Balloons -- and Free Tickets-- Celebrate Westport Country Playhouse 80th

Marking its 80th birthday on Wednesday, June 29, Westport Country Playhouse will offer special opportunities and a ceremony to celebrate the significant milestone. The historic theater opened on June 29, 1931 with its first production, “The Streets of New York,” starring Dorothy Gish.


“We invite the community to share this historic day with us,” said Michael Ross, Playhouse managing director. “From free ticket vouchers to fabulous birthday cake and champagne, we will be giving presents away to our patrons and friends! Please join us.”

The Playhouse will distribute 80 balloons to 80 different locations in Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Norwalk, Wilton and beyond, on the morning of June 29. The balloons will be printed with the Playhouse logo, web address and “Happy 80th Birthday!” Affixed to each balloon string will be a voucher for a pair of complimentary tickets to a preview performance of Terrence McNally’s comedy, Lips Together, Teeth Apart (Wednesday through Friday, July 13, 14 or 15 at 8 pm.), directed by Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director. Those who find a balloon will be invited to enjoy the balloon and a show - the Playhouse’s birthday gift for the community.

An 11 am a ceremony will take place in the Playhouse garden to which the public is invited. Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff will issue a proclamation declaring June 29th “Westport Country Playhouse Day” in Westport. Connecticut State Representative Jonathan Steinberg will present a proclamation by Governor Dannel P. Malloy. Following remarks by Lamos and Ross, there will be a champagne toast and cutting of a birthday cake resembling the Playhouse, donated by CakeSuite of Westport.

As another birthday special, patrons will receive 20-percent discounts on single tickets purchased on June 29 for any 2011 mainstage performances. The offer is good for one-day-only purchases, in-person, online or by phone from 10 am to 6 pm.

For more information, call the box office at 203-227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Tickets are available online at http://www.westportplayhouse.org/. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), view Playhouse videos on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse) or get an insider’s peek on The Playhouse Blog (http://www.theplayhouseblog.org/).