Community Theater Flourishes in Avon with Playhouse 44’s Debut
A new community theater, Playhouse 44, has taken root in Avon, Connecticut, thanks to the vision of founder and artistic director Joel Samberg. With a passion for live theater that spans his 15 years in the state, Samberg has transformed his long-held dream into reality. The theater’s latest production, “First You Smile,” showcases a variety of performances, reflecting both classic and original works.
Playhouse 44, named after the main road that runs through Avon, has been active for just a couple of years. Its upcoming show is scheduled for August 22 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Avon High School, located at 510 West Avon Road. The performance promises an engaging mix of adaptations and original pieces that explore themes of love and laughter.
The show features adaptations from esteemed works, including George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” and the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Additionally, the evening will include original comedy routines reminiscent of 1960s acts and a unique presentation of romantic correspondence between Mark Twain and his wife, Olivia, crafted by playwright Kit Webb. Samberg announced that around 200 entries were submitted for the open call for playwrights, from which he selected five to showcase, along with one of his own titled “Selective Emory.”
The cast comprises 15 actors and five directors, including Samberg himself, who directs two scenes. Many performers were also selected through an open call, highlighting the community’s involvement in the theater’s growth. Samberg has emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for both performers and audiences, aiming to foster a sense of belonging through theater.
Reflecting on his motivations, Samberg mentioned several frustrations he observed in other small theater productions, particularly regarding affordability and the quality of playbills. To address these concerns, Playhouse 44 tickets are priced at just $10, ensuring accessibility for the community. Furthermore, he insists on professional-quality playbills that serve as mementos for attendees.
The theater has received support through a grant from the Avon Greater Together Community Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. In addition to grants, Playhouse 44 actively seeks donations and organizes fundraising events, including nights at American Flatbread Pizza in Canton.
Samberg’s vision for Playhouse 44 encompasses a broad range of theatrical expressions, from new works to beloved classics from the 1960s and 1970s. “First You Smile” marks only the second full production for the theater; its inaugural production was also a collection of one-act plays. The company has also ventured into concert events at Raymour & Flanagan furniture store, taking advantage of the comfortable seating available for audiences.
Following the performances of “First You Smile,” Playhouse 44 has more events lined up, including a program featuring two-person scenes and comedy bits at a local assisted living center, a ghost-themed storytelling concert for Halloween, and a festive holiday concert at Raymour & Flanagan.
As Playhouse 44 continues to build its repertoire and community presence, Samberg remains focused on finding a dedicated performance space for the theater. His commitment to enhancing the local cultural landscape is evident, as he aims to engage and inspire the community through the art of theater.
