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
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