EAST HADDAM—At the turn of the 19th century, Connecticut resident William Gillette was a giant of international theater. This theatrical legacy will be honored this year when Gillette Castle—his spectacular home upon the banks of the Connecticut River—is the setting for a new play by Connecticut author Gina Tracy.
The New England premiere production “William and James – A Ghost Story” will be staged inside the main living area of Gillette Castle. “This is a perfect setting for the performance,” said producer Kandie Carle of the East Haddam Stage Company. “It is an intimate and historic environment that just exudes the spirit of William Gillette.”
This 90-minute performance depicts an imagined conversation between two giants of the Victorian Broadway stage, on the opening night of Gillette’s play, “Sherlock Holmes.” The players are James O’Neill, the boisterous Shakespearean, and William Gillette, who has changed American theatre forever with his naturalistic approach. The gentlemen banter about their acting styles, their commitment to the stage, and their personal lives … yet as they toast their success, they are haunted … by people, what ifs, regrets, loss and love.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the New England premiere of this performance,” said Lynn Wilkinson, President of the Friends of Gillette Castle, the organization sponsoring this event. “We want Gillette Castle State Park to be a living testimony to Gillette’s unique creative legacy, and the opportunity to have live theater inside the Castle is rare.”
Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternoons October 19, 20, 26 and 27. Tickets are $30 and may be obtained through the website for the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park at www.gillettecastlefriends.org.
Except for these performances, the mansion itself will be closed for the season on Oct. 13. However, the park at 67 River Road in East Haddam remains open year-round and visitors may stroll about the grounds to enjoy the glorious fall scenery and river views.
The Visitor Center will be open for 45 minutes before each performance, so guests can learn about William Gillette and his importance in American theater before the show.
The souvenir shop within the Visitor Center will also be open, to allow guests to purchase a remembrance of their visit. Playwright Gina Tracy will be on hand to sign copies of the script, which will be available for $5.
Gillette was the first actor to become internationally famous for his performances as Sherlock Holmes. The Hartford native died in 1937 after a long theatrical career. The state of Connecticut eventually took over ownership of his home and surrounding estate.
Those interested in volunteering with the Friends or sponsoring the performance may visit www.gillettecastlefriends.org for details or direct their questions to [email protected] or (860) 222-7850.
The mission of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is to preserve and promote William Gillette’s legacy and support the conservation of park grounds and the restoration of Gillette Castle. The all-volunteer, nonprofit group works in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Memberships help finance park and structural improvements while preserving the estate and Gillette’s legacy.
Editor’s Note: For more information and ticket purchases, visit the website for the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.
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