With the snip of shears before a crowd of 200, the newly remodeled Westport Country Playhouse was officially back in business today in time to launch its 75th season.
Memories: Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell (r) chats with Ann Sheffer (c), Playhouse board member, and David James McKenzie, son of the late James B. McKenzie, longtime head of the Westport Country Playhouse, at today’s ribbon-cutting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“The box office is now open,” quipped First Selectwoman Diane Farrell, who took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, Liz Morten, past president of the Playhouse, current president John Vaccaro and Joanne Woodward, artistic director.
Dark rain clouds threatened the morning ceremony, but the weather held as the dignitaries snipped a large yellow ribbon across the main entry stairway with the black shears which they later autographed. Workmen, meanwhile, hurried completion of the Playhouse gardens and patio nearby.
The $18.7 million, 13-month long renovation expanded the drafty, old summer theater from a 10,000-square-foot barn to 40,000-square-foot year-round playhouse.
“Why is the Playhouse so important?” Morten asked in her opening remarks. “Stand in the lobby. Sit in the seats and take in the wonderful view from the balcony.”
She added that the new and improved facility respects the charm of the old building, and is “still a refuge for the ghosts of the past.”
“We’re absolutely delighted that this day has come,” said Sullivan. “One of the great strengths of our state is its culture. It’s what makes Connecticut a quality-of-life place to live.”
The state gave $5 million toward the Playhouse’s fundraising goal of $30 million for restoration and operating costs, and set the stage for other donors.
“This really is a community effort and a community event,” said Farrell, who issued a proclamation dubbing May 23 as Westport Country Playhouse Day.
Sullivan said Rell had declared June 16, the date of the opening performance, as Playhouse Day in the state. The Playhouse will debut its season with “Finian’s Rainbow,” folowed by “Dear Brutus,” “The Member of the Wedding,” and “Journey’s End.” (See WestportNow March 16, 2005)
