Westport Country Playhouse Partners with CT Women's Hall of Fame for WOMEN AND WAR

Westport Country Playhouse, in conjunction with its July production of "Grounded," about a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who is grounded by an unexpected pregnancy, has partnered with the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame (CWHF) for "Women and War," a multimedia presentation for teen and adult audiences, on Friday, July 14, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center, adjacent to the Playhouse.

The program, free-of-charge and open to the public, gives a sweeping history of women's involvement in warfare, with special attention paid to several women who have been inducted into CWHF.

"Strong, courageous women have changed history," said Kathryn Gloor, executive director of CWHF. "They have willingly risked their lives to defend our country and our communities for hundreds of years, but we all too seldom recognize their service. We are honored to partner with Westport Country Playhouse and this important production as we celebrate heroic women this year."

Among the Connecticut women featured in the talk are Army Captain Kristen Griest, the first female infantry officer in the U.S. Army and one of the first two women ever to graduate from Army Ranger School; Major Regina Y. Rush-Kittle, military and law enforcement trailblazer and highest-ranking African American woman ever to serve in the Connecticut State Police; and USAF Colonel Ruth A. Lucas (1920-2013), first African American woman to attain the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and advocate for improved educational opportunities for service personnel. All three will be inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame on November 9, 2017.

"Grounded," written by George Brant, is a contemporary drama that earned a 2016 Lortel Award, a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was short-listed for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award. Playing the role of The Pilot in the solo production is Elizabeth Stahlmann, a recent graduate of Yale School of Drama.Director is Liz Diamond, chair of Yale School of Drama's Directing department and resident director at Yale Repertory Theatre. The drama runs from July 11 through July 29.

"Grounded" Production Sponsors are Judy and Scott Phares. Production Partners are Johnna G. Torsone and John McKeon.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

About Westport Country Playhouse

The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater worth talking about and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The Playhouse creates this relationship with the community and provides this experience in multiple ways by offering: Live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos, from May through November; educational and community engagement events and opportunities to further explore issues presented by the work on stage; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings throughout the year to deepen relationships with audiences and artists alike; the renowned Woodward Internship Program training program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations from December through April to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. The value of the Westport Country Playhouse to all it touches is immeasurable.

About Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame

The mission of the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame (CWHF) is to honor publicly the achievements of Connecticut women, preserve their stories, educate the public and inspire the continued achievements of women and girls. Founded in 1994 in Hartford, CWHF is a provider of innovative educational programs and tools that inspire women and girls to believe in their unlimited potential. The 115 Inductees are role models for women of all ages, and their stories are proof of all that women can accomplish. Each year, CWHF shows 50,000 women and girls what's possible and empowers them to take an active role in shaping their future. www.cwhf.org.

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