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04/28/2021 07:00 AMOn April 23, 10 years of hopes and dreams were realized in Stony Creek, as state and local officials helped Legacy Theatre CT co-founders Keely Baisden Knudsen and Stephanie Stiefel Williams cut the red ribbon to officially open the state’s newest theater and performance space.
Knudsen and Williams recounted their years of working together toward this day, from co-founding non-profit Legacy Theatre CT in 2011 and, with support from generous donors and grants, officially buying the historic, 1903 building, then still known as the Stony Creek Puppet House, in 2013. Then came more years of fundraising, planning and permits, designing, and building, all to bring about the fully renovated, state-of-the art facility at 128 Thimble Island Road.
The brief grand opening ceremony outside the renovated theater building on April 23 included guests of honor and speakers Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Christine Cohen (D-12), state representatives Robin Comey (D-102) and Sean Scanlon D-98), and Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove. Together with Knudsen and Williams, they then helped to cut the red ribbon spanning the theater’s stage door.
Members of Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps serenaded a gathered crowd of supporters who came out on a sunny afternoon to celebrate the completion of the theater.
“This building is entering its new moment in history,” said Knudsen. “This building is so important to everybody here in slightly different ways. We each have our own personal connection. For me, it’s an extraordinary building, because it’s taken over a significant portion of my life, and will continue to, for the rest of my days. I’m so grateful that all of the planets aligned [and] that this incredible woman, Stephanie Stiefel Williams, came into my life when she did.”
Knudsen said that, like most performers, she used to consider herself “bit of a recluse” in her private life, before this project began.
“You know, you put yourself out there, and then you go home,” she said. “But there is no such thing as going home anymore. We’ve created a family here. We’ve actually entered a family here.”
On behalf of Governor Ned Lamont and herself, Bysiewicz congratulated the board, advisory council, architects, builders, designers, and others for the “beautiful job” they did.
“You’ve done an amazing job of preserving this great, 117-year-old building that once had puppets, that once had silent films and, as Senator Cohen mentioned, Orson Welles even staged a production here. It’s incredible,” said Bysiewicz, adding, “the State of Connecticut is really proud that we were able to use the historic rehabilitation tax credit program from the Historic Preservation Office to help with the project.”
The lieutenant governor also noted Connecticut arts and culture represent a “big part” of the state’s economy.
“They represent five percent of our state’s economy, generating nearly $9 million, and supporting 57,000 jobs. So this endeavor is going to help to bring our economy back, and help to create more jobs, and bring more people to our very beautiful state,” said Bysiewicz.
Knudsen and Williams thanked all of those who sacrificed, supported and helped in the development, funding and creation of Legacy Theatre CT, and thanked the Stony Creek community and the Town of Branford for its support as well.
“Thank you for allowing us to be here, allowing us restore this theater, and thank you for supporting it in the future,” said Knudsen. “We really are counting on the community to continue this legacy moving forward.”
The theater’s sold-out grand opening night April 23 brought Broadway and television star Telly Leung to town. The upcoming season’s calendar of performances, classes and events, including 28 performances of Neil Simon’s famed romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park (April 28 to May 23), can be seen at legacytheatrect.org, where tickets can also be purchased. Tickets for virtual attendance are also available.
Click on the related story to find Zip06/The Sound’s interview and photos from a tour of new theater as construction was nearing completion on March 29, 2021.