Avon Theatre Teams Up with Greenwich Theatre Company on Oct. 6

The Avon Theatre Film Center and the Greenwich Theatre Company are partnering for a special presentation of The Children’s Hour on Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00pm at the Avon Theatre, 272 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT.

The evening will offer a live staged reading of an excerpt of Lillian Hellman’s 1934 stage drama The Children’s Hour followed by a screening of the acclaimed 1961 film adaptation by John Michael Hayes marking the 60th anniversary of the film’s release. Reprising the role of Martha, played by Shirley MacLaine, is her daughter, actress Sachi Parker. Stephanie Hazard, Co-Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre Company, will play Karen in the reading excerpt, a role played by Audrey Hepburn in the film. Broadway and T.V. veteran Mike Boland will direct the pre-film reading. A Q & A with the cast will follow the screening.

“We are thrilled to be bringing together film and theatre for the first time in partnership with the Avon Theatre Film Center. The Children’s Hour has a unique place in history, and its circuitous journey from stage to screen makes this a thought-provoking presentation,” says Andrea Lynn Green, GTC’s Co-Artistic Director. “Hellman stated that her play is about the danger of a lie, and its path of destruction. It is that, and so much more. Especially looking upon it with today’s eyes,” Green continues. “The Children’s Hour play was actually banned in Boston in 1936 by the city’s public censor because it was deemed to have “lesbian content.” This sparked the first gay rights case ever taken on by the ACLU. While the play’s ban was upheld by the courts, gay rights, and the censorship of gay and lesbian themes in the arts became part of the public conversation. How the play and film hold up today is another very interesting question,” says Stephanie Hazard, GTC’s Co-Artistic Director.

“During these difficult times, both the Avon and the GTC believe that keeping the arts alive is a shared mission and a shared responsibility. We are looking forward to this co-production with Greenwich Theatre Company. We also want patrons to be comfortable coming to the theatre, with the knowledge that the Avon has been open daily since Fall 2020, in full compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines established by the State of CT and the CDC. The Avon’s Safety Protocols, including masks, social distancing, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination are outlined on our website at http://avontheatre.org/safety-protocols/.” says Stuart Adelberg, Executive Director of Avon Theatre.

Tickets are available for purchase online at: www.avontheatre.org

General Admission: $20.00 and Avon Members: $15.00

Special ticket pricing for high school and college students.

Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the performance.

For further information, please contact Louisa Greene, Avon Director of Development and Marketing at lgreene@avontheatre.org or 203-550-2697.