Musicals at Richter's long path to its renaissance

by Steven Taliaferro

Anyone with a career in theater will tell you the most prominent qualities to have are tenacity and persistence. In a volatile field such as this, it is not a place for the faint of heart or those dead set on having a routine. Rejection becomes part of the routine and everything, even the production itself, is always subject to revision. That is why it is more than necessary to be able to persevere and roll with the punches and a prime example of these qualities can be found in Connecticut's longest-running outdoor theater.

Nestled in the Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury, CT is the hidden gem, Musicals at Richter. For almost 40 years, this community theater has been a haven for actors, musicians, and other performing artists in the Fairfield County area when it first opened in 1985 with a production of Little Mary Sunshine.   

From June to August, their seasons consist of three main stage musical productions featuring mixed-age and diverse casts, with a live orchestra; a Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop for young people, culminating in a full-scale production; and Fairy Tale Theater, a daytime interactive play series for children performed by young actors.

Over the years, this non-profit organization started by Bradford Blake and Greg Wencek, has built a strong following of supporters, has earned praise from audiences, local critics, and was even referenced in an episode of Seinfeld. However, MAR's achievements, accolades, and sitcom references does not shield them from their share of difficulties. The biggest overwhelm of problems came in 2020, of course.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what would have been their 36th season of performing under the stars with the shows Mystery Of Edwin Drood, In The Heights, The Sound of Music, and Seussical Jr. would be subject to revision.

As stated in the beginning, the most prominent qualities to have in theater are tenacity and persistence. MAR showed plenty of tenacious examples by posting a series of digital concerts on their website and YouTube page during the 2020 shutdown. This was their statement to not only Connecticut, but to the world that they were not going anywhere. However, there were more complications on the horizon.

On Christmas day, a tempestuous winter storm caused damage to the stage wings and backstage rear wall. Even after a more-than-successful fundraiser held on Fairfield County Giving Day in 2021, the stage suffered more damage from a falling tree causing a piece of it to break off. But the show must go on.

The MAR administrative board, whose members are all made up of regular and former MAR performers, held fast to their statement that they were not going anywhere by announcing the Richter stage would come alive again in the summer of 2021 with a production of Godspell, a musical with the heart, hope, and positivity that matched MAR's own spirit. Godspell was then followed by a one-night-only fundraiser cabaret featuring past and present season performers singing show tunes with a live band, aptly named Stars Come Out For Richter. Both stage events were met with great acclaim. MAR's executive director, Robert Bria, even stated the importance of MAR's mission by saying, “We are passionate about the importance of the Arts in our lives, and the much needed and important place it has in the world.”

Now, here we are in the summer of 2022, and Richter's Renaissance continues to unfold gloriously. The administrative board has been working diligently with the Richter Parks Association and is now in the midst of having a new stage built by a construction crew led by Jim Blansfield, whose help and efforts are beyond appreciated. The stage's construction finished just in time for MAR's production of The Sound Of Music, which had its opening on Friday, July 22nd.

The Renaissance has everyone on the board and Richter regulars alike absolutely galvanized. MAR's president, Frank Arnone, has also expressed his excitement by calling it, “the most fantastic thing that's happened at Richter since we opened in 1985.” The board, regular Richter supporters, and attendees celebrated the renaissance with a fundraiser arranged by the volunteer coordinator, Denise Fontenelli, and executive director, Robert Bria. The gala finished the evening with a total of $17,000 raised.

Going back to the opening statement, Musicals at Richter in Danbury, CT is a prime example of the tenacity and persistence required in theater. Bria put it best himself by saying, “Who would have thought that the Christmas storm of 2020 would start us on this incredible journey to the construction of a top-notch performance facility? This journey would not be possible on our own but fortunately, we have encountered many kind and generous people who share the same vision, passion, and dedication.” Bria brings up an excellent point.

Tenacity and perseverance are not upheld by individual strength alone, but with strong support from one's friends and family. “We are only at the beginning with a lot more road to travel,” says Bria; “With the support of our community, we will accomplish our vision. We would like to thank the continued generosity of our friends, family, and fans. Without this support our vision would not be possible.” MAR has a more-than-strong support system composed of faithful audiences members and performers who consider it a home away from home. With that, the future of MAR sounds pretty set.

When asked about the future of MAR, President Arnone said he feels “the future is set. We are going to be moving forward and we are looking still for the support of our wonderful donors to help us make the continuing  phase of this happen and we will be more vibrant and more supportive of all of the arts community of Danbury and all of Fairfield county.”

Musicals at Richter is only at the beginning with a lot more road to travel. With the support of the community, they will accomplish their vision. If you are able, please consider donating to The Renaissance of Richter campaign by going on to their PayPal page.

They would like to thank the continued generosity of friends, family, and fans. Without this support their vision would not be possible.