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78 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2019 Hartford Stage is one of many theaters in Connecticut's vibrant arts-and-culture industry. [Photo | courtesy of Hartford Stage] The New 'Off-Broadway' Theater lives large in Connecticut By Joan Hunt When the average person thinks of "off-Broadway," smaller professional New York theaters are likely the first thing that come to mind. But in recent years, Connecticut has given the term a whole new meaning. No matter where you live or visit in this state, chances are that a Broadway show is within easy reach. Over the past two years, shows like "Phantom of the Opera," "Chicago," "Waitress," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "A Bronx Tale," "In the Heights," "The Sound of Music" and "Mamma Mia!" have opened to cheering crowds at The Bushnell in Hartford, Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Warner Theatre in Torrington, Palace Theater in Waterbury, the Shubert in New Haven, the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, and the Westport Playhouse. According to Bushnell President and CEO David Fay, using the standard rule of thumb, every dollar spent on cultural activities like theater becomes $7 as that dollar changes hands within the state – meaning that the cultural sector in Connecticut accounts for about one-fifth of the economy. Harder to quantify is the value added to the quality of life in the state. Theater blossoms into its neighborhoods. The Bushnell, for example, is heavily involved in the i-Quilt development plan that is creating walkable areas and green space in the area around the Hartford theater. It participates in The Partners Program that combines the arts with colorful learning experiences for the region's youth. The Goodspeed has purchased property and created an artists' village and writers' colony within walking distance of the theater. "Another benefit for Connecticut is that we create all sorts of employment opportunities and a tremendous talent pool," said Fay. Partnering with restaurants and other arts and entertainment institutions, the state's theaters are also sharing programs that continue to enrich the culture of their towns and neighborhoods. In addition to Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks in Hartford, other venues contributing to the state's vibrant theater community include: The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, the Long Wharf and Yale Repertory theaters in New Haven, the Ivoryton Playhouse, and The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center ("The Kate") in Old Saybrook. "A perfect storm" Fay said that about a decade ago, two things coincided in a "perfect storm of goodness for live theater," that in turn became a windfall for Connecticut. "La Cage Aux Folles" played at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam in 2005. Photo by Diane Sobolewski. TOURISM, ARTS & CULTURE