37 minute read
Ask Ms. Jen
Dear Ms. Jen,
Quarrying Granite, Planting Trees, and Wintering Frogs
All questions for this column are from the “Friends and Neighbors” and park employees of Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, CT We have a granite monument in the park that was built in 1888! According to our history books, the monument was built using local granite. Is there something special about the stones around here? - Nick McGraw, Interpretive Guide
Great question! About two million years ago the ice age began. Connecticut was covered in an ice sheet or glacier that slowly moved across the land. Ice riding over the land and volcanic eruptions created the landforms that we see today. Our state is known for its rocky soil, rolling land, and hills. One of the most common types of rock found is granite, an igneous rock composed mostly of two minerals - quartz and feldspar. Granite is an intrusive rock, meaning it crystalized from magma that cooled at the surface. Stony Creek Quarry in Branford, CT is part of Mesozoic Era deposits formed between 250-650 million years ago. It was first quarried in 1858 and many famous landmarks and architecture across the country are built with Stony Creek granite, including the Statue of Liberty pedestal, the floors of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Battle Monument at West Point, which was made from a single 96-ton piece of granite in 1897! I would say, there is certainly something special about the rocks around here!
A lot of old pictures of the park don’t have many trees in them, but the park has a lot of trees in it now. What gives? Is the whole state like this? - Ellery Leary, President, Friends and Neighbors of Putnam Memorial State Park
According to a recent study, the earth currently has over 3 trillion trees! One hundred years ago, there were far less. Thanks to sustainable lumber practices and conservation efforts we have more trees in America than ever before! In the 17th century, Connecticut, along with most of New England, was heavily harvested for timber by European colonizers. Today’s efforts to rebuild our forests has been primarily focused on the east coast. Federal, state, and local governments spend around $6.4 billion annually on forest management. Eco-friendly initiatives all around the world aimed at fighting global warming offers hope to us all. An ex-Nasa engineer plants 1 billion trees per year with a drone and in India every time a girl is born, they plant 111 fruit trees! Can you imagine if just one person planted 10 trees for 10 years, that would be 100 trees! I think I know what I’ll be doing in the spring.
During the summer we have a lot of frogs in the small pond and lake on the park grounds. What happens to those frogs before the water freezes during the winter?
- Timothy Summers, Interpretive Guide
So many people believe that most frogs just die in the winter, which is false! Frogs are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperatures are the same as the environment around them. In the winter months, they go into a state of hibernation with some species being exposed to below freezing temperatures. Aquatics frogs, like this green frog, will spend the winter at the bottom of ponds or other bodies of water. The frogs that live primarily on land will burrow down below the frost line. Frogs such as wood frogs or spring peepers aren’t good at burrowing, so most will just squeeze into cavities of fallen logs or abandoned small animal holes. The most incredible thing about these two species is they have a natural antifreeze in their bodies - a high concentration of glucose - that prevents them from freezing. Although their hearts will stop beating and they stop breathing, when the warm weather comes, they begin to thaw and miraculously come back to life!
Lounsbury House and the RSO come together for Music at the Mansion
by Rajender Kaur
Photography by Dylan Miller Hair & Makeup by Amanda Gabbard
Special Thanks RSO Members: Sara Della Posta, French Horn Nicholas Hardie, Cello Chie Yoshinaka, Violin
Also: Susan Brennan Lounsbury House T he stately Lounsbury House is the beating
heart of historic Ridgefield and the focal point of its famed Arts and Cultural District. Part of the registry of National Historic Sites, this unmissable landmark has long served as the community center of the town and is a popular venue for a variety of events ranging from business meetings and Sunday luncheons to art festivals and grand weddings celebrations.
Characterized as the “crown jewel of Main Street” by its Executive Director Suzanne Brennan, the Lounsbury House will soon be host to an exciting new arts and culture collaboration: Music at the Mansion. The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO), another local treasure, led by the dynamic Laurie Kenagy, has come together with the Lounsbury House to create what promises to be a spectacular musical experience in the beautiful environs. “It’s a perfect pairing,” says Brennan. “It’s a lovely venue for the RSO and Lounsbury House was looking to expand the use of its grounds.”
Sara Della Posta, Principal French Horn, is thrilled to represent RSO at the Music at the Mansion series.
Music at the Mansion had its beginnings with the simple question of how to get great music out to people where they are. It is part of a pervasive and remarkable spirit of collaboration that drives all of the major arts organizations of Ridgefield to capitalize on the synergy between their different strengths and their common mission to showcase the arts and serve, inspire, and uplift the community.
enhancing the experience
Planned to be a year-long series, Music at the Mansion will consist of three concerts to be performed in the summer and one in the winter. While the dates for the outdoor summer concerts are still being finalized, the opening concert is slated to be performed indoors on January 28, 2023, from 5:007:00 pm. The evening will begin with a social hour where guests can mingle over wine and hors d’oeuvres. The concert will feature the Elyrica Trio which consists of harpist Wendy Kerner, violinist Deborah Wong, and cellist Robert La Rue. The three musicians have played together for many years as part of The Fontenay Chamber Players Septet and are delighted to be performing for the opening concert. “Music at the Mansion is designed to offer music of the highest artistic quality accessible, both logistically and financially,
and to expose the community to the history and beauty of one of Ridgefield’s treasured landmarks,” says Kenagy. It’s a heartwarming vision, motivated in part by the urgency and poignancy of the lessons learned in the last two Covid years. “We want to not just adapt, but to maximize opportunities on how to best use the property for the benefit of the community,” says Brennan.
Plans are underway to refurbish the extensive grounds and to extend the stunning garden area just behind the house
The Lounsbury House’s stunning interior will be the setting for the first Music at the Mansion performance. Here, Principal Cellist Nicholas Hardie poses on the sweeping central staircase.
to create a community garden and patio. The beauty and history of Lounsbury House are ideal for the small ensemble performances that the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra has planned as part of the music series. There already exists an enchanting garden alcove adjoining Lounsbury House at the back and this will be the venue for the summer concerts. Should the weather gods decide not to cooperate, it will be easy enough to shift indoors, where there is a large open room on the ground floor, guaranteed to enhance any musical experience in the intimate space of the mansion.
Supporting a local treasure
Both Kenagy and Brennan are driven by the mission to serve the community while promoting the arts. Music at the Mansion will present a mix of both classical and contemporary programs to cater to different tastes and cultivate an appreciation of music in a relaxed setting. It will feature a variety of music: string, wind, and piano. Kenagy and Brennan hope to appeal to new patrons of all ages who will be inspired by the impressive surroundings of the Lounsbury House. It costs thousands of dollars to maintain the property on a monthly basis, and while private rentals pay the bulk of the restoration and upkeep
costs, Brennan hopes residents of the local and regional community who attend the musical performances will also be motivated to support the mission to preserve this venerable property so that it continues to be an integral part of Ridgefield’s arts and Music at the culture scene. Mansion will Music at the Mansion brings the living encourage history that Lounsbury House embodies in resonant harmony with the music of people to the RSO. “People want experiences and support the Music at the Mansion is bound to be a local arts. soul-nurturing one in a beautiful space that has long been the locus of community gatherings for the past sixty years,” says Kenagy. For more information on Music at the Mansion or to purchase tickets, please visit ridgefieldsymphony.org/music-at-themansion. •
Connecticut doubles for Maine in a New Stephen King Movie
The Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum, located in Norwalk, CT, served as the residence of wealthy recluse John Harrigan. Photo by Elyse Shapiro
Those were the official production notes for Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, a 2021 feature film shot in Connecticut, streaming on Netflix. Based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name and adapted for the screen by the film’s director, John Lee Hancock, the movie stars celebrated actor Donald Sutherland as John Harrigan, a misanthropic billionaire; and up-and-comer Jaeden Martel as Craig, a boy who develops an unlikely and enduring friendship with the reclusive Mr. Harrigan. Bizarrely their connection doesn’t end with the elderly man’s death but takes on a more sinister, supernatural complexity.
As with all Stephen King stories, the fictional town of Harlow, Maine feels strangely familiar. It’s as if you stopped in there for gas but suddenly become inexplicably anxious to leave. You can’t quite put your finger on what’s off about the place, but an innately malevolent element is clearly at play.
As audience members, we are blissfully unaware of how many diverse locales are featured in a typical film, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Locations can be in different buildings, towns, cities, states and even countries. The interior of a house likely doesn’t have the same exterior we see on the screen. In the editing process scenes are seamlessly woven together to create a cohesive whole. There’s a reason they call it movie magic.
In Mr. Harrigan’s Phone the opening and closing sequences were shot at a craggy lake quarry in Portland, Maine, but the rest of the film was variously lensed in Norwalk, Westport, Stamford, Wilton, Ridgefield, Greenwich, Fairfield and Barkhamsted, Connecticut.
Norwalk’s Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum has a starring role as Mr. Harrington’s forbidding Victorian home. A convenience store on Route 7 plays the small but critical part of Howie’s Market, where devilish lottery tickets are sold. If you look carefully, many other familiar Fairfield County landmarks can be spotted.
According to Damon Gordon, the film’s location scout, there was an exhaustive search for a high school exterior. “Then we came upon the Ridgefield Playhouse. At first, we were interested in the front facade of the building with the long drive up. But then our scout team came upon the rear, which is the main entrance for the Playhouse, and we were sold. With some minor set dressing, and lots of liaising with the many entities that share the parking lot, we were able to create our fictitious Gates High School,” says Gordon.
In the story, Craig attends high school as a freshman and is confronted by a disturbed, physically threatening bully. Though the high school scenes are often dark, the mood on set was anything but, according to Playhouse Executive Director Jared Shahid.
“The community was excited for the production to set up at the Playhouse,” says Shahid. “It was fun for everyone to see the crew popping up at different locations. There was a genuine buzz around town.”
This magnificent room in the Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum was the primary setting for Mr. Harrigan and Craig’s meetings. Photo courtesy of Sarah Grote Photography
Top: The exterior of The Ridgefield Playhouse was miraculously transformed into Gates Falls High School.
Bottom: Production teams and vehicles took over the Playhouse parking lot for the filming of the scenes outside the high school.
Six critical exterior shots needed to be captured at the Playhouse. They were scheduled for two possible days in October but a snow storm hit, creating a logistical nightmare. Filming was frantically rearranged for November 9, the only day available—and the production had to adhere to strict wrap time to allow the Pat Methany band to load in for their performance that night.
“There were 60 crew and 75 cast members, five working tractor trailers, seven campers, four food service vehicles, approximately 50 personal crew vehicles, four stake beds and eight 15-person passenger vans,” says Shahid. High school interiors were shot at Norwalk Community College but viewers will be completely fooled when watching the film because the two disparate locations match so perfectly.
There’s been a huge uptick in production in the Nutmeg State over the past few years including major productions for HBO, Hallmark, Netflix and Amazon. George Norfleet, Director of the Connecticut Office of Film, TV & Digital Media explains why. “Connecticut offers a wide, rich variety of distinctive location choices that range from bucolic rolling countryside to modern cityscape to magnificent coastline. That coupled with excellent film crews and a competitive tax incentive to help budgets go further, makes Connecticut a winning choice.”
Local actors and crew are happy for the regular work. Rachel Konstantin, a Norwalk-based actress, who has worked as a background performer on many films, including Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, loves the experience of staying in Connecticut. “The locals are thrilled to have a Hollywood movie filming in their own backyard,” she says. “Kids and their parents come out to watch and take pictures and there’s a wonderful feeling of excitement.”
It’s not just about good vibes though. Making films is a business and having a production choose your neighborhood can be a huge financial plus. A cast and crew of 100 to 200 people filming for a day, a week, a month or even longer, translates into real dollars that flow directly back to the community. People stay at nearby hotels, shop, eat and drink at local restaurants and bars, and generally spread the monetary love.
When asked if the Playhouse would consider starring in another production, Shahid says, “Absolutely. It takes a lot of time and logistical coordination, but ultimately, it’s a win for all of us. How fun is it to watch a movie and see your town in it?” •
Range Without Anxiety Plug-In Hybrids Go the Distance Words and photos by Roger Garbow When discussing electric vehicles, the conversation inevitably turns to range. For many people, even those who only drive a few miles per day, range anxiety is a real thing. Home charging makes owning an EV painless, but for those who regularly drive long distances or take periodic road trips, today’s inconsistent public charging network may be a deal breaker. The solution? The plug-in hybrid or PHEV, which operates like a conventional hybrid, but has a larger battery and can be plugged in via 120 or 240 volt chargers to keep the battery full, giving you the ability to use the vehicle in EV-only mode for a specific distance. Some of these PHEVs even qualify for a $7,500 federal tax rebate. How do you make the best family vehicle even better? Make it a hybrid. Nearly four decades after creating the minivan segment, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle Chrysler’s latest generation is still a winner. The utility and flexibility of the interior is only matched by the comfort and drivability of the overall package. Plus, it looks pretty good, too. The optional PHEV adds improved fuel economy at 33 mpg with 32 miles of EV only range. For your daily duties, you might never need gas at all. My top line Pinnacle tester featured quilted leather and second row captain’s chairs; their plush lumbar pillows giving the interior serious Bentley vibes. The Pacifica has all the features minivan buyers want with cubbies, cupholders and slide-out bins galore. The third row Stow N’ Go seating and optional vacuum makes hauling all your stuff — and cleaning up after — a snap. EPA economy is rated at 82 MPGe. Pacifica Hybrid prices start at $48,400.
Range Without Anxiety
Performance and fuel efficiency are not mutually exclusive. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid delivers Porsche’s legendary driving experience with the frugal fuel sipping of a boring vanilla economy car. Porsche has been refining their hybrid technology since 2010 and the refinement shows. Switching from EV mode to the hybrid’s combined 455 hp, when the twin-turbo V6 joins the party, is seamless and exhilarating. The steering feel and handling are textbook Porsche yet the ride is luxury car supple. The Panamera’s liftback design and folding rear seats open up a surprising amount of cargo capacity. I was even able to transport a set of wheels and tires. With the seats up, there is ample room for four adults and even five in a pinch. EPA economy is rated at 52 MPGe and an EV only range of 19 miles. Prices start at $109,000.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
One of the hottest selling vehicles over the last year has been this PHEV. Toyota introduced consumers to hybrids with the seriously polarizing Prius, but this compact SUV shows how far they’ve come with their hybrid tech. In addition to a class leading 42 miles of EV only range, the RAV4 Prime out accelerates most competitors, including its gas-only sibling. The RAV4 is a near perfect package, with a flexible interior, good ground clearance and an EPA rating of 94 MPGe. The exterior looks great and with 302 hp, no one is going to be making granola jokes about your new Toyota Hybrid. In spite of using most of that horsepower, I still saw 41 mpg combined during my week. Prices start at only $41,600. If you are looking for a three row SUV, nearly every manufacturer has you covered. If you want a PHEV with your back row, the choices skew towards the higher end of the market. KIA bucks that trend with the excellent and affordable Sorento PHEV. The mid-size Sorento features a roomy interior with KIA’s easy-to-use controls and an attractive exterior. While most PHEVs use a CVT, the Sorento, like the BMW 330e, is mated to a conventional multi-speed transmission which makes it drive like a standard SUV. Plugging in at night gave me 32 miles of EV only range for local trips. But even on a trip using mostly the gas engine, I saw over 40 mpg. EPA economy is rated at 79 MPGe. Prices start at $49,000.
KIA Sorento PHEV SX-Prestige AWD
BMW has so many unique models, it’s understandable if the 330e is not on your radar. Yet, considering the overall package, this is one of the best in their line-up. Available in either rear or AWD, the 330e may not be the fastest car in the stable, but it delivers enough of BMW’s legendary performance to make you forget it’s a hybrid. During my week with a 2022 330e—equipped with both the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages—the steering feel, comfort, and handling made me look forward to every drive. Plugging the car in each night delivered 42 mpg in spite of my spirited piloting on Fairfield County’s best twisty roads. EPA economy is rated at 75 MPGe with an EV only range of 23 miles. Prices start at under $44,000. A hybrid Jeep seems like an oxymoron. Yet when Jeep introduced a hybrid Wrangler, it became an instant hit. With the Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep brought their hybrid tech to the full-size luxury SUV market. Packing a turbo I4 and a single electric motor, the PHEV Grand Cherokee delivers more power and torque than the Hemi V8! The EV to gas transition can be a bit rough, but there are no complaints when it comes to acceleration and overall performance. The 4xe retains all of the off-road prowess and interior features Grand Cherokee owners expect, yet without the penalty at the pump. My top-of-the-line Summit Reserve GC featured a camera with night vision as well as pedestrian and animal detection. I averaged 25 mpg for my week, compared to 17 on the last V8 GC I drove. EPA economy is rated at 56 MPGe and an EV only range of 25 miles. Prices start at $60,000. •
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
ACT of Connecticut’s “First ACT!” Program: Making Theater
Accessible For All
by Evelyn Bloom
By now, most of the community is familiar with ACT of CT and the astonishing Broadway caliber work they produce. Now in their 5th season, ACT has earned a reputation for being one of the most high-profile and well-respected regional theaters in Connecticut. ACT has once again hit the ground running with their critically acclaimed production of Guys and Dolls, the highly anticipated Rock of Ages, and their upcoming run of The Secret Garden. Creating exceptional theater is only part of ACT’s passion. Since it’s inception, the concept of “making theater accessible for all” has played an important part of the theater’s mission. Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine says, “The arts build strong and connected communities and it’s important that everyone is able to benefit from this. Theater can change lives and we are committed to making ACT accessible to a wider audience.” To support this mission, the theater’s leadership created their First ACT! program. First ACT! supports and nurtures individuals, families, students, and working artists of all socio-economic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and genders so that they may receive the highest level of theatrical opportunity possible.
First ACT! helps fund several of ACT’s programs including their Sensory Friendly Performances - a series designed specifically for patrons with sensory sensitivities who require adjusted production elements. First ACT! also provides scholarships and reduced/ free tuition for their educational programs including conservatory, camp and private lessons. Additionally, First ACT! supports the theater’s Audience Access initiative which allows those from traditionally underserved schools and communities, who may not have had the opportunity to experience live theater, the chance to attend a professional production free of charge. The First ACT! program is entirely funded by the generosity of private donors. ACT’s Development Director Shelley Terry says, “First ACT! is just one example of how ACT gives back to ensure that everyone, regardless of potential barriers, can benefit from our work. Ticket sales only cover 40% of our annual operating budget. Fundraising events such as our Gala, scheduled for April 1, 2023, are of the utmost importance in order to fund First ACT!”
For more information on how to support this, and ACT of CT’s other community-based initiatives, please visit www.actofct.org •
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRILLIUM ARCHITECTS
Energy Efficient Homes Can Save Money and Your Health
by Gerri Lewis
Net zero, Passive House, LEED Platinum—why are these building certifications important? Consider the nearly completed contemporary farmhouse on St. John’s Road in Ridgefield that will soon earn all these distinctions.
At 4000 square feet of energy efficient living space, the house will cost approximately $18 a month to heat, cool and electrify. It’s the Tesla of tech: it comes with all sorts of cool devices that can be operated right from a cell phone app, including a fresh air flow system. The garage has a blower to eliminate any carbon monoxide and several electric chargers for future vehicles.
While energy costs alone might be compelling enough reasons to go green, owners Aubre and Zac Weber were motivated for other reasons.
“We were led down this path because of our journey as parents and what we do for a living,” says Weber. She and her husband are both in the medical field and see first-hand many very sick people— including children who are dealing with health problems previously seen only in adults. They considered possible causes for this trend and came to a realization. “Your home has a much bigger impact on your health than many realize. We want people to see what living green can do for their health,” says Weber.
What does it really mean to go green? Industry professionals often balk at the term because from doing the bare minimum of using energy star appliances to going completely sustainable, Passive House, and as energy efficient as possible, there are many shades of green building. Thankfully, certifications help consumers understand what they are getting.
The Webers stuck to the most stringent standards available, making sure their home was not only energy efficient, but only used materials that had the least impact on the environment. The couple credits their “build team” of BPC Green Contracting, Trillium Architects, and Jill Rae Interior Designs, all of whom are equally as passionate about sustainable living. Everything in the house was selected for energy and material ratings and flow rates. They even insisted that their interior doors not be made from tropical woods.
Principal Architect Elizabeth DiSalvo of
Energy efficient appliances and LED lighting make the interior of this Ridgefield farmhouse much more environmentally friendly. Photos courtesy of Jill Rae Design.
Trillium explains that new construction like the Weber’s begins with finding land that allows a house to be oriented to get the most passive solar heat gain along with some summer shading. Ideally, you want a sunny site that is not surrounded by a lot of trees, hills or wetlands.
Passive Homes are designed to have an airtight envelope which keeps insects, dust and mold from creeping into the house and keeps heating and air where it belongs—inside. The industry joke is that they are so airtight they could be heated with a hair dryer. Because the goal is to use alternative energy sources like solar, all the mechanicals, such as ventilation to keep fresh air circulating, are electric. DiSalvo says that clients have even reported that allergies have subsided once they’ve moved into their homes.
Twelve-inch-thick walls with above code insulation along with triple pane windows create a better envelope with the ultimate goal of net zero consumption. Sustainability is achieved by using well-researched and time-tested products with less embodied carbon to reduce the carbon footprint. The Ridgefield farmhouse used almost
Net Zero Home: During one calendar year, through renewable sources, generates the same amount of electrical energy as it uses.
Passive House: One of the highest standards for energy efficient building, these airtight houses are primarily heated by passive solar heat gain from the sun in combination with small sized energy efficient equipment and are usually all electric.
LEED Certified Homes (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design): A global rating system that offers a range of certifications verified by a third party and provides standards for healthy, energy efficient homes that reduce the carbon footprint.
HERS: (Home Energy Rating System): A home inspection that can be performed by a state certified inspector to make recommendations on how homeowners can improve their energy efficiency. Often there are rebates and incentives for making those improvements. Go to: energizect.com/energy-evaluations for the Connecticut Energy Solutions Program.
Sustainable Building: Buildings that are designed to help reduce the overall impact on the environment and human health from cradle to grave. From manufacturing of materials to shipping, during the construction and throughout the lifetime of the home. This includes utilizing materials that preserve and reduce the load on local infrastructure and are highly resilient as well as being healthy.
Solar panels such as the ones on this new construction, significantly reduce the cost to run your home. Another Trillium design showcases triple pane windows that keep the heat and air conditioning inside without sacrificing the stunning view. Photos courtesy of Trillium Architects.
no steel and a concrete alternative that contained significantly less cement. Instead of foam, which is worse for the planet than other insulations, environmentally friendly alternatives like AeroAggregates (made from 99% post-consumer recycled glass) as well as other natural and plant-based products were used.
The greatest advantage to the house for the Webers is peace of mind. There are no chemicals or gasses pouring into the home. They don’t worry their children will inhale propane gas as they have their Saturday morning pancake breakfast.
“I know every single material that went into my home. I have machines and apps that tell me what my air quality is and what devices are pulling too much electricity so I can shut them off,” says Weber.
DiSalvo estimates the cost of building a Passive House as between 2-5% greater than traditional building, however, because these houses are all electric, solar power will allow homeowners to recoup costs over time. Consumers can also take advantage of incentives and rebates. Homeowners should seek a build team that understands the industry. “Get multiple quotes and stick to your high standards. Even if you think you’ve done your research, go out and do some more,” says Weber.
Not everyone can start from scratch. For existing houses, homeowners can do a deep energy retrofit which removes the existing siding and shingles and blankets the house in 3-4 inches of continuous insulation board before re-siding and roofing. Once the house is reskinned and with new windows and additional insulation added, the energy retrofit is almost as good as building new.
Additional ways to lessen our environmental impact include buying energy star appliances, replacing old and inefficient heating and air units, using LED lighting, and insulating attics and basements. And, of course, adding solar panels or solar roof tiles make use of alternative energy as well as significantly lowering utility costs.
“Don’t listen to those who tell you it is hocus pocus to build like this or that it’s not worth the money,” advises Weber. “Yes, it is expensive to build green, but it is becoming more and more affordable every day. Look around and wonder what is impacting you, your children, your loved ones, your community, your earth.” •
The Ridgefield Barn
Ridgefield Theater Barn’s Executive Director, Pamme Jones is all smiles about the upcoming renovation.
The cast of Peter and the Starcatcher, the final show of the Barn’s 2021-2022 season, open Act II with a memorable dance number.
Historic Building Gets a New Look
by Julia Bruce
n the movie Babes In Arms, Mickey Rooney famously says, “Let’s put on a show!” For nearly sixty years, The Ridgefield Theater Barn has done just that. The building is undergoing a renovation that will expand their space and offerings which will allow them to continue their mission of providing a safe space for actors to explore and hone their craft, bringing live performances to the 068 area.
Theater troupes have a long history in Ridgefield. As far back as the late 1800’s, groups of actors would gather to put on performances in Town Hall or the old high school. Interest in theater productions grew and in 1965, the Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts was incorporated. A few years later, they moved into one of the buildings on the Holy Ghost Novitiate property on Prospect Ridge and adopted an appropriate nickname: The Ridgefield Theater Barn. The building had been a working barn, complete with stables that had to be mucked out to be transformed into actors’ dressing rooms and a performance space in what was the hayloft, complete with the original barn doors.
Over the years, the Barn has undergone both structural and programming renovations. “There are so many theaters in Connecticut, so we needed to differentiate ourselves,” says Pamme Jones, Ridgefield Theater Barn’s Executive Director. The
Audience participation in the beloved Piano Bar Musical Caberet creates a unique experience at each performance.
The transformation of the working barn on Prospect Ridge in the early 1970’s required volunteers to muck out stables and clear out the hayloft.
theater’s signature feature came about by chance. In 1991, during the production of Smorgasbord, they brought in tables and chairs so the audience could enjoy a meal while watching a show about food. It was so popular, they never went back to regular theater seating. “We have people who bring tablecloths, flowers and a fancy meal and those who simply share a bottle of wine with cheese and crackers,” says Jones. While there have been other dinner theaters in the area, none have the same intimate space that the Barn offers. Given its size, the audience experiences a more personal exchange with the performers.
In time, innovative programming, such as the Cabaret Series, Piano Bar, Improv troupes, and One-Act plays, were established. “When we made those changes and we were able to produce a full season and children’s program without running over budget, we asked ourselves, what could this place become?” says Jones.
The idea for expansion was conceived in 2015, but it took a pandemic to jump start the process. In March of 2020, when the world effectively shut down, Jones began a series called the Ghost Light Sessions. She would sit on an empty stage, illuminated by a single back light, and live stream a dialogue. At first, her conversations were factual: where to find toilet paper and other supplies. Eventually, they became an outlet to share fears, frustrations, and hope. RTB Ghost Light Sessions started receiving attention from radio stations, newspapers, and magazines. With public interest growing, Jones and the Board of Directors decided to launch their capital campaign then. An anonymous patron stepped up and offered a substantial donation to get things started. “He knew what we were about and wanted to make a legacy donation to support us,” says Jones. From there financial backing continued to come in – at the town, state and federal level. “I love that our
Architectural renderings of the new and improved Ridgefield Theater Barn showcases the clean lines and expanded space.
funding is coming from all those outlets - that’s all the community,” says Jones.
The renovation will be a 60% expansion over the current building. The performance area, which seats 75 people, will not change. “It’s too historically important” says Jones. The two-story L-shaped addition will include backstage wing space, which will allow for a band offstage and safer, roomier exit and entrances for the actors. An elevator will be installed, making the stage accessible to anyone.
Room for everyone
Space at RTB has always been a hindrance. “As it is now, we have to empty out the theater and shut down while we build sets for a new show,” says Jones. That can result in upwards of five weeks of lost revenue. The building renovation includes the addition of a workshop where sets can be built for future productions while the current one is still running. It also means that other programming, such as the children’s workshops, don’t have to be put on hold.
Also on the main floor, the lobby will be redone with an increase in bathroom facilities and a new concession stand designed by Ursula Hanavan of Interiors and Designs by Ursula.
The lower level will have two classrooms, one solely dedicated to the children’s program and the other will be available for community members to utilize. Jones is most excited about the Black Box performance space – a totally blank, square, black room that will have lights, sound, but no set stage. “It will be a flexible space that can be used for a lot of different purposes,” says Jones. RTB is planning on having poetry slams with Barb Jennes, a storytelling workshop by Moth Radio Hour producer Bonnie Levison, and even stand-up comedy classes.
Jones hopes the renovation will be complete by the end of March and plans on reopening with the collaborative production: An Evening of One-Acts. “The spirit and contributions of countless likeminded artists and leaders have made this renovation possible,” she says. “I cannot wait to welcome our alumni and the community into this new space and get started on the future.” •
Ridgefield New Le adersPlayhouse’s
O68 How long and in what capacities have both of you worked at the Ridgefield Playhouse?
AP I started at the Playhouse in 2013 working in the box office and managing high-end concierge members. I was able to develop relationships with some of our longest-standing patrons and high-end donors. I then went on to become the Food and Beverage Manager. In 2020, everyone threw their hats in the ring to keep the Playhouse running and I was promoted to Managing Director, overseeing day-to-day operations and managing the team through our extensive programming.
JS The Playhouse is like Hotel California, in that you can check out, but you can never really leave. It was my first job out of college. I was Allison Stockel’s executive assistant, and with only five full-time employees, there was no job I didn’t do. I stayed from 2006 – 2008, then I moved to NYC to be an agent. I came back in 2019 to work on the capital campaign but it quickly evolved into carving out a new role as Artistic Director.
O68 What artist/performer at the Playhouse was most memorable for you?
AP In 2017, one of my favorite artists, Beth Hart, came to the Playhouse which happened to coincide with my 30th birthday. I bumped into her husband in the lobby and begged him to ask Beth to play LA Song. After the show, I saw him again and he apologized that my song wasn’t played. He then pulled me into the back where a sweat-drenched Beth ran down the hall screaming, “I forgot your song!!! Let’s sing it right now!” So, we slid into the very out of tune, signed piano backstage and sang our duet together. Thinking about that night still brings a huge smile to my face!
JS I’m a deadhead, so having the chance to host Bob Weir and Ratdog in 2006 was surreal. Bobby’s Tour Manager at the time was Dennis McNally - a noted Dead author and publicist. I really looked up to Dennis and all he had done to lift the curtain up to outsiders like me. Most Tour Managers don’t watch the show, but I looked over and saw Dennis sitting cross-legged on top of a road case next to the sound board, his eyes closed, swaying along to the music. I loved that moment so much because after 20+ years of working with the Dead, he still loved the music and made time to listen.
O68 With Allison’s departure, you two are sharing the duties of running the Playhouse. What are your titles and what strengths do you bring to these positions?
Q and A with Ashley Paltauf and Jared Shahid
by Julia Bruce
New Le aders
AP With my experience in box office, live shows, member and donor management, my title is Managing Director of Operations & Development. Jared and I talk about everything together and are united on all things, but our individual history with the playhouse and personalities work best delineated this way.
JS In no way do we feel like we’re trying to fill Allison’s shoes (leather boots). As the venue has evolved, both the physical layout and the staff, so too has the actual organization of the business. We’re both Managing Directors - my purview is Talent and Marketing, so I’m focused on booking the venue, collaborating with the marketing team, and overseeing the production side of things. For me, it’s a full circle opportunity. To come back here after all these years and be afforded the chance to shape a place I know and love is a gift.
O68 What artist would be a dream booking for you?
AP Jared booked Amy Schumer back in September, and that was a dream come true. I for sure love singer songwriter, Lauryn Hill, she is my go-to on all of my Spotify playlists and she just announced a 2023 tour for the 25th anniversary of Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, one of my favorite albums.
JS I have a laundry list, but I’m trying to stay focused on what’s realistic since Billy Joel isn’t going to be dropping by any time soon. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that our fall 2023 gala is booked with an extraordinary musician and human being - their first ever appearance at The Playhouse. And in some ways, that’s a dream booking for me because I didn’t think we’d ever be able to present this particular artist.
O68 What are you hopes or plans for the Playhouse for the future?
AP We plan on directing a lot of attention to our Arts in Education shows and expanding that season to offer even more programming and outreach to Title 1 schools. And with our new expansion, we’re creating rental packages to include partnered restaurants and offer up our space for larger events.
JS Ashley and I talk every day about the things we want to accomplish together. In the near term, we’re focused on maintaining, while taking calculated steps in the direction in which we’d like to take the Playhouse. We’ll continue to expand our programming: including original content, Playhouse produced events, curated sponsor events, diversity and inclusion programming, and up and coming artists. There’s plenty to do – we still haven’t hung art in the new lobby! •
