Connecticut Playmakers’ continues to celebrate its 60th Anniversary!

On a summer day in 1947, sixty interested people gathered at the Binney Parish House in Old Greenwich to discuss the formation of a community-based local theatre. On September 15, 1947, the group became incorporated as Connecticut Playmakers, Inc. with four incorporators: Eugene W. Macoy, Munro Leaf, George K. MacKenzie and H. Graham Smith.

Connecticut Playmakers (CTPLAY) has spent 60 years to bring the “Best of Broadway” to the greater Greenwich community and southwest Connecticut. Through more than 225 productions; from venerable classics: “Oklahoma,” “Brigadoon” and “Guys & Dolls;” to contemporary favorites: “Sweeney Todd,” “Evita” and “Jesus Christ Superstar;” to well-known plays: “Deathtrap” and “Mousetrap,” the organization has always strived to produce a well-rounded array of theatrical offerings each season.

For the first thirteen years of the group’s existence, the Binney Parish House was the group’s first real home. With growing interest and increased membership, the group soon moved to Eastern Junior High School in Riverside. During the 1970’s to mid-80’s, St. Savior’s in Old Greenwich became the organization’s “new home” while still performing their larger productions at Eastern Junior High School.

The organization was a vibrant group with many volunteers, who devoted their time, talent and interest to develop the theatrical group throughout Greenwich. CTPLAY had a “barnful” of sets, costumes, props, and sophisticated electrical equipment in their possession. CTPLAY strived to create a sense of community, to work together with volunteers as well as creating a new circle of theatrical friends. 

The founding members cultivated and welcomed all types of interested people who wanted to participate in the group. They were not only focused on the singing, dancing and acting aspects, but also seeked the talents of those who could sell tickets; those who were willing and capable to climb ladders for set construction and lighting and those who specialized in rummaging at the latest flea market or tag sale for a costume or prop. Details taken from their 25th anniversary program also noted that the group never asked the general public for sponsorships, donations or subsidies.
 
There are also details “on-the-record” describing the activities which the group participated off-stage. A “break-up party” was always planned after each major performance. It was said that the “Gashouse Gang” (backstage crew and volunteers) put on a skit of hilarious outtakes after each closing night’s performance. Each June, there was also an annual dance as well as numerous impromptu parties and gatherings at member’s homes.

In addition to the theatrical productions, CTPLAY held dramatic readings at the Greenwich Library, provided an annual scholarship to a Greenwich High School graduate majoring in the performing or creative arts, as well as a having the Young People’s Theatre Wing for children (7-12 yrs of age) who had a love of performing.

While it is very exciting time for the group as they celebrate their 60th anniversary this year, it is also a disheartening time now as CTPLAY has “fallen-on” some very difficult times as of late. CTPLAY no longer offers dramatic readings, or a GHS scholarship or the Young People’s Theatre Wing. In addition, they have sold, trashed or donated materials, lighting, costumes and other items when storage rental costs became too costly to maintain.

Why is this happening to our community theatre??? The answer is simple. CTPLAY does not have a permanent home-base for theatrical operations. They’ve also experienced a decrease in their membership and creative staff as several vibrant board members have passed-away, others have moved out of the area and some are now too old to commit their time and energy to the group.

Thankfully, the group has been operating-out of the home of Peggi de la Cruz, who has taken ownership of the group. Peggi has single-handedly championed over the operations of CTPLAY by keeping the group together and producing shows/revues. Currently, the group only performs 1 production per year. de la Cruz mentions that this needs to be done “in order to keep the Connecticut Playmakers’ name and reputation in the Greenwich and theatrical communities.”

With their current production, “Snow Tunes!,” the group gathers at Peggi’s home for rehearsals. While thankful for their support, CTPLAY pays St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Riverside a rental fee for the use of Selleck Hall as well as paying for the rental of stage and lighting equipment.

According to director, Todd Caporizzo, “We are the only community in lower Fairfield County that does not have a Performing Arts Center to call “our home.” Darien, Stamford, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, Fairfield and Stratford all have “one central location” for the arts and a thriving community theatre. de la Cruz adds, “It very discouraging that there is no theatrical facility within our community to bring-together the talents and passions in the areas of dance, drama, singing, music, theatre and the fine arts.”

With the additions of some new executive members to the group, Todd Caporizzo and Don Rickenback, Snow Tunes’ musical director, it’s their hope (along with de la Cruz) to "jump-start" CTPLAY once again and turn-it back into a thriving performing arts organization within the community.

There has been “talk” to have the Continuing Education Building on Greenwich Avenue transformed into a Performing Arts Center. To date, discussions between the Town of Greenwich and the Board of Education have not made nor disclosed any progress on this project.