The Klein Memorial Auditorium, located at 910 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a historic 1,447-seat performing arts center that has served as a cultural cornerstone of the city since its opening in 1940. Known for its Art Deco architecture, diverse programming, and role as a community hub, the Klein is one of only seven Broadway-sized stages remaining in Connecticut. Built with funds bequeathed by Bridgeport native Jacob B. Klein, the auditorium has hosted legendary performers, civic events, and educational programs, including the tuition-free Klein Theatre Arts initiative.
The Klein Memorial Auditorium’s history is rooted in philanthropy,
civic pride, and Bridgeport’s legacy as a vibrant industrial city.
Origins and Founding (1932–1940): The auditorium was established
through a bequest from Jacob B. Klein (1862–1932), a prominent
Bridgeport lawyer and community leader. Klein’s will allocated funds to
create a cultural venue in memory of himself and his wife, Ray R. Klein.
The city purchased a site on Fairfield Avenue, and construction began in
the late 1930s under the oversight of the Klein Memorial trustees. The
auditorium opened on October 13, 1940, during Bridgeport’s industrial
peak, when the city was a manufacturing hub known as the “Arsenal of
Democracy.”
Early Years (1940s–1960s): The Klein quickly became a
premier venue, hosting a wide range of performances and speakers.
Notable figures included Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Fiedler, Eleanor
Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr. (who spoke in 1961 as part of the
University of Bridgeport’s Frank Jacoby lecture series), Paul Robeson,
Milton Berle, Victor Borge, and Bill Cosby. The Greater Bridgeport
Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1945, made the Klein its home, a
relationship that continues today. The auditorium also served as a venue
for local dance recitals, graduations, and union meetings, reflecting
its community focus.
Mid-20th Century (1970s–1990s): As Bridgeport
faced deindustrialization and economic decline, the Klein remained a
cultural anchor but struggled with underuse. By 2010, it operated as a
rental house, hosting events only 65 days per year. Performances during
this period included comedians like George Carlin and musicians like
B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Herbie Hancock, maintaining its reputation
despite reduced activity.
Revitalization (2013–Present): In 2013, the
Klein launched its first fundraising event and introduced the Klein
Theatre Arts (KTA) program, a tuition-free after-school arts initiative
for Bridgeport students. This marked a turning point, increasing the
venue’s community engagement and programming. The Fairfield Theatre
Company assumed management, enhancing operations and attracting diverse
acts like Wynton Marsalis, Vienna Boys Choir, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and
Paul Shaffer, who hosted the Klein’s 75th anniversary concert in 2015.
The auditorium’s role as a hub for resident companies and civic events
solidified its modern identity.
The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a striking example of Art Deco
architecture, designed to evoke elegance and functionality.
Location: Situated in Bridgeport’s West End, at 910 Fairfield Avenue,
the Klein is easily accessible via I-95 (Exit 27C) and Route 8. It is a
10-minute drive from the Bridgeport Metro-North/Amtrak station and near
cultural landmarks like the Barnum Museum and Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
A well-lit parking lot on Iranistan Avenue, across from the venue,
charges $5 for most events, with handicap parking and wheelchair access
on the left side of the building.
Design and Construction:
Architect: Leonard Asheim, a local Bridgeport architect, designed the
auditorium in the Art Deco style, characterized by bold geometric
patterns and luxurious materials. Completed in 1940, the building
reflects the era’s optimism and civic ambition.
Exterior: The facade
features red sandstone with bronze doors, adorned with geometric motifs
that echo the Art Deco aesthetic. The structure’s clean lines and
symmetrical design create a stately presence on Fairfield Avenue.
Interior:
Lobby: A marble lobby with inlaid wood and Art Deco
detailing welcomes guests, setting a sophisticated tone.
Auditorium:
The 1,447-seat proscenium theatre (sometimes cited as 1,400 seats) is
designed for optimal sightlines and acoustics. The main floor and
balcony seating allow flexible viewing options, with the balcony
offering a unique perspective of the stage’s depth, as noted by
reviewers. The stage, one of seven Broadway-sized stages in Connecticut,
supports large-scale productions.
Mezzanine Gallery: A small
exhibition space showcases local art and historical displays, enhancing
the venue’s cultural role.
Accessibility: The venue is ADA-compliant,
with wheelchair-accessible seating and parking. However, some reviews
mention challenges, such as a lack of clear signage for handicap
entrances.
Condition: While praised as a “gem” for its historical
charm, some TripAdvisor reviews describe the interior as “blah” compared
to other regional theatres and note occasional sound issues (e.g.,
“muddy” acoustics). The facility is generally well-maintained, with
ongoing efforts to address wear from its 85-year history.
The Klein Memorial Auditorium offers a diverse array of performances,
educational programs, and civic events, catering to Bridgeport’s
multicultural community and regional audiences.
Concerts and
Performances:
Historical Acts: The Klein has hosted luminaries like
Alice Cooper, Boz Scaggs, Ziggy Marley, Boyz II Men, the B-52s, and
Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble. Civic
performances, such as the Parris Island Marine Band and Vienna Boys
Choir, highlight its versatility.
Recent and Upcoming Shows:
A
Chorus Line (March 13–16, 2025): Presented by the Norwalk Conservatory
of the Arts, showcasing regional talent.
Past events include Loretta
Swit in a one-woman show about Eleanor Roosevelt (2016), Capitol Steps
(satirical comedy), and Whoopi Goldberg as a guest for the ADL’s Voices
fundraiser.
Resident Companies:
Greater Bridgeport Symphony
Orchestra: A 60-year resident, performing classical and contemporary
works.
Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras: Nurturing young
musicians through performances and education.
Fairfield County
Children’s Choir: Offering choral performances for youth.
ConnectUs:
A youth development organization focused on arts and leadership.
New
England Ballet Company and Gateway Classical Music Society (opera):
Presenting dance and operatic performances.
Civic and Community
Events:
Graduations: The Klein hosts ceremonies for local high
schools and colleges, including Housatonic Community College.
Dance
Recitals: Over a dozen dance companies perform annually, showcasing
ballet, modern, and cultural dance.
Civic Ceremonies: Events like the
iiConn naturalization ceremony and political debates reflect the venue’s
role as a community gathering space.
Union Meetings: The auditorium
has long served labor organizations, a nod to Bridgeport’s industrial
heritage.
Klein Theatre Arts (KTA):
Launched in 2013, KTA is
Bridgeport’s only tuition-free after-school arts program for middle and
high school students (grades 6–12). Taught by Broadway professionals and
IATSE union stagehands, it offers instruction in:
Acting and public
speaking
Dance
Singing
Video production and editing
Technical production (stage lighting, audio, set construction)
Students completing the program can apply for paid internships, working
alongside union stagehands at major Klein events. KTA is a cornerstone
of the Klein’s mission to “enrich, educate, and entertain through arts
and ideas.”
Special Events:
The Klein’s 75th Anniversary
Concert (2015), hosted by Paul Shaffer, celebrated its history with
performances by resident companies.
Annual fundraisers, like the
ADL’s Voices event, support the venue’s operations and community
programs.
The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a cultural and civic heart of
Bridgeport, serving its diverse population (38% Hispanic, 35% Black, 20%
White, per 2020 Census) and fostering regional arts.
Tourism and
Economic Impact:
The Klein attracts audiences from Fairfield County
and beyond, boosting local businesses like Barnum Publick House (0.2
miles away) and other Downtown restaurants. Its proximity to cultural
venues like the Housatonic Museum of Art and Downtown Cabaret Theatre
enhances Bridgeport’s arts ecosystem.
As a rental venue for concerts,
graduations, and corporate events, the Klein generates revenue for the
city and supports its non-profit operations as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Community Engagement:
KTA Program: By offering free arts
education to Bridgeport students, the Klein addresses educational
disparities in a district with a 75% graduation rate. The program
empowers youth, particularly from underserved communities, with skills
and career opportunities in the arts.
Diverse Programming: Shows like
Gilberto Santa Rosa (salsa) and In the Heights (at nearby DCT) reflect
Bridgeport’s multicultural identity, while resident companies like the
Fairfield County Children’s Choir engage young artists.
Civic Role:
The Klein’s hosting of naturalization ceremonies, political debates, and
community events underscores its status as a public space for civic
discourse and celebration.
Recognition:
Described as a “hidden
gem” in reviews, the Klein is praised for its historical significance
and intimate setting, though some critique its acoustics and dated
appearance.
The venue’s management by the Fairfield Theatre Company
has been lauded for revitalizing its programming and community focus.
The Klein faces challenges typical of historic venues in a city with
economic constraints.
Funding:
Bridgeport’s 22% poverty rate
and limited tax base restrict city funding. As a non-profit, the Klein
relies on ticket sales, rentals, grants, and donations, which are
tax-deductible. The KTA program and facility maintenance require ongoing
fundraising.
The transition from a sparsely used rental house (65
days/year in 2010) to a vibrant hub required significant investment,
which remains a work in progress.
Maintenance and Upgrades:
The 85-year-old building shows signs of wear, with some reviewers noting
“muddy” sound quality and a “blah” interior compared to other historic
theatres. Upgrades to lighting, sound, and seating are needed to compete
with modern venues like the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater.
Accessibility issues, such as unclear handicap entrance signage, have
been reported, though the venue is ADA-compliant.
Competition:
The Klein competes with larger regional venues (e.g., New Haven’s
Shubert Theatre) and nearby attractions like the Webster Bank Arena. Its
niche as a mid-sized, historic theatre helps, but attracting top-tier
acts requires investment.
Post-COVID Recovery:
The COVID-19
pandemic disrupted operations, but the Klein’s return to full
programming by 2021 demonstrates resilience. Rebuilding audiences and
securing funding remain priorities.
As of May 23, 2025, the Klein Memorial Auditorium is a thriving
cultural hub, balancing its historic legacy with modern community
engagement.
Recent Achievements:
The KTA program’s expansion,
offering paid internships and professional mentorship, has empowered
Bridgeport youth, with graduates pursuing arts careers.
Diverse
2024–2025 programming, including A Chorus Line and resident company
performances, reinforces the Klein’s role as a regional arts leader.
Partnerships with organizations like the Norwalk Conservatory of the
Arts and ADL enhance its visibility and impact.
Economic and
Cultural Impact:
The Klein supports Bridgeport’s Downtown
revitalization, complementing projects like Steelpointe Harbor and
cultural venues like the Housatonic Museum of Art. Its events drive foot
traffic to local businesses, boosting the economy.
By nurturing
resident companies and youth programs, the Klein fosters a creative
ecosystem, vital for a city with economic challenges.
Community
Engagement:
The tuition-free KTA program is a model for accessible
arts education, serving Bridgeport’s diverse, underserved students.
Civic events, from graduations to naturalization ceremonies, reinforce
the Klein’s role as a community gathering space.
Future Plans:
Upgrade acoustics and seating to address reviewer concerns, potentially
through fundraising campaigns or state grants.
Expand digital
engagement, such as live-streaming performances or virtual KTA
workshops, to reach broader audiences.
Increase programming
diversity, with more Latinx, African American, and youth-focused shows
to reflect Bridgeport’s demographics.
Enhance sustainability,
potentially adopting waste reduction practices (e.g., eliminating
single-use plastics), though no public strategy has been reported.