The Westport Country Playhouse’s last-ditch, uber-urgent, if-we-can’t-raise-it-we’ll-close $2 million fundraising appeal ended July 31.
And the 92-year-old institution appears to be within a rounding error of its goal.
Today, the Playhouse said they’ve collected $1,941,557 in cash and pledges. Donations were based on the board of trustees’ promise to transform the historic theater into “a performing arts center that appeals to a broader audience while continuing to produce theater.”
The historic Westport Country Playhouse will continue to entertain audiences, in a variety of ways. (Photo/Robert Benson)
Trustees chair Athena Adamson says, “The show will go on! We raised an amount very close to our $2 million goal by the July 31 deadline. Major gift conversations are ongoing that very soon could bring us well beyond our goal.
“Every gift is meaningful and treasured. We can thank our wonderful community who stepped up to ‘Save the Playhouse’ and shape it for future generations.”
The campaign will fund a series of single night events, including cabaret, comedy, music, play readings and speakers, from January through August 2024. From September 2024 through March 2025, the Playhouse will continue its theatrical tradition by mounting 3 productions.
Overseeing the theatrical stagings will be Mark Shanahan. A director, playwright and actor, he was recently named artistic director for the 2024-25 season.
Tax-deductible contributions continue to be accepted. For campaign information and to donate, click here. Naming opportunities are available, including engraved paving stones in the Playhouse courtyard and seat plates in the theater. For naming inquiries, contact development@westportplayhouse.org.
Sweet! Maybe one day they’ll do a little show called JOHN & JEN, a musical two-hander that’s had a very nice life since its debut exactly thirty years ago at the Goodspeed… the show has played all over the country and abroad but never at the WCP, even though the co-author is a local lad I know very well.
I can enthusiastically second Tommy’s plug for his wonderful show. Plus, the cast size and simple set requirements more than meet the WCP’s concerns about operating costs.
And congrats on your fundraising efforts.
So happy to hear and see a staple in our town stay but also see such generous people donate to keep an important form of art.
I would love to see them become “a performing arts center that appeals to a broader audience while continuing to produce theater.” That seems like an admirable goal.
Looking forward to hearing about the 23-24 plans.
Not to be a downer (ok I am) but it would be nice if long time subscription holders who paid for 5 plays this season and got 2 got some additional consideration
1 play I saw years ago had nude people on stage