Avon Theater Group Expands Board, Its Plans

Playhouse 44

AVON, CT — Playhouse 44, Avon’s new not-for-profit theater and performing arts group, has expanded its board of directors to help navigate an increasing list of plans.

New members voted in at the organization’s Sept. 30 board of directors meeting.

They include George Murphy, Jennifer Valentine, Edmund Wu, and Louisa Holmes, all of whom have participated in Playhouse 44 projects and on various committees, including directing, technical stage management, play program development, and marketing.

Current members are Joel Samberg, Pam Monroe, Paula Darlington, Dan Carney, Aden Baume, Ruthie Babich, and Heather Monroe.

“We are very excited about the enthusiasm, ideas, and skills that our new members bring to the board,” said Playhouse 44 President Joel Samberg. “If we seem to be a bit ambitious, it’s only because we love what we’re doing and have pulled off a few minor miracles, being that we started with nothing at all. But with our expanded and talented board, we feel we can be as ambitious as we’d like to be.”

The group has three performances behind it and one coming up.

A play at Avon High School in August called 9 Tens on 44 served as the group's debut.
It featured several short plays, including one written exclusively for the group by WTNH-TV news anchor Dennis House.

A singer-songwriter acoustic guitar night at Avon’s Raymour & Flanigan last month was one of the most unique--and comfortable--concerts in the region.

In late October, there was a night of storytelling called "It's Only a Job!" at the Avon Congregational Church.

A multi-musical genre holiday concert at Raymour & Flanigan will be held in December.

The group hopes to return to its roots — theater — in 2025.

Also in the planning stage are other nights of music, comedy, storytelling, and more.

Companies and individuals interested in supporting Playhouse 44 are encouraged to write to AvonPlayhouse44@gmail.com. Playhouse 44, a 501(c)3, seeks rehearsal and performance spaces, event co-sponsorships, play program advertisers, and funding. Donations may be sent to Playhouse 44, P.O. Box 61, Avon, CT 06001.

For more information on Playhouse 44, click on this link.