5 Best Performing Arts in Southwestern Connecticut, Connecticut

The orchestra (formerly Stamford Symphony) performs mainly at The Palace Theatre, but selected musicians also perform at smaller venues in Stamford and nearby towns.

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.

Enjoy an excellent series of mostly free outdoor summer concerts here that range from jazz to classical, folk to blues, and one night each week focused especially on children. (You must reserve or buy a ticket online.) Bring a blanket or beach chair—and a picnic, if you like, but snacks and drinks are also available.

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.