One of the great benefits of living in Fairfield County is the chance to see Broadway theater. Many of the best plays and musicals in the world are just a train ride away.
But another great benefit is: You don’t have to go to New York to see thought-provoking, entertaining, top-shelf theater. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on tickets – and an hour or so each way – area residents head to some of the best regional theaters in the country. They’re seldom disappointed.
The grandfather – actually, the great-granddaddy – of them all is the Westport Country Playhouse. Founded in 1931 in a former tannery, the Playhouse epitomized “summer stock” theater for much of the 20th century.
Drawing every famous name, from Henry (and Jane) Fonda to Gene Kelly, Paul Robeson, Helen Hayes, Eartha Kitt, Bert Lahr, Mike Nichols and Joel Grey to, more recently, James Earl Jones, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, the old red barn was the place to test plays before Broadway. And for young people to learn the craft, Stephen Sondheim was a 1950 apprentice.
Today the Playhouse season stretches from spring through fall. A renovation several years ago turned benches into actual seats, and brought the lobby into the modern era. But its history reverberates still, and it remains one of the most important regional theaters in America.
A more intimate stage is found at Norwalk’s Music Theatre of Connecticut. Founded in 1987, MTC offers Equity productions featuring New York professionals, student shows, and a conservatory-style School of Performing Arts for students ages 4 through high school.
Several other venues do double (or triple, or quadruple) duty. In addition to live theater, Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the arts sponsors dance, music, speakers and more. The modern, spacious auditorium serves “the intellectually hungry and perpetually curious,” through a multitude of mediums.
Not far away, the Fairfield Theatre Company’s 225-seat “black box” ad 640-seat Warehouse are the sites for over 300 events annually. In addition to theater, FTC presents music, film, comedy and other cultural offerings. There is a strong summer theater training program too, for over 200 students a year.
Fairfield’s newest venue – the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre – is also one of its oldest. Known for decades as the Community Theatre in the heart of downtown, the fully reimagined 400-seat venue hosts theatrical performances, film screenings, concerts, author talks and more. The “Broadway on Post” series brings top stars to town, in a uniquely intimate way.
In Stamford, the restored Palace Theatre highlights that city’s performing arts scene. Further north, the Ridgefield Playhouse presents more than 200 live shows annually, plus a robust schedule of movies.
But savvy residents know: One of the best tickets is also the cheapest. Many area high schools have strong theater programs. If you could only choose one, it’s Staples Players. Shows like “A Chorus Line,” “Grease,” “Guys and Dolls” – and others, ranging from “Avenue Q” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs” to “The Laramie Project” – fill both the main 900-seat auditorium and the smaller black box.
Each of these theaters is unique – in looks, capacity and programming. All share two things in common, though: They provide wonderful, thoughtful, inspiring and fun entertainment. And they are all not-for-profit enterprises.
COVID has not been kind to theaters. They shut down immediately; some stayed closed for two years. Despite vaccines, masks and other measures, audiences have been slow to return.
These theaters are jewels in our community. Their continued success is not assured. They need our support.
We are lucky indeed. Fairfield County is a theater-love’s dream. And there is never a line for TKTS.