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New Milford Entertainment Merryall Center for the Arts Eileen Monaghan
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Please see our brochure.
Entertainment, Enrichment and Enlightenment in the Litchfield Hills
In 1951, a group of far-sighted, community-minded residents of New Milford’s Merryall district gathered to make their community better. Led by people like Fredric March, Jack Leon and Fred Redefer, they formed the Merryall Center for the Arts.
They bought an old Grange Hall and started social gatherings, designed to bring local and part time residents together.
Sixty years later, the Merryall Center is alive and well. Its mission has remained stable while its scope has expanded. No longer the home of impromptu bridge games and pot luck suppers for residents of the immediate area, it now offers quality entertainment, bringing together residents of the Litchfield Hills and beyond.
During the past several years, we have been conducting a capital campaign to restore the building. Thanks to the efforts of Larry and Pat Greenspan, the 100-year-old building has been designated an historic property. Thanks to a challenge begun by Bob and Edith Kostes, met by generous contributions from many, we raised enough money to begin renovations. Then, thanks to an unexpected push from the Hon. M. Jodi Rell, we received a state grant to carry on the renovations.
The winter has not been kind to the renovations schedule and we are now dealing with the state bureaucracy to obtain all the funding. But the work will continue. By the time we are finished, you will see a major change in much of the building — including air conditioning! The charm, however, will remain.
Marking our 60th season, we have expanded the program to 18 performances — from May 14 through Oct. 1 — including three lectures and three Sunday afternoon programs specifically for children.
Performances are $20 per person ($10 for students) at the door for most events. Children’s performances are $5 per person, with a maximum of $25 per family.
Membership in the Merryall Center ($150 per person) provides admission to all regular adult programs — an incredible $10 per performance. Membership checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 676, New Milford, or brought to any performance.
The Merryall Center for the Arts is at 8 Chapel Hill Road, New Milford; 860-354-7264
Entertainment
From jazz to classics, chamber to pops, big bands to brass bands, with dance thrown in as a bonus, the 12 musical performances this season at the Merryall Center will satisfy just about everyone’s musical taste. For 60 years, Merryall has been the host for quality entertainment, from Marian Anderson to Skitch Henderson. The tradition continues, with a mix of encore performances, new talent and returns of performers who haven’t graced the Merryall stage for years.
Enlightenment
Last year, the Merryall Center began a return to its roots with a lecture by retired U.N. special envoy Francis Okelo. This year, we’ve expanded to include presentations by noted lobbyist Norman Adler, Revolutionary War expert Steve McGrath and former Governor M. Jodi Rell.
Children’s Programs
As part of the expanded 60th anniversary season, the Merryall Center has added three children’s programs, including an innovative dance performance and two musician/singers.
60th Anniversary Gala Bash
On July 16, the Merryall Center will mark its 60th anniversary with a special presentation by the Hon. M. Jodi Rell who, as governor, surprised us by submitting the Center’s renovation project for a state grant. She will speak on the inner workings of state government. In addition, she will join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before her presentation. Special pricing will apply to the reception.
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11 Railroad Street, New Milford, CT 06776
Tel. (860) 354-6080 ~ Fax. (860) 354-8526
nmcc@newmilford-chamber.com
NEW MILFORD Entertainment Merryall Center for the Arts Eileen Monaghan
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