The Ridgefield Playhouse receives Connecticut Humanities grant to support The Big Read coming this fall

The Ridgefield Playhouse announced that it has received a Connecticut Humanities (CTH) grant, in partnership with the Ridgefield Library, to support The Big Read project in Ridgefield. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Arts Midwest, designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. The Big Read in Ridgefield will focus on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Ridgefield Playhouse will kick off the town-wide initiative with the Cab Calloway Orchestra playing the iconic music from the Gatsby jazz era on Friday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m. Both the 1974 film starring Robert Redford and the 2013 version with Leonardo DiCaprio will be screened at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, November 23, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

“The Ridgefield Playhouse is honored to be the recipient of the Connecticut Humanities grant which helps make it possible to bring great literature to life through the performing arts, film, discussion and all The Big Read initiatives our community partners are hosting focusing on The Great Gatsby. The Ridgefield Playhouse, in partnership with numerous community organizations, could not provide The Big Read cultural opportunity without a grant from Connecticut Humanities. The related activities are a great addition to our 2014-2015 season, and we look forward to bringing the whole town together to celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece,” said Allison Stockel, Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse.

More than 20 community partners will incorporate The Great Gatsby into their fall programs during The Big Read, which will take place from October 1 to November 23 and include the following interpretive programs to help people enhance their understanding of the significance of The Great Gatsby: Keynote Event: What’s So Great About The Great Gatsby? with Dr. Mark Schenker, Ridgefield Library, 
Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m.; Cass Gilbert’s Speakeasy of the ‘20s, Keeler Tavern Museum, Thursday, October 2, 7 – 9 p.m.; Jazz Concert: The Bearcats, Ridgefield Library, Sunday, October 12, 2 p.m.; Self-Guided Gatsby-Era Graveyard Tour, Saturday, October 18, Mapleshade, Ridgefield & Fairlawn Cemeteries, 1- 4 p.m.; Author Talk with Maureen Corrigan, So We Read On, her forthcoming book on the extraordinary “second act” of The Great Gatsby, Ridgefield Library,
 Sunday, October 19, 2 p.m.; The Life and Art of Dorothy Weir in the 1920s, Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton, CT, Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m.; Book to Movie Discussion with Mark Edwards, Ridgefield Library, Saturday, November 1, 11 a.m.; Dr. Mark Schenker, Associate Dean at Yale College, lecture, Ridgefield Library, Wednesday, November 12, 7 p.m.; Alice Paul and Women’s Voting Rights, Ridgefield Library, Wednesday, November 13, 7 p.m.

For complete information, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org and ridgefieldlibrary.org. Brochures listing all the events  -- from book discussions to exhibits, musical, dance and theatrical performances -- will be available in late September at The Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield Library, numerous retail shops and businesses as well as through the participating organizations.

Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. These programs bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage, enlighten and educate. Learn more by visiting www.cthumanities.org.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to serve the Ridgefield community and neighboring environs by fostering an appreciation for the arts through enrichment and entertainment programs including movies, musical performances, theater and other performing art forms at a price and with a content accessible to a broad cross-section of the public. For information on upcoming events, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org. 

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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