Off-the-Beaten-Path Entertainment
By Clementina Verge
Photo by Sarah Farrell
On a narrow backcountry road in New Milford, you’ll find an art center whose motto—”Come curious. Leave inspired.”—does just that considering the long and impressive lineup of entertainment luminaries it has hosted for more than 70 years.
Upon its inception in 1952, the Merryall Center for Arts began as a private, social club-like gathering place uniting area residents and weekenders from New York City, reminisces board member Dean Gray. Since then, it has morphed into a cultural hub for Litchfield County, featuring eclectic and cutting-edge programming from various genres, including theater, musical performances, film, and lectures.
“We don’t know of any other place like this,” notes Gray. “It’s a really sweet spot off the beaten path and we want to invite more people to discover it.”
Those who have graced its stage include artistic greats like Academy-award winning actor Fredric March, legendary contralto Marian Anderson, singer Eartha Kitt—once called “the most exciting woman in the world”—and lawyer and author, Jeffrey Toobin.
When its 2024 season begins in May, the Merryall will feature three Connecticut-premiering musicals produced off-Broadway and regionally, along with instrumentalists and composers. Also gracing the stage will be singer/songwriters including Nick Petrone, Violet Willows, and Caravan of Thieves, along with contemporary classic composer Gregory Mertl and—hailing from Kyoto, Japan—world-music guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto.
From jazz, to folk, pop, and classical, the diverse musical offerings represent not just the alluring power of sound, but capture the community’s tastes and interests, notes board member Rob Brereton, a worldwide performer considered to be one of the pioneers in contemporary mountain dulcimer playing.
With a seating capacity of only 75, the center fosters intimate and energizing experiences.
“The audience enjoys sitting in the same room with an artist, becoming part of the art. Afterwards, artists stay and interact,” explains Ellen Corsell. “It’s a rare, personal connection.”
Sipped under sparkling lights, a glass of wine enjoyed on a beautiful deck overlooking the Aspetuck River is part of pre-performance magic, says Gray, adding that the building has undergone continuous improvements since its origins.
In the 1960s, a stage was added, the heating and plumbing systems were improved, and a lavatory, terrace, and kitchen were installed. Continuous use took its toll and in the 1990s, the building nearly succumbed into the Aspetuck River. Saved by a state grant, total rehabilitation included a new foundation and basement. Improvements continue even today, with new curtains and a computerized lightboard controlling the new theatrical lighting system currently in the works. The nonprofit relies on its patrons and donor generosity as much as ever—every dollar bringing “more music, more theater, more joy.”
“It really is a place like no other, a one-stop for all entertainment,” remarks Gray. “You don’t need to drive to Boston or New York. You can enjoy it all right in our own beautiful backyard. You’d be hard-pressed to find another place as diverse and accessible to everybody.” ––merryallcenter.org
