The Theatrical Transformation of a Diamond in the Rough

When singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie Diamond moved Ridgefield from NYC four years ago, she thought she was leaving the Broadway stage behind.  Not so. Soon after arriving in the Connecticut burbs, a series of serendipitous things happened. First, Katie realized that the place she chose to call home was a vibrant arts community. Next, she met a fellow Broadway comrade, and then, she stumbled upon an old theater - right here in Ridgefield.

Katie and fellow Broadway star and Ridgefield resident, Daniel C.Levine are the founders of ACT of Connecticut, a Broadway-caliber theater that is redefining Connecticut’s professional performing arts landscape.

Located in the heart of Ridgefield between Old Quarry Road and Sunset lane, Katie and Daniel found a diamond in the rough Inside an unkempt building that was once home to the Schlumberger Theater.

“We immediately knew it was a special building, but we didn’t immediately know if we could bring it to a place where it was usable for our needs,” says Katie. Originally built as a corporate auditorium, Katie says, “It was not a theatrical auditorium, so it had no wing space, no backstage space, no theatrical elements.”

Katie says the transformation of the original theater into a Broadway haven took the vision and expertise of a team of acclaimed theater professionals. “The Technical Director for Radio City Music Hall is on our Board of Directors and we have a Broadway Lighting and Scenic Director on our Board, and Broadway veterans, Dan Levine and Bryan Perri, and our Production Manager, Aaron Heeter - all of these people have been extremely integral in the design of this space.”

Two years in the making, construction nears completion and ACT of Connecticut will soon open the curtains on an absolutely stunning, state of the art, 174 seat theater - the first of its kind in Connecticut. ACT of Connecticut's inaugural performance of Mamma Mia! is set to take place June 7!

Enter on Quarry Road, travel down a driveway surrounded by beautiful open space, and arrive at a newly refurbished building that has stayed true to the design and large glass windows signature of architect Philip Johnson. The attractive and spacious lobby invites you to stay a while - arrive before the show, order a cocktail at the bar, and take a seat.

Theatergoers will be treated to limited engagement runs of well-known Broadway plays and musicals, as well as world premiere plays and musicals by the next generation of writers and composers - all performed on a revolving stage.

And, after the cast takes their final bows and the lights go out on Broadway, there is no hurry to leave the theater - linger a while, chat about the performance, have a nightcap and raise your glass to Broadway and ACT of Connecticut.

Purchase tickets to ACT of Connecticut's inaugural performance of Mamma Mia! HERE.

 

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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