3 Best Performing Arts in Southwestern Connecticut, Connecticut

This historic, fully renovated, country playhouse presents national and local musicians, comedians, magicians, theatrical performances, classic and new films, and insightful lectures. Stars ranging from Gordon Lightfoot to Lyle Lovett, Dana Carvey to Amy Schumer, and performances such as Puccini's Madama Butterfly and Shakespeare's Henry V have been headliners over the years.

Plays, comedy shows, concerts, ballet, kids' shows, and film festivals are presented at the 1,600-seat Palace, originally a vaudeville house, which is now owned and operated by Stamford Center for the Arts.

Long associated with local benefactors Joanne Woodward and the late Paul Newman, the venerable and intimate Westport Country Playhouse presents high-quality performances from April through November and special family programs from December through March.