Mar 24, 2008
Summer Theatre will return to Irwin Park
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In a reversal of its earlier decision, the Park & Recreation Commission unanimously voted on March 12 to allow the Summer Theatre of New Canaan to perform a scaled-back program in Irwin Park this season.
While the musical that the theatre had originally asked for won’t be permitted, Shakespeare and children’s plays will be allowed, commissioner Scott Gress said.
“The commission very much wants to see the Summer Theatre put on performances and we’re working on a way that’s practical for everybody,” said Mr. Gress, who is heading an ad hoc committee to study the feasibility of having the theatre in Irwin Park.
In early February, commissioners told Summer Theatre Executive Producer Ed Libonati that his requested location at Irwin Park was “infrastructurally not big enough” to handle all of the performances his group had planned. Instead, a location on Farm Road, near New Canaan High School, was recommended.
However, complaints from nearby Waveny Care Center, as well as the theatre’s willingness to adapt to the limitations of Irwin Park, caused that plan to be scrapped, Mr. Gress and Park & Rec Chairman Tom Stadler said.
Shows are to take place under a 60- by 90-foot tent behind and downhill of the Irwin House, which is currently occupied by Town land use offices.
Though Park & Rec has yet to draw up a formal letter of agreement, it has been said that theatre would also be responsible for restoring grass killed by performance and dressing room tents.
While most shows are scheduled for nights and weekends, one performance may take place during a work day, but only if attendance is “very low,” Mr. Gress said.
He added that the theatre would occupy Irwin for about six weeks total, beginning in early June. Performances would run for four weeks, with one week to set up tents at the beginning and another week to break down the set in mid-July.
It is yet undecided how many parking spaces will be allotted for show-goers, and commissioners have suggested that temporary parking may be made available.
Areas for overflow parking will have to be arranged by the theatre, Mr. Gress said. The Police Commission has indicated that no parking will be allowed along Wahackme Road and Weed Street.
Mr. Libonati was not available for comment as of press time.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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