75 Years Strong: A Respectful, Reverential Renovation

And A New Journey For Westport Country Playhouse

By June S. April

WESTPORT — The promise was fulfilled. Owing to the dedication and enthusiasm of Artistic Director Joanne Woodward and a host of believers (corporate and private), volunteers and open wallets, Westport Country Playhouse opened its 75th season in June at its original site at 25 Powers Court, just off Post Road (Route 1).

Following a 13-month renovation and expansion (which included the presentation of the 2004 offerings at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & The Performing Arts), audiences now enjoy a more comfortable and modernized theater. Retaining the essence of this charming building, desperately needed alterations (many not visible to audiences) were made under the environmentally aware architectural firm of Farewell, Mills, Gatsch, based in Princeton, N.J.

The lovely and lyrical musical Finian’s Rainbow opened the four-play 2005 summer season.

The scenery was minimal, featuring a backdrop of a vastly enlarged portion of the sheet music of the memorable song “Look to the Rainbow,” one of timeless tunes written by lyricist E.Y. Harburg and scored by Burton Lane.

It is an optimistic story, capturing the essence of people’s dreams within a playful, mystical framework. Snatches of some of the melodies, like “Old Devil Moon” and “How are Things in Glocca Morra?” could be heard being hummed by some people as they walked to their cars.

The selection of Dear Brutus, when then ran July 7-24, allowed audiences to explore the unlikely realm of “what ifs.” Would people actually make different choices if the opportunity presented itself? Written by the renown author of Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie’s imaginative mind offered a most entertaining theatrical experience which was once again enhanced by a most effective set design.

Growing up in Georgia, Joanne Woodward expressed a strong connection to Frankie, the focal character of The Member of the Wedding. The third presentation of the season, Carson McCuller’s coming-of-age story ran July 28 to August 14.

As with all the chosen productions, there was much to be drawn on several levels from this story. The issue of prejudice (which also was addressed in Finian’s Rainbow) along with the pains and dreams of an imaginative 12 year old girl made this a provocative experience.

At the top of the program for the final play, Journey’s End, there is a statement: “The fiercest battle is always the most personal.”

In these most trying and frightening times, finding a way to cope with fear and terror is as much a reality for civilians as it is for soldiers. The sensitivity of profound issues such as integrity and patriotism were explored in the screenplays that R.C. Sheriff wrote.

Two that stand out for this reviewer are the films Good-bye Mr Chips and The Four Feathers. Though Journey’s End takes place in a bunker in World War I, the universality of how people deal with life and death is something each of us must choose. Though it may sound morbid, in fact there is much of that wonderful British humor in this play and the three hours does move quickly. As in each of the productions, the set design was outstanding.

The selected plays shared an underlying personal note reflecting the optimistic character of Joanne Woodward. A social and environmental activist, and deeply committed to quality of life and family values, her five years as Artistic Director of Westport Country Playhouse often brought those concerns to the stage.

It was Ms Woodward’s 75th birthday this year, as well as the 75th anniversary of Westport Country Playhouse. Both look better than ever and hold great promise of what is yet to shared.