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05/30/2019 12:01 AM

Legacy Theatre Celebrating Groundbreaking at Historic Stony Creek Puppet House


Artist’s rendering of the new theatre Photo courtesy of Legacy Theatre

The Legacy Theatre will break ground on the restoration of the historic Stony Creek Puppet House/Stony Creek Theatre on Thursday, June 6 at 10 a.m., 128 Thimble Island Road, Branford. All are welcome, and there will be a short ceremony and refreshments.

This historic building was once the theatrical home for Orson Welles and his famed Mercury Players, after its turn as a silent picture house and before being a unique and cherished performance space for Italian Puppet Theater. Once completely restored, the state-of-the art, accessible performance center will provide seating for 127.

Since 2011, the Legacy Theatre has borrowed spaces for its more than 50 theatrical productions, numerous classes, workshops, in-school programs, and acting workshops. For the 2018-’19 season, the Legacy Theatre has been performing at the Stony Creek Museum.

Once open, the Legacy will offer seasons of professional theater and classes. The latest Legacy innovation is a pilot project, Wheel Life Theatre Troupe, for those who ambulate with wheels or crutches; the troupe will perform next month at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 on the New Haven Green.

The professional arm of the company is rehearsing for its free, outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Branford Green, Tuesday through Saturday, July 2 to July 6..

In addition to individual, foundation, and corporate donations, the theater’s $4.2 million capital campaign is supported by the Connecticut Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program as administered by the State Historic Preservation Office. With $1.7 million left to raise, naming opportunities are still available for those who wish to put a lasting mark on their support of the revitalization of this intimate shoreline theater. Those who are interested can email info@LegacyTheatreCT.org for naming information.

More information is available at www.LegacyTheatreCT.org.