Ridgefield Playhouse Celebrates 25 Years as Mecca for the Arts

The Ridgefield Playhouse is celebrating 25 years as a cornerstone of Ridgefield’s cultural life. Originally designed in 1938, the auditorium in “the old high school” played host to school performances, town meetings, and legendary events, including World War II-era concerts conducted by Arturo Toscanini. After its closure in 1972, the space lay dormant until the community rallied to revive it. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Friends of RPAC, the venue was transformed into a nonprofit performing arts center, reopening its doors in 2000. Today, the Ridgefield Playhouse is a vibrant venue hosting over 250 live performances annually, ranging from music and theater to education and community programs.

Honoring Allison Stockel’s Legacy

A driving force behind the Ridgefield Playhouse’s success is Allison Stockel, who served tirelessly as Executive Director for more than two decades without ever taking a salary. When Stockel moved to Ridgefield in December 2000, the Playhouse had just opened with an inaugural performance by Jose Feliciano. Through her vision and relentless dedication, Stockel helped grow the venue from presenting just 40 shows a year to a staggering 250 acts annually. Her ability to secure world-class talent and foster a thriving community hub transformed the Playhouse into what it is today. Stockel’s influence has been profound, and her unwavering commitment has left a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A Smooth Transition: Leadership for the Future

Under the leadership of current Executive Director Ashley Paltauf, the Ridgefield Playhouse continues to build on its strong foundation. Having joined the Playhouse in 2013, Paltauf rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional management skills during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She guided staff and patrons through outdoor performances and seamless transitions back to indoor shows, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the community. Paltauf's dedication has reinforced the Playhouse’s mission to entertain, enrich, and educate, cementing its role as a cultural gem in the region.

A Quarter-Century of Achievement

Over the years, the Ridgefield Playhouse has undergone significant enhancements, culminating in Allison Stockel's final and lasting legacy: a $4 million capital campaign that brought transformative changes to the beloved venue. Completed in 2022, the renovation included tripling the size of the lobby, creating an inviting space adorned with hand-painted murals of historic Ridgefield and striking photographs by House Photographer Bing Liem and Ridgefield resident Jeff Butchen. Backstage areas were expanded to better accommodate world-class performers, and state-of-the-art audio upgrades ensured an unparalleled experience for audiences. This monumental project stands as a testament to Stockel's visionary leadership and her unwavering commitment to elevating the Playhouse to new heights.

Upcoming Performances

As the Ridgefield Playhouse celebrates its milestone anniversary, its stellar lineup of upcoming shows highlights the vibrant legacy it continues to build:

T Bone Burnett: Friday, April 4, 2025, at 8:00 PM
What The World Needs Now - The Burt Bacharach Songbook in Concert: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM
Get The Led Out: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks: Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 8:00 PM, and Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM
LeAnn Rimes: Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM

As the Ridgefield Playhouse looks to the future, it remains a beacon of arts and culture, enriching lives and inspiring audiences for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Submitted by HH

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