Ivoryton Hurricane Relief Effort Update: Two trucks have returned from North Carolina after delivering the aid folks so generously donated to help those who are in desperate need. Nathan Szymanski and Nick Blue arrived back Tuesday after traveling to Morganton, NC dropping off half of the supplies at a local church that’s doubling as a warehouse for the time being. They added more cases of water to the UHaul and then traveled to Swannanoa, NC to two different donations drop sites. Karl Kaufmann from Essex Movers drove 1800 miles in 40 hours, dropped off in a town called Old Fort and returned yesterday. The drop offs went well but it is very bad in North Carolina…like a war zone. The pictures are heartbreaking. Joey, our contact down there has been doing really good work for 16 days straight. Joey brings the donations from the staging areas to the mountains. There is a school up in the mountains with about 100 children that still does not have road access. Thank you, again, for all your donations. We are so proud our community came together to help theirs.
Ivoryton Playhouse is excited to announce the opening week of the highly anticipated production of “Alabama Story”. Previews will start on tomorrow, with the official opening night on Friday, October 4th. This thought-provoking play will take audiences on a journey through a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting themes such as social justice, freedom of speech, and the courage to stand against censorship.
What a great time had by all this past Saturday! The margaritas! The money raised in auctions!! The band!!! The dancing!!!! Ivoryton Playhouse put the “Fun” in “Fundraiser”!! Our sincere thanks to all the people, sponsors and local businesses who helped make the evening such a celebratory and financial success. Pictures from the beach party to follow!
THANK YOU to these local businesses who have donated to Ivoryton Playhouse for our fundraiser.
Ivoryton Playhouse Presents Alabama Story A True Tale About the Fight for Free Speech
Ivoryton Playhouse is excited to announce the opening week of the highly anticipated production of “Alabama Story”. Previews will start on tomorrow, with the official opening night on Friday, October 4th. This thought-provoking play will take audiences on a journey through a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting themes such as social justice, freedom of speech, and the courage to stand against censorship.
Kenneth Jones’s “Alabama Story” is set in 1959 Montgomery, Alabama, where a segregationist politician challenges a children’s book with an innocent message. The book in question, The Rabbits’ Wedding, was written and illustrated by renowned illustrator Garth Williams, who also illustrated recognizable titles like Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and Laura Ingles Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books, among many others. A determined librarian steps up to defend access to The Rabbits’ Wedding, leading to a battle for intellectual freedom. The play delves into the intersection of progress, tradition, civil rights, and the First Amendment, making it a relevant and timely production; last week was National Banned Books Week.
Directed by Todd L. Underwood, “Alabama Story” stars Ivoryton Playhouse’s Executive Director Jacqui Hubbard and features a talented cast who bring the story to life with nuance and passion. Jacqui Hubbard describes the play as a “must-see” and “a love story to libraries and the importance of storytelling.” She gleefully adds, “It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up for what’s right. I promise that you will leave smiling!”
Performance Schedule: • First Previews: October 3rd, 2024 • Show Dates: October 4th – 20th, 2024 • Performance Times: o Wednesdays—2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. o Thursdays—7:30 p.m. o Fridays and Saturdays—8 p.m. o Sundays—2 p.m.
Ticket Information: Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. They can be purchased online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 Ivoryton Playhouse is proud to present Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones, running from October 3rd to October 20th, 2024. The play, set in the deep south in the 1960’s, tells the true story of Alabama librarian Emily Wheelock Reed, who faces opposition when she refuses to ban a children’s book about a black rabbit and a white rabbit who marry, sparking a political firestorm over segregation and censorship.
This exciting production of Alabama Story stars Ivoryton Playhouse’s Executive Director Jacqueline Hubbard as the no-nonsense librarian Emily Wheelock Reed. Inspired by Reed’s story, Hubbard says of her involvement, “The beauty of this play is the gentleness with which it deals with the topic and the humanity of all the characters involved. It does not devolve into “bad guy/good guy” stereotypes but seeks to understand those who are afraid of change as well as those who embrace the future. On a personal note, I am looking forward to taking on the role of Emily Wheelock Reed and finally realizing a lifelong dream of being a librarian, even if just for a for short weeks!”
Rounding out the cast of memorable characters is Michael Irvin Pollard* as ‘Senator E.W. Higgins,’ Allie Seibold* as ‘Lily Whitfield,’ Anthony Merchant* as ‘Joshua Moore,’ Nicholas-Tyler Corbin* as ‘Thomas Franklin,’ and Daryll Heysham* as ‘Garth Williams,’ the brilliant illustrator and author of A Rabbits’ Wedding who also illustrated many recognizable titles like Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web.
Ivoryton Playhouse’s production of Alabama Story is directed by Todd L. Underwood, with scenic design by Glenn Basset, sound and lighting design by Alan Piotrowicz, costumes by K Duffner, projections by Jessica Drayton, props by Melissa Titus, and audio engineering by Jonathan White.
Ivoryton Playhouse urges audiences to take advantage of this opportunity to experience a story that resonates as deeply now as it did in its historical context. Tickets for Alabama Story are available now, with special rates for groups and students. Don’t miss the chance to witness this urgent and inspiring story.
About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theater in the Shoreline Region of Connecticut. It is known for its exceptional productions and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
For more information, interviews, and press inquiries, please contact: Ben Hope, Executive Producer – ben@ivorytonplayhouse.org | 321.303.0110
Now on Stage: Come From Away This show celebrates the power of human connection, reminds us that kindness can bring people together in the most difficult of times, and affirms that hope can arise in the unlikeliest of places. On stage until September 6th.
Please purchase tickets directly from Ivoryton Playhouse via this website or by calling the box office 860.767.7318. Do not purchase tickets from third party sellers who charge significantly higher prices. Ticket prices Come From Away are $65 adult and $60 senior.
August is Membership Month! Please support Ivoryton Playhouse with an annual donation! Information available here: 2027 Membership
Now on Stage: Come From Away