What a beautiful night it was for a Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center fundraiser at The Back Porch Restaurant in Old Saybrook.

The speciality drink for the event was the “African Queen-tini” made in honor of Ms. Hepburn’s 1951 movie “The African Queen.”

Those who came out to help raise money for The Kate were treated to a fashion show by Old Saybrook’s Azul Clothing and Angie’s Jewelry and Gifts.

The spirits used in the “African Queen-tinis were donated by Kevin Labombard of CDI Wine & Spirits.

Owner of The Back Porch Restaurant, Maggie Gallagher was most gracious in being the “hostess with the mostess.”

The backdrop was in an area known as “between the bridges” for the June 25th event, couldn’t have been more spectacular.

We even got a write up in OldSaybrookNow.com on the event. There are a lot more pictures of  the evening posted on the web site there. Have you seen Olwen Logan’s hyper-local paper yet? We thank her so much for the publicity.

The Kate’s Executive Director, Chuck Still warmed up the crowd with the details of the theater’s planned opening in August and the types of shows and artists we are booking right now.

Chuck also told patrons that there will be a gala week of activities leading up to a huge Gala on October 17th.

One thing you should know about those affiliated with The Kate, we love to have fun.

If you are interested in donating to the non-profit venue…you can do that right here on this web site or you can also contact Chuck, he’d love to hear from you.

Can’t wait to see you at “The Kate!”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

Oh the progress!

The patio is poured and the landscaping work is beginning at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater which will be known as “The Kate.”

This is a shot outside the new entrance in which you will be stepping when you come to a show at “The Kate.”

If you’re interested in being a a part of what will be a reall hub of entertainment for the shoreline now is the time to wade in.

Tomorrow evening at  “The Back Porch” in Old Saybrook there will be a fun fundraiser so check that out. More info on the fundraiser can be found on Old SayBrookNow.com.

Please RSVP to : 860.510.0282 or Laura {at} thebackporchbuzz(.)com

Also if you have a desire to be on the Founder’s Plaque which is only a one time deal, there is a donation of $1,000.00 so get on board now. Yes, we’re a non-profit 501(C)3.

We open in August, and a series of “grand” events will be the week of October 12th leading up to a HUGE Gala on October 17th.

Here is contact information:
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center/860-510-5000.

Or you can write to:
Chuck Still/Executive Director
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
cstill {at} town.old-saybrook.ct(.)us

See you at “The Kate!”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

I went over to The Kate this morning to check on the progress of the theater. What I found was a sleek-looking venue. The floor is now sparkling, having  just been refinished. The first photo shows you the view from the stage back up into the balcony.

The second photo is of the beautiful original palladian windows so you can see the kind of light the theater gets at around noon time on a June day.

I also took a shot of the stage rigging all neat and tidy right now and then a close-up shot of the chandeliers that hang in the ceiling of the theater.

There  is so much more still to come including a new logo for the theater as we head for an August opening.

See you at “The Kate.”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee,  KHCAC

When you come to an event at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater, you will come in thru the doors on the right in the photo. It’s a gleaming new addition to the 1911 old Town Hall structure.

This will be a nice gathering spot for folks on the lower level. There will be a will-call window here too.

This will be a space as well to enjoy a cocktail, yes, we have a liquor license.

Around the corner there will be a museum to the 4-time Academy Award winning actress and theater practice areas, offices, there is a lot of interesting alcoves on this level.

The elevator is here too to take you up to the one-floor-above main theater chamber.

On this level too is an old bank vault that was part of the original building…we have some fun ideas for that space. That could be a naming opportunity for anyone interested…hint…hint.

We open in August and we can’t wait! Incidentally the Grand Gala eventsKa will be the week of October 17th, boy is that going to be something for all ages.

See you at “The Kate!”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

A beautiful turn-of-the-century-style Ladie’s Powder Room at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater.

The women’s restroom has six stalls, more than most Broadway Theaters, and we’re just 250 seats.

There was a lot of time spent by many trying to figure out how we could get bragging rights for the theater in this area. I might add that those figuring out how to accommodate our female patrons were all men, so we tank you, guys. I guess they’re heard a lot of complaining over the years about the lines women have to endure in NYC at intermission.

The black and white tiles and the detail here is eye-grabbing.

Men, your “rest” area looks the same, though smaller.

A wonderful donor helped us be able to put in the wonderful tiles that you see.

The restrooms are in the lower level of the theater.

See you at “The Kate!”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC