| Is there any reader
unfamiliar with the name, Katharine Hepburn? An icon, even
by Hollywood's flamboyant standards, Miss Hepburn earned
nine Oscar nominations, a record four Oscars, and the Screen
Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
As accomplished on the stage as she was on the screen,
Kate starred in theatrical productions as diverse as, "The
Philadelphia Story" (later made into a movie, as well),
"The Madwoman of Chaillot," and "Coco,"
based on the life of Coco Chanel.
Movies featuring the perfectly pitched pairing of Hepburn
with Spencer Tracy like "Adams Rib" and "The
Desk Set" are still favorites on late-night movie channels.
And I still get teary-eyed anytime I re-watch her poignant
performances in "Summertime" and "The Rainmaker."
Katharine Hepburn brought, and continues to bring, so much
pleasure as well as insight into the human character, it
is altogether fitting that Connecticut, where she was born
(Hartford, 1907), and the town of Old Saybrook in which
she lived, now creates a theater and cultural arts center
in her memory.
When visiting what is now the shell of the old Town Hall
in Old Saybrook, but is the construction site and soon-to-be
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theatre, I was
indeed fortunate to have as my informative guides, Chuck
Sills, the executive director, and the charming Robin Grengas,
a press representative for the Center.
Sills, who still retains his soft Tennessee drawl, oversaw
a $20 million renovation of the Riverside Theatre in Florida
and is well versed at helping others look at empty spaces
and envision a beautiful, finished building.
Grengas, who was formerly a producer on "60 Minutes"
news program, is a personable and enthusiastic promoter
of "Kate's Place," the affectionate nickname for
the Cultural Arts Center and Theatre.
The building, itself, has a fascinating history. In 1906,
Joseph Cone, an author and printer, convinced citizens of
Old Saybrook to purchase land and build a permanent home
for the Musical and Dramatic Club.
The striking Colonial Revival building that resulted, was
used for the club for many years and hosted performances
of such theater luminaries as Ethel Barrymore, Norma Terris,
Irene Rich and Henry Hull. Eventually, the building was
converted to town offices.
Now a century after Cone's idea, his vision is reborn and
a small, jewel-box theater and cultural center will honor
Old Saybrook's most famous resident. Dr. Thomas Hepburn
arrived in Old Saybrook on Memorial Day of 1911, the same
summer that the first highway bridge that connected Old
Saybrook and Old Lyme, opened. According to Kate's niece,
Katharine Houghton, "When Kate was 5½ years
old, her family purchased a cottage at Fenwick. From that
very first summer to the very last day of her life, Fenwick
was her "home," a refuge, a paradise."
Sills, who has managed theaters in Lowell and Stockbridge,
Mass., explains that the 220-seat arts center will offer
a range of artistic programs including films, dance, lectures
and small plays.
Funding for the project has come from the state and the
town, and a capital campaign has raised additional funds
as well.
Bob Czepiel, a former Wall Street executive now filmmaker,
and his wife, Anne, recently donated $100,000 to "The
Kate." The Czepiels say their gift is a challenge donation;
they hope to encourage others to donate to an institution
they believe will culturally change the lower Connecticut
River Valley region.
However, $300,000 is still needed in order to meet the
planned opening this summer. There are opportunities for
those wishing to name or purchase a specific item, such
as one of the velvet theater seats.
- Checks in all amounts are welcome and should be made
payable to KHCAC-Town of Old Saybrook and mailed to Old
Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main St., Old Saybrook, 06475. For
more information, go to www.katharinehepburntheater.org
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
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