Westport Playhouse to Present Women and War July 14

Westport, CT -- Westport Country Playhouse, in conjunction with its July production of “Grounded,” about a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who is grounded by an unexpected pregnancy, has partnered with the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) for "Women and War,” a multimedia presentation for teen and adult audiences, on Friday, July 14, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center, adjacent to the Playhouse.

The program, free-of-charge and open to the public, gives a sweeping history of women's involvement in warfare, with special attention paid to several women who have been inducted into CWHF.

“Strong, courageous women have changed history,” said Kathryn Gloor, executive director of CWHF. “They have willingly risked their lives to defend our country and our communities for hundreds of years, but we all too seldom recognize their service. We are honored to partner with Westport Country Playhouse and this important production as we celebrate heroic women this year.”

Among the Connecticut women featured in the talk are Army Captain Kristen Griest, the first female infantry officer in the U.S. Army and one of the first two women ever to graduate from Army Ranger School; Major Regina Y. Rush-Kittle, military and law enforcement trailblazer and highest-ranking African American woman ever to serve in the Connecticut State Police; and USAF Colonel Ruth A. Lucas (1920-2013), first African American woman to attain the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and advocate for improved educational opportunities for service personnel. All three will be inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame on November 9, 2017.

“Grounded,” written by George Brant, is a contemporary drama that earned a 2016 Lortel Award, a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was short-listed for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award.  Playing the role of The Pilot in the solo production is Elizabeth Stahlmann, a recent graduate of Yale School of Drama. Director is Liz Diamond, chair of Yale School of Drama’s Directing department and resident director at Yale Repertory Theatre.  The drama runs from July 11 through July 29.

“Grounded” Production Sponsors are Judy and Scott Phares.  Production Partners are Johnna G. Torsone and John McKeon.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).