SHU Community Theatre Set To Reopen In Downtown Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Finally putting the bulk of pandemic restrictions behind it, the new and revitalized Sacred Heart University Community Theatre is set to reopen its doors this Friday.

“I’m really happy—and exhausted—because it’s been such a long journey,” said William Harris, theatre director and adjunct professor at SHU, who helped oversee an extensive renovation following the venue’s extended closure.

He said, however, the excitement of being back online has been palpable, as demonstrated by several preview events this spring.

“There was real joy and it reminded me of how much this theatre means to the community,” he said, “and how much more it will mean with our broad portfolio of programs and events.”

Friday’s first film screening at 3 p.m. is a secret one, but the movie is an encore of what was the last film to be shown there in 2008, when the doors to the then-Community Theatre were last shut.

“What’s the film? … You’ll have to come to find out,” the website says. “But if you like action, adventure and superheroes, you’ll love this.”

A 35-millimeter print of the secret film is still sitting on the enormous platter in the old projector booth upstairs.

Best of all for film enthusiasts, Harris said snippets of that original print will be given out to visitors as a keepsake before the screening starts.

“After this long, near-impossible year for all of us … I believe the opening of the theatre is just what we need,” Harris said.

A screening of “Wonder Woman 1984” will later play at 6 p.m., and the film “Tenet” is scheduled for 9 p.m.

Another weekend highlight includes two screenings of “2001: A Space Odyssey” on Sunday as the kickoff to the theatre’s “Century of Cinema” series.

A special recorded introduction from star Keir Dullea, a longtime Fairfield resident, will also be shown.

Saturday’s highlights will include a comedy club event, comedy shorts from the Fairfield Film Festival, and a “Masterclass Q&A” on the film “Shrek.”

Along with screening some war-themed classics on Monday, there will be a performance by the Survivors Swing band, featuring some classic Swing Era sounds.

“It’s been closed a long time,” Harris said of the theatre. “Everyone held out hope that somehow it would return.”

“And it has.”

This weekend’s schedule is as follows, but for more information visit here.

Friday, May 28:

3 p.m. – Last Film? … First Film Screening

6 p.m. – “Wonder Woman 1984”

9 p.m. – “Tenet”

Saturday, May 29:

3 p.m. – “Shrek”

6 p.m. – Fairfield Film Festival Comedy Shorts

7 p.m. – Comedy Club with Michael Ian Black

Sunday, May 30:

3 p.m. – “2001: A Space Odyssey”

6 p.m. – “2001: A Space Odyssey”

Monday, May 31:

11 a.m. – “Best Years of Our Lives”

3 p.m. – Survivors Swing Band

4 p.m. – “Good Morning Vietnam”

7 p.m. – “Thank You for Your Service”