The Westport Country Playhouse has a historic stage. The Remarkable Theater has a big screen.
Stage and screen meet on Saturday, October 17. “Playhouse at the Drive-in” celebrates the WCP’s 90-season history with a benefit event, and a screening of special filmed performances and a documentary.
It’s also available to view online, at home.
The Westport Country Playhouse honors its history … (Photo/Wells Studio)
The short-form documentary salutes the Playhouse’s history, and many of the artists who have appeared onstage. It was created specially for this event, by Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos and Westport filmmaker Douglas Tirola. He’s the brains behind the Remarkable Theater. In his teens, he worked as a Playhouse “beautifier.”
The evening includes filmed performances by Playhouse alumni Kate Baldwin, Britney Coleman, Tina Fabrique, the Naughton family (James, Greg, Keira and Kelli O’Hara), Brenda Pressley, Amanda Robles, with a special performance by André De Shields.
Also appearing on film: Jane Alexander, Lissy Newman, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Thomas, and more.
“Playhouse at the Drive-In” takes the place of the annual fall gala fundraiser. On-site benefit tickets start at $500 per car (maximum 5 people). Online film screening from home is just $25.
Gates open at the Remarkable Theater (Imperial Avenue parkin lot) at 5 p.m., for a cocktail hour and picnic dinner. The live and online screening begins at 6:30.
… at an old-fashioned drive-in.
Here we go again! Another event, a drive in movie in an area not zoned for this use. I’m sure it will please some people but how about some regard for the neighbors. It seems that the town disregards its own rules when convenient.
Ask anyone of these folks running this event if they want it next door to their house week after week. You’d get a resounding “ not in my backyard” How about Compo Beach? Plenty of parking and only the seagulls might object.
I found the documentary on the history of the Westport Country Playhouse to be very interesting. We are so fortunate to have the WCP be a part of our community.