Playhouse Hosts 80th Birthday Party

In keeping with its flair for the dramatic, the Westport Country Playhouse has been celebrating its 80th birthday for the past two years. However, Wednesday, June 29 marks the day that the theater officially opened its doors in 1931 and welcomed audiences to its first production, “The Streets of New York,” starring Dorothy Gish.

To commemorate the Playhouse's birthday, everyone is invited to join Artistic Director Mark Lamos, Managing Director Michael Ross, and the Playhouse staff for a custom-designed cake created by CakeSuite of Westport and a champagne toast. Westport's First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, Connecticut State Representative Jonathan Steinberg and a representative from Governor Dannel P. Malloy's office are expected to be in attendance.

“We invite the community to share this historic day with us,” said Ross. “From free ticket vouchers to fabulous birthday cake and champagne, we will be giving presents away to our patrons and friends. Please join us!”

After brainstorming different ways to celebrate the Playhouse's 80th birthday, Marketing Director David Byrd said that plans are now underway to place 80 white balloons with the Playhouse logo on one side, and “Happy 80th Birthday!” on the other, in 80 different venues in Westport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien, Wilton and Stratford. Those who find the balloons will win a voucher for a pair of tickets to the Playhouse's upcoming production of Terrence McNally's “Lips Together, Teeth Apart.” Directed by Lamos, the comedy opens on July 12.

“Hopefully, the balloons will be easy to find,” Byrd said. “We're located on the Post Road so the Post Road would be a good place to start to look.”

Since part of the fun is in searching for the balloons, Byrd didn't want to reveal too many hints. He said that they can found “where people congregate.”

Byrd said that Playhouse staff will set out early on Wednesday morning to get the balloons in place. He said that those who find the balloons are not required to immediately redeem the vouchers. “I would suggest that they do call us within a day or two, though, to get the best seats possible,” he added. In honor of its 80th celebration, another gift presented to the community by the Playhouse is the opportunity to receive 20 percent discounts on all single tickets purchased for 2011 main stage performances. The offer is good for one-day-only purchases that are made online, in-person or by phone from 10 am to 6 pm.

“Eighty years is a lot of time and we've come along way when you realize that this facility used to be a tannery, then a cider barn, and there were once sheeping grazing alongside it,” Byrd stated. “Now we've come full circle and we have this beautiful, state of the art regional theater that's recognized nationally and, hopefully, internationally for the really important work we do.”

Though Westport is in close proximity to New York City, people no longer have to travel there to experience high quality, live theatrical experiences if they don't want to, he added. “Under our great leadership here at the Westport Country Playhouse, we really do outstanding work that our patrons have come to love,” Byrd said.

For more information, call the box office at 203-227-4177 or toll free 1-888-927-7529 or visit the Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.