Investigation Continues Into Destructive Shakespeare Theatre Fire

STRATFORD, CT — Officials are continuing to investigate the fire that destroyed the historic Shakespeare Theatre early Sunday morning in Stratford. Fire Marshal Brian Lampart said Monday afternoon that there has been no evidence found to support that the fire was arson, according to the Hartford Courant. However, he also cautioned that the investigation is still in the early stages.

Lampart also asked for patience from residents at a press conference Monday afternoon, saying it is a “complex fire” and that they will take their time with the investigation. (Watch the full press conference at the end of this story)

The building was insured and News 12 Connecticut reports State Representatives Joe Gresko and Phil Young recently applied for funding to renovate and improve the theater and day they will still push for funding to possibly help rebuild the theater from scratch.

The Mighty Quinn Foundation, the parent organization of the Shakespeare Academy at Stratford that runs a program on the property on Elm Street, launched a GoFundMe to raise money to build a new theater on the grounds.

“This theater was once the home of the likes of Katharine Hepburn, James Earl Jones, Christopher Walken, Ed Asner, and many others,” the organization wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Even former first lady Jackie Kennedy-Onassis attended performances at the theater. At one point, it was the premiere destination for Shakespeare in the country and led the way for so many theatrical institutions like it. It is the heart and soul of Stratford, and meant so much to so many of its citizens. We do not want this beautiful and magical place to be lost to time and forgotten, so we have resolved to bring this theater back from the ground up, like a phoenix from the ashes.”

The group is not looking to recreate an exact replica of the property, but wants to “use any money raised to go towards the development of a new theater that will pay homage to the original while revitalizing the arts in Stratford.”

The fire began at 1 a.m. on Sunday and was still smoldering until nearly 8 a.m. The Stratford Fire Department responded to several calls shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday of a fire at the location of the American Shakespeare Theater. Stratford Fire, Police and EMS crews responded to the scene and were aided by the Milford and Bridgeport Fire Departments. A large fire soon engulfed the entire building, and despite the quick actions of first responders, the building is a total loss.

Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick said the “loss of this iconic and historic theater that holds a special place in the hearts of Stratford residents is devastating.”

State Sen. Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) said the “tragic loss of our theater, an integral part of our community history, is devastating. Not only is this an enormous loss for Stratford, but also for our entire state. The Shakespeare Theatre was a cultural and artistic icon. Its history is something we must never forget.”

Read more at the Hartford Courant here and News 12 Connecticut here.

Visit the Build a New Shakespeare Theatre on GoFundMe here.

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