Who doesn’t love theatre people?
It’s 1948, and the brightest names on Broadway have descended upon a glamorous Newport mansion for a weekend of romance, chaos, and more than a few misunderstandings. Join an unforgettable cast of characters populated by a pair of scheming playwrights, a couple of misbehaving actors, a star-struck young author and a disgruntled housekeeper for a comedy that’s a love letter to the theatre and all the people who make it. Author Paul Slade Smith conjures the spirit of the classic screwball comedies of yesteryear with irresistible charm and backstage antics certain to leave you breathless with laughter. After all, who doesn’t love theatre people?
A runaway hit in 2023’s Script In Hand playreading series, we’re pleased to offer this rollicking comedy by Connecticut-born playwright Paul Slade Smith as a full production on the Playhouse stage!
In advance of this production, join us for a special evening celebrating our very own theatre, its legacy, and the people who bring the Westport Country Playhouse to life.
Join us on Monday, March 10 from 6pm – 8pm for “Get ready for Theatre People!” – an evening of cocktails, fun tales, & backstage tours. Step behind the scenes with an exclusive backstage tour led by Playhouse archivist and historian Bruce Miller, who will share captivating stories and hidden lore from our legendary history. Then, raise a glass at our festive cocktail party as we welcome a panel of beloved actors and figures from the Playhouse’s past – Joe Delafield (A Sherlock Carol, The 39 Steps), Mia Dillon (4000 Miles, A Merry Little Christmas Carol Radio Drama), Keir Dullea (Butterflies Are Free), Anne Keefe (former Playhouse co-artistic director), and Michael McCormick (Room Service, She Loves Me). Moderated by Playhouse artistic director, Mark Shanahan, these artists will share personal anecdotes and unforgettable moments from their time on our stage. It’s a night to toast the theatre people who make Westport Country Playhouse extraordinary—past, present, and future. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration!
This event has limited availability, so secure your spot and buy your ticket today!
Learn More About 'Get ready for Theatre People!' Get Tickets
They sure don’t make them like Theatre People anymore! And yet, Paul Slade Smith has managed to craft a wonderfully funny, new play that harkens back to the kind of romantic comedies Playhouse audiences have loved for generations. At the same time, he’s infused this fast-paced, laugh-filled romp with a sharp, modern energy that makes it feel entirely fresh. At its heart, this play is a love letter to all those who - just like you- call themselves 'theatre people'!"
Mark ShanahanMEET THE CAST
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
BEHIND THE SCENES!
MORE INSIGHTS. MORE FUN.
Get more from your experience at the Playhouse by joining us for one of our pre- or post-show events!
Taste of Tuesday 🍽️🍷
Tue, Mar 25 at 6PMA fun reception pairing food + wine from one of our restaurant partners. Available only as part of our season ticket package.
Buy Package
Together at the Table Family Dinner 🍽️ 🍕
Wed, Mar 26 at 5:30PMAn evening for families and groups to enjoy a communal dinner and casual conversation before attending the performance. Call Box Office at 203.227.4177 to make your reservation.
Pride Night 🌈
Thur, Mar 27, at 6PMA fun, pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends. Use code THEATREPRIDE or call Box Office at 203.227.4177 to make your reservation.
Get Tickets
Opening Night 🥂
Sat, Mar 29, post-showCelebrate the opening of each production with cast, crew, and creative team. Free with ticket to the show.
Sunday Symposium
Sun, Mar 30, post-showJoin us for after the show for an exclusive talkback!
Open Captions
Sun, April 6, matineeDeaf and hard of hearing audiences can enjoy the performance while watching an easy-to-read digital screen with the actors' dialogue.
Backstage Pass
Wed, Apr 9, matinee, post-showLearn how the Playhouse technical staff brought each show to life. No ticket necessary — free and open to all.
Thursday Talkback
Thur, Apr 10, post-showJoin us for a lively Q&A with members of the cast.
MORE
Together at the Table Family Dinner – Wednesday, March 26 at 5:30PM
An evening for families and groups to enjoy a communal dinner and casual conversation before attending the Wed 3/26 7PM performance, all for just $15 per ticket! Call the Box Office to make your reservation.
Participants must attend as a family group with student-age children; limited availability.
The Together at the Table series is sponsored by Paige and Jodi Couture with generous support from the Westport Rotary Club.
Pride Night – Thursday, March 27 at 6PM
A fun, pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends. With a limited open bar and appetizers from local restaurants. All followed by the Thurs 3/27 7PM performance. Use code THEATREPRIDE or call the Box Office to purchase these $40 tickets!
MAKING THEATER OPEN TO ALL.
The Playhouse offers a variety of accessible ticket pricing options, including pay-what-you-will performances, first responder discounts, free tickets for Indigenous peoples, and more.
See ticketing discounts
DINNER & A SHOW
Looking for the perfect pre-show dining spot? Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse is located on the Playhouse campus and is offering a special prix fixe menu for Theatre People ticketholders! Click here to view the menu and pricing, then call Gabriele’s at (203) 454-4922 to make your reservation. Be sure to tell them you are attending Theatre People to access the exclusive menu and price!
THANK YOU
Production Supporter: Cherie Flom Quain
Corporate Supporter: The Shoreline Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
Opening Night Post-Show Reception Sponsor: RDM Financial Group at Hightower
2025 Programming & Season Sponsorship is generously provided by Barbara Streicker.
Media Sponsorship for the 2025 season is generously provided by Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre People is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, a division of Broadway Licensing Global.
FOR THIS PRODUCTION
| Assistant Set Designer | Justin Lahue |
| Assistant Costume Designer | Kat Ibasco |
| Associate Lighting Designer | Alexander Fetchko |
| Assistant Sound Designer | Joe Krempetz |
| Technical Director/Head Carpenter/Flyman | Jason Thompson |
| Assistant Carpenter | Scott A. Trichka |
| Scenic Artist | Tamar Klausner |
| Head Sound | Jon Damast |
| Head Electrician | Dylan Dineen |
| Head Props | |
| Head Wardrobe | Lisa Ficco |
| Dresser |
2024/25 SEASON OF LAUGHTER
Welcome back to a season of fully produced theatre at the Playhouse.
The Playhouse is proud to present A SEASON OF LAUGHTER, with a slate of comedies chosen specifically to energize our community with a welcoming sense of warmth, humor, and joy.
Learn more about the season hereMAINSTAGE SUBSCRIPTION
Enjoy the Playhouse and all of our live theater shows with ease today!
A annual subscription that ensures you’ll always have a ticket to to our theater season with benefits including savings, priority, discounts, flexibility, and more! Click below to read about all the perks our Mainstage Subscription has to offer and get yours today!
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All titles, dates, and artists are subject to change.
adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle”
Recommended for ages 14 and up
English 
Spanish