The Westport Country Playhouse’s many fans — loyal as well as lapsed — have been thrilled at its rapid recovery from last year’s near-death experience.
Just when it looked like the 93-year-old institution — a storied important part of American theater history — would close forever, a fundraising campaign kept the doors open, and the stage lights on.
Westport Country Playhouse
At the time, board members promised the Playhouse would revisit its mission, reimagine its programming, and reinvigorate its audience.
It would produce shows the public actually want to see, while reaching out to new segments of that public who had never sat in its historical seats.
The Playhouse delivered on those promises. A wide range of programs, from Bernadette Peters, Judy Collins and Audra McDonald to “A Night for Swifties” and “Pinkalicious” has drawn packed houses — and standing ovations.
Part of the “new” Playhouse was a major, but much-needed, change. Actual plays — the shows that had sustained it for decades, but in recent years failed to draw audiences — were moved from the summer, to winter and spring.
On Tuesday (October 22), the curtain rises on “The Thirty-Nine Steps.” The first WCP play in over a year mixes Alfred Hitchcock with Monty Python. The cast of 4 plays 150 characters in a fast-past frenzy of espionage and murder.
That’s enough to draw in veteran theater-goers, and curious newcomers.
But the Playhouse staff realizes they must do more. Which is why they’ve created a calendar of special events, throughout the 3-week run. Each appeals to a special segment of the population.
Some know the WCP well. Others may never have heard of it.
The calendar includes:
Taste of Tuesday (October 22, 6 p.m.): A fun reception pairing food from the Playhouse’s restaurant partner Gruel Britannia, plus wine. (This event is exclusive for Taste of Tuesday season ticket holders.)
Together at the Table (Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 p.m.): For just $15, families and groups enjoy a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. performance.
Pride Night (Thursday, October 24, 6 p.m.): A pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar by Troupe429 and appetizers from Gruel Britannia.
Opening Night Post-Show Reception (Saturday, October 26): Celebrate after the official opening, with the cast, crew and creative team.
Sunday Symposium (after the Sunday, October 27 3 p.m. performance: Director Mark Shanahan takes the stage for a conversation about the play and its themes, with questions from the audience.
Playhouse artistic director — and “Thirty-Nine Steps” director — Mark Shanahan will lead a lively Sunday Symposium talkback. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Open Caption (Sunday, November 3, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences enjoy the performance, while watching an easy-to-read digital screen with the actors’ dialogue.
Backstage Pass (after the Wednesday, November 6 2 p.m. performance): Learn how the Playhouse technical staff brought “The 39 Steps” to life. No ticket necessary; open to all.
Thursday Talkback (after the November 7, 7 p.m. performance): Q&A with cast members.
But wait! There’s more!
The Playhouse also offers a variety of ticket discounts. They include:
- Group sales
- Pay what you will
- Senior discounts
- $20 student tickets
- $10 student RUSH tickets
- Free tickets for Indigenous peoples
- Military discounts
- First responder discounts
- Playwrights Welcome
- School/university faculty & staff/
Click here for discount details.
A new season begins next week for the Westport Country Playhouse.
After 93 years, it’s as exciting as ever.
(For tickets to “The Thirty-Nine Steps,” and more information, click here.)
