The New Canaan Playhouse has long stood as a cultural anchor in our town, a cherished space where generations of residents have gathered to experience the magic of cinema. However, in recent years, this beloved venue faced challenges. Thanks to the vision and determination of the community and key stakeholders, the Playhouse has undergone an extraordinary transformation, evolving into Cinema Lab while retaining its historic charm.
This revitalization didn’t come easily. The project, initially envisioned as a straightforward renovation, quickly ballooned in complexity and cost. When Cinema Lab, led by Luke Parker Bowles, took over operations in 2022, they committed to investing over $1.5 million into the space, yet unforeseen construction challenges and rising costs pushed that figure much higher. But the perseverance of the community was unwavering, and with bipartisan support from local legislators, including State Senator Ryan Fazio and State Representative Tom O’Dea and Lucy Dathan, the project secured a $2 million bond from the State of Connecticut, ensuring its completion.
The reopening of the Playhouse this past June marked the beginning of a new era. It’s more than just a cinema now; it’s a hub of social interaction, a place where families, friends, and neighbors can gather not only for movies but for casual dining, special events, and community programming. The Cinema Lab team has worked diligently to merge the old with the new, incorporating state-of-the-art audiovisual technology while preserving the Playhouse’s historical elements. With its cozy theaters, lush seating, and family-friendly concessions, the venue offers a modern cinematic experience grounded in nostalgia.
One of the most striking features of the new Playhouse is its commitment to community engagement. The addition of the Playhouse Pub and a multifunctional lounge space allows the venue to serve as a meeting spot, extending its appeal beyond film screenings. This focus on versatility ensures that the Playhouse can be used for everything from private events to live performances, all while maintaining its roots as a cornerstone of New Canaan’s cultural life.
The reopening was a celebration not only of the building but also of the people who fought to preserve it. As First Selectman Dionna Carlson put it, the Playhouse “will bring more visitors…which will benefit the entire downtown business district.” It’s this interconnectedness—between the theater and the local economy, between the past and the future—that makes the Playhouse so essential to the fabric of New Canaan.
In a time when so many small-town theaters are shuttering, we in New Canaan are incredibly fortunate. The Playhouse stands as a wonderful example of the power of collective action, proving that when a community invests in its cultural institutions, the rewards are manifold. The Cinema Lab team, town officials, and countless local supporters deserve our deepest gratitude for ensuring that the Playhouse will continue to serve as a beacon of art, entertainment, and connection for generations to come.
As the lights go down and the first film flickers across the screen, we are reminded that the Playhouse is not just a venue—it’s a gathering place that reflects the spirit and vitality of New Canaan itself.
