My friend Sheila and I went to the play "A Sherlock Carol" at the Westport Country Playhouse (WCP) on Saturday, December 23. I have never been to the Playhouse and, before telling you my 4-word review of the play, I thought I’d give you a little history of the venue. This information comes primarily from the website. The history of the Playhouse and theatre there goes back 90-years. On a practical note, there are no bad seats in the house. We sat in the next to last row and had a great view.
‘Originally built in 1835 as a tannery manufacturing hatters’ leathers, the building that would become Westport Country Playhouse was in 1880 turned into a steam-powered cider mill, and later abandoned in the 1920s.
Splendidly transformed into a theater in 1931, it initially served as a try-out house for Broadway transfers, evolving into an established stop on the New England straw hat circuit of summer stock theaters through the end of the 20th century. Following a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2005, the Playhouse became a producing, non-profit, regional theater, preserving its original charm and character.’
Regarding past actors who have performed at the Westport Country Playhouse, the theater has a rich history and has hosted many notable performers over the years. Some actors have participated in plays, readings, or special events at the venue. This link brings you to those that have appeared there since the 1930s. It is an amazing number of names you will recognize. Some of these legends include Tallulah Bankhead, E.G. Marshall in the 40s, Cloris Leachman, John Forsythe in the 50s, Sammy Davis Jr., Alan Alda, Cicely Tyson in the 60s, Robert Stack, William Shatner in the 70s and so on through this year. Big name directors and music conductors as well.
About this play that Sheila and I saw, “Cute” is how she put it. And she is 100% correct. It was (now get ready for my review) “cute and funny enough”.
The site describes the play as ‘TWO BELOVED CLASSIC TALES. ONE THRILLING NEW MYSTERY. A SHERLOCK CAROL is a heartwarming holiday production for all ages—and a theatrical experience you’ll never forget!
Reunite with the characters you love from Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, now brought together in a story of intrigue and suspense, with a helping of holiday cheer. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. But it is a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future.’
There was even a place in the Playhouse for you to take a picture in front of a great replica of 221B Baker Street in our lobby! Of course, I had to do that.
I have enjoyed exploring new theatres this past year. Although a 45-minute drive from Danbury, I would take in another play at the Westport Country Playhouse if the play hit my fancy.
In 2024, get out there and enjoy all you can!
Hozzászólások