Hepburn’s stamp put on Connecticut theater

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 12,753-square-foot building features striking original crown moldings, 12-foot-tall Palladian windows, and sky-blue coffered ceilings. A new lobby, spiffy rest rooms, and 250 theater sets — in red, Hepburn’s favorite color — completed the project, which attracts tourists and theater lovers to town, while paying homage to this community’s most famous citizen, who lived in the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook for most of her 96 years.

Built as a theater and arts venue, the Kate has hosted more than 100 shows to date, including concerts, movies, children’s shows, comedy acts, simulcasts from the Metropolitan Opera, and a lecture series from the 92d Street Y in New York.

“We’re like a baby colt learning to run — everything is brand new,’’ said Chuck Still, the executive director. “We’re in the process of building our audience, and discovering what they want to see.’’ So far, the Met simulcasts sell out, as do any bands from the 1970s and 1980s, like Pure Prairie League and Poco. “We’re keeping ticket prices low, so we can be accessible to everybody,’’ he said, adding that prices typically range from $15 to $75, with some performances free.

There is also a small free museum of Hepburn memorabilia adjacent to the main lobby, which is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on performance days one hour before showtime.

The collection includes costumes from two films she made with costar and longtime paramour Spencer Tracy, “Adam’s Rib’’ and “Desk Set.’’ There are also a half dozen of her awards, including her Emmy for “Love Among the Ruins,’’ and a number of programs and photographs from performances in Connecticut. Hanging on the walls are self-portraits and a striking portrait of her done by Everett Raymond Kinstler, whose paintings of Presidents Ford and Reagan hang in the White House.

“For us, the Kate is more about her as a citizen of our town than her as an international star,’’ said Elaine Staplins, a local historian who spearheaded the original building committee and serves on the theater’s board. “We’re very proud that she called Old Saybrook home.’’

Beth D’Addono can be reached at bethdaddono@comcast.net.