About EHSCO
Since 2002, East Haddam Stage Company (EHSCO) has been a non-musical forum for established, and new works, from across the country as well as CT playwrights and poets.
EHSCO is a non-union, professional company using diverse, CT based creative staff and talent. Productions are mounted in venues throughout New England and beyond. Our goal is to offer the public an intriguing, thoughtful, and provocative theatrical experience
Past productions include A.R. Gurney’s ‘Love Letters’, ‘Pictures at an American Exhibition’ by Rick Balian; several iterations of ‘Plays and Poetry’ a fusion of national 10-minute plays with works by CT poets; and Producing Artistic Director Kandie Carle wrote and directed a one-woman drama ‘They Called Me Lizzy…from Slavery to the White House’, featuring African American actress Stephanie Jackson. The drama was based on the life of Elizabeth Keckly, Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker and confidante. Ms Carle also wrote and directed original bio-plays on CT native William Gillette: ‘Sherlock Holmes, From Page to Stage’, ‘William Gillette: Senator’s Son to Super Sleuth’, and the one-man drama ‘Osaki-san, William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet’, based on the life of Japanese emigre Yukitaka Osaki. He was an invaluable valet, friend and confidante to William Gillette. His brother, Yukio Ozaki (as Mayor of Tokyo) gave Washington D.C. the famous cherry trees. The show was launched at Gillette Castle State Park, and toured, with Japanese actor Taku Hirai.
Having first performed a 6 week, weekend only, summer season at Gillette Castle State Park in 2009, presenting William Gillette’s comedy All the Comforts of Home, the company is now in it’s 16th year on site. In 2018 the East Haddam Stage Company was named the Resident Theatre Company at Gillette Castle State Park, and was awarded a CT Congressional Citation in honor of producing free theatre for the public at the park. We have had great adventures, from dirt and grass in the early days, to the fabulous outdoor platform stage and raked seating we now enjoy.
Focusing on CT talent, EHSCO has produced ‘Flights of Fancy’ by CT playwright Suzanne Wingrove, in Deep River; Gillette’s comedies ‘All the Comforts of Home’, ‘The Professor’, as well as his 1930s radio murder mysteries ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Speckled Band’ and ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’ at the park and on tour.
Producing Artistic Director, Kandie Carle, was awarded the Woman’s Leadership in Theater award from the League of Professional Theater Women, CT Chapter in March of 2025.
In October of 2024 EHSCO and The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park partnered to present Gina Tracy’s William and James…a Ghost Story, inside William Gillette’s home, an historic first! We look forward to creating more theatre inside the castle in 2026. The home of a Victorian celebrity, playwright and actor. Perfect Fit!
EHSCO is also at the helm of an audience immersive, site specific production of A Christmas Carol at the Wadsworth Mansion, in Middletown CT. www.wadsworthmansion.com.
EHSCO will also create a different version of A Christmas Carol at the Russell Library, also in Middletown CT for the 2025 holiday season. Checkout our calendar page on our website for details on all upcoming event
Our motto has always been, ‘Minimal Set…Maximum Connection’. We welcome one and all to experience just that!
