Westport Country Playhouse: A Local's Guide to Westport's Historic Theater

Broadway-Caliber Theater, Just Off the Post Road

Tucked behind the Post Road about half a mile from downtown, the Westport Country Playhouse has been one of Connecticut's best-known theaters since 1931. Generations of Fairfield County theatergoers have spent summer nights and winter evenings in its historic barn theater.

Today the Playhouse is a year-round nonprofit theater that stages new plays, classics and special events. It's an easy night out, with free parking and plenty of restaurants nearby.

Here's what to know before you buy tickets.

From Tannery to Theater

The Playhouse building has worn many hats. It opened in 1835 as a tannery that made leather for hatters, became a steam-powered cider mill in 1880 and sat empty by the 1920s.

In 1930, theater producers Lawrence Langner and Armina Marshall bought the old barn and turned it into a theater with a Broadway-sized stage. It opened in 1931 as a tryout house for plays headed to Broadway. Stars like Henry Fonda and Dorothy Gish performed here in the early years, and a 1940 production of Green Grow the Lilacs helped inspire the Broadway musical Oklahoma!

In the 2000s, actress Joanne Woodward served as artistic director and led a campaign to renovate the Playhouse. The multimillion-dollar renovation was finished in 2005, and the Playhouse became a year-round nonprofit regional theater.

What to See and Do

The Playhouse puts on a full season of shows each year, plus special events in between.

  • Mainstage plays. A mix of contemporary new plays and timeless classics, produced by the Playhouse.

  • Special events. Concerts, talks and one-night performances throughout the year.

  • Family programming. Shows and events designed for younger audiences.

  • The historic theater. Even the building is part of the experience, with nearly 200 years of history in its walls.

  • Concessions. Wine, beer, coffee and snacks are sold before the show and at intermission.

The lineup changes each season, so check westportplayhouse.org for what's playing now.

Planning Your Visit

The Westport Country Playhouse is at 25 Powers Court, Westport, CT 06880, just off the Post Road (Route 1) and about half a mile from downtown. You can reach the box office at (203) 227-4177.

The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 pm, and two hours before showtime during performance weeks. Parking is free in the Playhouse's own lot, but spaces are limited, so arrive early or carpool.

Coming by train? Take Metro-North's New Haven Line to Westport station, then grab a taxi, rideshare or the Wheels2U Westport on-demand shuttle.

Tips Before You Go

  • The theater is ADA compliant, with ramps, elevators and accessible seating. Call the box office ahead to reserve an accessible seat.

  • Assisted listening devices are available at the box office with a photo ID as a deposit.

  • Open-captioned performances are offered at the second Sunday matinee of each show.

  • The concession stand takes cash and cards.

Make a Day of It in Westport

The Playhouse is close to everything in Westport, so dinner before the show is easy.

  • Downtown Westport. Main Street and the riverfront are about half a mile away, with plenty of restaurants for a pre-show meal.

  • Westport Library. A riverside community hub with a cafe and a full events calendar.

  • Compo Beach. Catch the sunset on the boardwalk before an evening show.

  • Sherwood Island State Park. Connecticut's first state park, a few minutes east, for a beach day before the theater.

Behind the Scenes for Westport's Businesses

A great show depends on a crew you never see. The same is true for local businesses. When the technology behind the scenes works, owners and staff can focus on their customers.

Your Tech Team provides managed IT and cybersecurity for businesses in Westport and across Fairfield County, from our office just up the road in Wilton.

  • Proactive monitoring and help desk support

  • Cybersecurity that protects your data, email and devices

  • Local technicians who can be on-site when you need them

If your business is in Westport, Wilton or Stamford, we'd love to help. Call our team at (203) 884-8729 to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Westport Country Playhouse?

At 25 Powers Court in Westport, just off the Post Road and about half a mile from downtown.

Is parking free?

Yes. The Playhouse has its own free lot, but spaces are limited, so arrive early.

How do I buy tickets?

Online at westportplayhouse.org or through the box office at (203) 227-4177.

Can I take the train?

Yes. Take Metro-North to Westport station, then a short taxi, rideshare or Wheels2U ride.

Is the theater accessible?

Yes. It's ADA compliant, with ramps, elevators, accessible seating and assisted listening devices.

When did the Playhouse open?

In 1931, in a building that started out as an 1835 tannery.

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