Westport Playhouse is celebrating its grand reopening at Westport Plaza this week with the premiere of “DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience.”
The Off-Broadway hit is an extraordinary, immersive experience that takes audiences of all ages through the glory years of the Italian Renaissance with Leonard DaVinci and Michelangelo as their “guides.”
“The set-up is very unique!” said Lee Anne Mathews, artistic director of Westport Playhouse. “The play is a one-man extravaganza that celebrates the brilliance and rivalry between DaVinci and Michelangelo. It is an immersive, multimedia event, and the perfect piece to showcase our brand new, state-of-the-art, 40-foot-wide LED video wall!”
The unique, awe-inspiring production stars Mark Rodgers, director of the DaVinci Machines & Michelangelo exhibitions for North America, alongside 3D animations of the various DaVinci inventions, and images and movies of sculptures, codices and artwork of both artists.
“DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience” runs for 14 shows in August (Aug. 5 to 28) and includes matinees on Sundays.
This is the first major production for Westport Playhouse since its closure more than two years ago due to the pandemic. In addition to the new video screen backdrop, expect to see other updates to the venue, including new lighting and a new sound system.
“With the implementation of the video wall and other technical and structural improvements, we are now equipped for a variety of different entertainment events,” Mathews explained. “In addition to Broadway-caliber plays and musicals, we will be hosting live music shows, film festivals, gaming events and more. We are really trying to put together a diverse lineup so that there will be something for everyone.”
Mathews notes a few events are already on the fall calendar, including Tin Ceiling Theatre Company’s 7/24 Play Festival, the Songs for Ukraine benefit concert, the Haunted Garage Film Festival, live music from Neil Young tribute band Shakey Deal, and a production of the holiday comedy, “The Twelve Dates of Christmas.”
“We are committed to bringing inclusive and eclectic entertainment to the Playhouse,” she said. “Being able to support an incredible array of artists in this beautiful venue is a great honor, and we are proud to be a part of bringing this level of talent to our community.”
For tickets and other information, visit the Westport Playhouse website.
