FAIRFIELD, CT - Fairfield Museum and History Center’s (www.fairfieldhistory.org) successful exhibition, Bravo! A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County, which has been visited by nearly 1,000 people and applauds the rich history of regional theatre has now been extended from March 18, 2012 to April 1st, 2012.
Bravo! focuses on three major regional theatres – The Westport Country Playhouse, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year; Lucille Lortel’s White Barn Theatre, which opened in 1947 near Westport; and the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre, which opened in 1955 and closed in 1982. Each theatre was a incubator for some of the industry’s top talent, Benewitz added.
To enhance the successful exhibition, the Museum’s education staff has developed a broad range of new programs and events for adults, families and children, according to Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, director of exhibitions and programs. “We have created a full calendar of winter and early spring readings, workshops around theatre and family events,” Bennewitz said.
“Bravo! continues to provide a wonderful opportunity for visitors of all ages to experience and participate in the wealth of theatrical history that took place from the late 19th Century through to present day and enjoy fun and entertaining activities,” said Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, director of exhibitions and programs. “Our visitors are exploring the wide range of theatre-related elements in the exhibition, as well as experiencing the thrill and magic of live performances on the stage here at the Museum.”
Bravo! is being made possible, in part through a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council (CHC). Additional support for Bravo! has been generously provided by The Graham Foundation of Connecticut, Inc., The Lucille Lortel Foundation, the Betty R. and Ralph Sheffer Foundation, Fairfield University, graygraham and Still River Editions with additional support from private individuals. Our media sponsors include Moffly Media for the length of the exhibition, WSHU Radio and the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
Specific elements of the Bravo! exhibition include a colorful array of costumes, props, photographs and manuscripts focus on the legacies of the Westport Country Playhouse, White Barn Theatre and American Shakespeare Theatre that combine to illustrate Fairfield County’s theatrical history. And the Fairfield Museum has partnered with nearly 60 regional theatre organizations to showcase a rich slate of theatre programs around the region, including staged readings, storytelling, performances, workshops and more for all ages. Partner programs provide opportunities to experience and promote live theatre while inspiring artists and audiences of tomorrow.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS FOR BRAVO! A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County
with Keir Dullea and Tom Zingarelli, directed by Mark Graham
Small World, by Frederick Stroppel, depicts a discussion between renowned composer Igor Stravinksy, and the dynamic 38-year-old Walt Disney, about the film, Fantasia. Cast includes Actors Keir Dullea, a founder of Theatre Artists Workshop, and Tom Zingarelli .
Keir Dullea is an accomplished actor best known for his starring role in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. He launched his acting career in regional theater with his New York debut in 1956 with Sticks and Bones. His cinematic roles have included The Good Shepherd with Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie, directed by Robert De Niro, and The Accidental Husband where he appeared in a cameo role with Isabella Rossellini as his wife.
Tom Zingarelli has performed in theatres from off-Broadway to regional to summer stock. He has appeared Off-Broadway in plays by Alan Minieri and at the Westport Country Playhouse where he performed leading roles in “Scapino!” and “Toys in the Attic.” Recent work includes the role of Tennessee Williams in “Kindness of Strangers” at the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University, where Tom is the former executive director.
BRAVO! PARTNER PROGRAM:
Fairfield Public Library presents Our Town Film Screening
Wednesday, February 1 6:30pm
Free, pre-register by calling the Library Reference Desk at 256-3160.
Location: Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield
First produced in 1938, the Pulitzer-Prize winning Our Town has become an American stage treasure and is Wilder's most renowned and frequently performed play. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the play reveals the ordinary lives of the people in the small town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, U.S.A. As the Stage Manager, Paul Newman narrates Wilder's immortal tale of love, marriage and death and daily life. Directed by James Naughton, the Westport Country Playhouse 2002 production of Our Town played to sold-out audiences on Broadway.
MouseMuse presents Stories on the Green: Love Hurts
Thursday, February 9 7pm
Snow Date March 1
$20; Members, $15. Includes Light Fare and Cash Bar.
An evening of true, 10-minute tales that emphasize breakups, bad dates and smaller calamities afflicting the more mundane folks like us. No scripts!
Kate’s Cottage with Mike Bielewa
Thursday, February 16 12pm
$8; $5, Members. Please bring lunch, lemonade and dessert will be provided.
Author/filmmaker Michael J. Bielawa discusses Katharine Hepburn’s stay in Stratford and Kate’s Cottage. The short film Along the Shores of Memory: The Katharine Hepburn Cottage will also be shown.
Thinking Outside the Box: Original Ten Minute Play Fest
Sunday, March 4 7pm Reception 8pm Performances
$8; Members, $5.
All new, general-audience works, these10 minute plays were created by Connecticut playwrights (or those working in CT) and feature local professional and pro-am actors.
BRAVO! PARTNER PROGRAM:
Westport’s Theatre Legacy
The Queen of Off- Broadway Film Screening & Discussion
at the Westport Public Library
Thursday, March 8 7:30pm
Free, please pre-register with the Westport Public Library by calling (203) 291-4840. Location: Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880
This documentary explores the prolific theatrical career of Lucille Lortel and includes interviews with: Lucille Lortel, Milo O'Shea, Jerry Orbach, and Athol Fugard; and an excerpt from the film The Man Who Laughs Last.
Also on display at the Westport Public Library:
"Lucille Lortel — The Queen of Off-Broadway"
February 1 - April 30, 2012
An exhibit about the creator of the White Barn Theatre in Norwalk and Theatre de Lys in New York City, who championed experimental drama and helped develop the talents of new playwrights, directors, and actors out of the glare of Broadway.
The Women Behind Broadway
Women's History Month Lecture & Lunch
Thursday, March 15 12pm
with Alexis Greene, author of Lucille Lortel: The Queen of Off Broadway
and Helen Sheehy, author of Eva Le Gallienne. A Biography
$8; $5, Members. Please bring lunch, lemonade and dessert will be provided.
Friends Lucille Lortel and Eva Le Gallienne forged exceptional careers in the world of theatre. Both women were committed to theatre education and avant garde theatre.
This definitive biography of the producer and philanthropist is also a look into the New York theater of the 1950s, when Off-Broadway was being born as an alternative to Broadway.
It's the story of a woman who was born in a tenement on the Lower East Side in 1900, became a middling actress and then a stalwart promoter and producer of new plays. Filled with details about the theater and about New York City, it is both a portrait of a woman and a profile of an era.
FAMILY / COMMUNITY
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr, Day, Ultraviolet Productions will present a puppet show for children about building character and promoting diversity. BRAVO! Theatre Partner Performance:
“The Land of Many Colors” Ages Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Monday, January 16 2:30pm
$7 Adults, $5 Children, free for children 3 and under.
How to Succeed in the Business of Show Business
with Rozanne Gates
Sunday, February 12 1pm
Free with admission.
Interested in acting? Rozanne Gates will give parents and students an overview of “the business” and what to expect. Gates will explain the theatre business terminology, how
to stay in the game and what students can expect after they graduate from acting school.
Enjoy an afternoon of skits, improv, musical theatre and more from talented students in the Fairfield region, including the Greens Farms Academy’s “Bloopers” and actors from New Pond Farm’s Shakespeare program.
Especially for February Vacation:
Come and explore theatre with activities for all ages during February vacation at the Fairfield Museum. On view in the galleries: Bravo! A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County. Come see the stars in your own backyard. Visitors will discover Connecticut’s theatrical history, a legacy that dates from the 19th century to the present. Pick up a Scavenger Hunt for family-friendly activities.
Sketching Theatre
Tuesday, February 21
with artist and illustrator Deborah Bassino
10am – 12pm Workshop for ages 8 – 13
$25; Members, $20
Learn sketching techniques inspired by the rich and glorious costumes and set designs in the theatre exhibition.
Mad Masks
Wednesday, February 22
10am – 12pm Workshop for ages 6 – 10
$10; Members, $8
Create a mixed media mask inspired by the costumes and creatures in the Bravo! theatre exhibition, like Egyptian gods, feathered headdresses, donkeys and lions!
Theatre Explorers
Wednesday, February 22
1pm – 3pm Workshop for ages 6 – 10
$10; Members, $8
Dive in to our costume trunk and explore fun theatre games, playwriting, improv and more in the Bravo! theatre exhibition.
A staff-supervised lunch time and break is available for participants who sign up for both Wednesday workshops. Please bring a peanut-free lunch.
Rapunzel
Presented by Purple Rock Productions
Friday, February 24 2:30pm
$7 adults, $5 children. Free for children 3 and under.
In this wild and wacky adaptation of the classic tale, an old washerwoman tells the story of Rapunzel, who is very clever in this version. She has learned a few tricks from the witch, especially how to "sing" things to grow. She is able to "sing" a boat into existence in order that she and the Prince can get away on the ocean. The washer woman tells the story using a variety of household objects, as well as puppets. The audience is encouraged to participate in creating the story.
