Brookfield Theater To

Host  ‘Tea At Five’

BROOKFIELD — Tea at Five, an intimate look at Katharine Hepburn at home in her Fenwick estate in Old Saybrook, has played to rave reviews in northeastern Connecticut and elsewhere. The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts announces will offer a special presentation of the work, based on the book by Matthew Lombardo and directed by B. Jane Farnol: A one-woman production featuring Noel Desiato running for three weekends in March.

The first act takes place in September 1938. Despite Broadway appearances and her first Oscar, Miss Hepburn has just been labeled “box office poison” after a series of film flops. With her professional future in doubt, she contemplates her childhood in Hartford, education and her start in show business.

The second act takes place in February 1983, after Hepburn was injured in a car crash. The accident affords the now-legendary star an opportunity to reflect on the triumphs of her career and her heart-breaking romance with Spencer Tracy.

Matthew Lombardo’s play reveals Hepburn as an undeniable talent that is equal parts intuitive, witty and fiery.

Performances are scheduled for March 6-21, with curtain Friday and Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday, March 15, at 2 pm.

Tickets are $20, with all proceeds from this production earmarked to benefit TBTA’s much needed lighting and sound upgrade to bring equipment up to date and make the theater more energy efficient.

Call 775-0023 for reservations. Brookfield Playhouse is at 182 Whisconier Road/Route 25, behind the library in Brookfield Center.