that ensured no one in the room could escape the weight of what those innocent people endured.” The Poplar Review also emphasized the importance of how the lighting and sound worked together with the actors’ intense monologues to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. What stayed with me the most was how the lighting and projections didn’t just support the story but pulled me into it, especially during the moments when the flames moved up the walls and to the ceiling.
Alongside the meaningful lighting effects, the acting and plot focus are what makes the tragedy truly hit. Additionally, the characters guided the story as their roles developed and were portrayed very well, especially because they were all based on real people. The play was written in a way that goes back and forth between legal actions following the fire and what was happening during the fire. As the people retold what happened during the fire while being interviewed in a court, they narrated how the next scene would play out.
Instead of just telling the audience what happened, the actors bring real emotion to each role, making the story feel less distant. Through monologues and quick costume changes into other characters, the cast is able to show many different perspectives from victims to investigators to grieving families. A large part of the story focused on the family of a young girl who went missing during the fire and was never found. Later on, it was determined that an unidentified body was the girl. This helps the audience understand the full impact of the fire. These moments help turn what could have been just facts into something more powerful and memorable.
While reflecting on the cast of the production, the writer of the Whitebirchblog, Kiersten Bjork, said, “Each of them is given their moment to speak to the tragedy, and you feel each and every word that they share… While I was impressed with the company across the board, there are certain characters that jumped out to me for their portrayals. Boland, as the clown, tugs at your heartstrings with his dialogue about the realization of the emergency.” Each actor had a chance to fully develop their role, helping the audience to connect with multiple characters. Together, the cast made the production not only informative but deeply moving for the audience.
I was impressed with the ability to present a difficult part of Hartford’s history in a way that feels both respectful and engaging. It was most effective when it focused on the human side of the tragedy rather than just the event itself. I think the production’s strength is how clearly it prioritizes individual stories, allowing the audience to understand the fire’s impact through experiences instead of facts. The challenging viewpoints help capture the full story and bring local history to life in a meaningful way.
