Nestled in the charming village of Ivoryton, Connecticut, the Ivoryton Playhouse stands as a delightful cultural treasure on the banks of the Connecticut River. This historic theater has been entertaining audiences since 1911, when it was originally built as a recreation hall for local factory workers.
Today, the playhouse continues its tradition of bringing quality entertainment to the Connecticut shoreline. With a year-round season featuring everything from musicals like “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to classic plays, you’ll find something that appeals to your theatrical tastes. The intimate setting allows you to experience performances up close in a way that larger venues simply can’t match.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Ivoryton Playhouse
The Ivoryton Playhouse is a charming theater housed in a historic 1911 building. You’ll find this gem presenting popular plays and musicals from March through December each year, making it a cultural centerpiece in the small village of Ivoryton.
The playhouse is currently preparing for their production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” with auditions for young performers ages 8-15 happening soon. This family-friendly musical will run from late June through July 2025, with seven performances weekly.
When you visit, you’ll experience the magic of live theater in an intimate setting that has delighted audiences for generations. The playhouse offers a variety of performances throughout their season, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality entertainment in this historic venue.
The theater’s commitment to the arts extends to involving young local talent, as shown by their upcoming children’s chorus auditions. You can check their website for information about their current season and upcoming shows.
Rating: 4.7 (297 reviews)
Location: 103 Main St, Ivoryton, CT 06442
Contact: (860) 767-7318
Website: Visit Website
History of Ivoryton Playhouse
The Ivoryton Playhouse has a rich heritage spanning over a century, transforming from a recreation hall to one of America’s oldest continuously operating summer theaters.
Founding and Early Years
The Ivoryton Playhouse began life in 1911 as a recreation building for employees of the Comstock & Cheney Company, a successful ivory-cutting firm. The shingled structure served multiple community purposes including silent movies, dances, town meetings, and vaudeville shows.
On June 17, 1930, the building officially opened as a theater with a production of “Broken Dishes,” a play that had just finished its run in New York. This marked the beginning of its life as a dedicated performance venue.
The playhouse quickly built a reputation in the theatrical world. It’s widely believed to be the first continuously operating summer theater in the United States, a distinction that makes it a true historical landmark in American theater.
Renovations and Improvements
Over the past 28 years, the Ivoryton Playhouse Foundation has overseen a complete renovation of this historic building. These improvements have been crucial in preserving this cultural treasure while making it suitable for modern productions.
The renovations included replacing the shingles and installing new heating and air-conditioning systems, ensuring your comfort no matter when you visit. These updates maintain the playhouse’s historic charm while providing modern amenities.
Between 1974 and 1992, Milton Stiefel and his wife leased the building. They spent 18 years building a loyal following and re-established Ivoryton as one of the nation’s leading summer theaters. Their dedication helped cement the playhouse’s reputation as “a little known jewel on the Connecticut shoreline.”
Current Productions and Events
The Ivoryton Playhouse is buzzing with excitement for its 2025 season! Right now, you can catch “Tea at Five,” a captivating performance set in Katharine Hepburn’s Connecticut home that offers a special connection to the local community.
Looking ahead at the vibrant 2025 season, the Playhouse has planned an array of productions designed to bring joy and laughter to the Shoreline community.
Ticket Information:
- Adults: $55
- Seniors: $50
- Students: $25
Young performers between 8-15 years old had audition opportunities on February 15th, so you might see some fresh local talent in upcoming shows!
The box office is ready to help you secure your seats for any production. You can:
- Call directly at 860.767.7318
- Purchase online through their website
- Visit the box office in person
When you attend a show at Ivoryton, you’re not just watching a performance—you’re becoming part of a cherished Connecticut tradition that brings the community together.
Keep an eye on their newsletter for the latest announcements about special events that regularly complement their main productions.
The playhouse regularly updates their website with new show information, making it easy for you to plan your next theatrical outing in this charming corner of Connecticut.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
