Ridgefield Theater Barn to debut ‘Sybil’s Ride,’ a family play with puppets

The Ridgefield Theater Barn will present the world premiere of Sybil’s Ride, a visually rich family play with puppets that brings history to life through theatrical invention and emotional storytelling.

The production, a co-creation of the Ridgefield Theater Barn and Feisty Elephant Productions, runs Feb. 20 through March 1 and is designed for audiences ages 7 and up. Written by Annie Evans and directed by Pam Arciero, the 60-minute show blends extraordinary puppetry with a contemporary narrative that explores courage across generations.

Sybil’s Ride centers on the long-disputed story of Sybil Ludington, the 16-year-old who rode 40 miles through Putnam County on a stormy night in 1777 to rally Patriot troops during the American Revolution — nearly three times the distance of Paul Revere’s famous ride. Though her efforts helped mobilize forces that later pushed back British troops at the Battle of Ridgefield, her story was largely absent from historical accounts for more than a century.

The play frames Sybil’s journey through the eyes of Hope Harris, a modern-day teenager researching Ludington for a school project. As Hope faces skepticism from classmates and historians alike, she also navigates personal fears for her diabetic father’s safety while her mother is away. The parallel storylines build toward moments of heroism that are both historic and deeply personal.

The production marks a significant collaboration between Evans and master puppeteer Martin P. Robinson, partners in both art and life since meeting at the O’Neill Theatre Center’s National Puppetry Conference in 1992. The pair later worked together on Sesame Street, where Evans wrote extensively for characters portrayed by Robinson, including Telly, Snuffy and Slimey. Their previous theatrical collaborations include Pigeonholded and All Hallows Eve, produced in New York City in 2019.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top January events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our patrotic merch to celebrate America’s 250

Audiences will encounter a wide range of puppetry styles throughout the performance, including shadow puppets, toy theatre, tabletop figures, marionettes and illustrated rod puppets. Scenic highlights include Star the Horse, a rattan-and-elastic puppet staged on a ladder to create the illusion of galloping, and Sybil’s stormy ride rendered through thunder, lightning, music and kinetic shadow landscapes. All puppets and scenic elements are designed and built by Martin P. Robinson Productions.

The cast features Zuri Terrell as Hope Harris, Tyler Bunch as Daddy and Col. Henry Ludington, and Jennifer Roberts as Sybil, with Yanniv Frank, Ashleigh Maddox and Elizabeth Hara serving as principal puppeteers.

Performances run Fridays through Sundays from Feb. 20 to March 1 at the Ridgefield Theater Barn (37 Halpin Ln, Ridgefield, CT 06877). Special presentations include a pay-what-you-want matinee on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m., and a sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors, students and veterans. Seating is cabaret-style, with doors opening one hour before showtime. The production runs 60 minutes with no intermission.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Don’t miss

• Hartford Stage announces Peter Jacobson as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman
• Playhouse Theatre Academy opens registration for new Playcation Day programs
• David Lee Roth to bring 2026 North American Tour to Wallingford’s Toyota Oakdale Theatre

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

January events at Fairfield Theatre Company

1/16 – Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
1/18 – Railroad Earth
1/23 – FTC’s 90s Dace party
1/24 – Deconstructing the Beatles’ Rubber Soul
1/26 – FTC Theatre Education
1/27 – Lee Dewyze
1/28 – LFO
1/29 – Shakedown Citi
1/30 – Dylan Conner
1/31 – Rock & Roll Payhouse – Chappell Roan

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.

Click here for more information.

January events at PeoplesBank Arena

1/15 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1/16 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1/17 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1/18 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1./23 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
1/24 – Villanova vs UConn Mens Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
1/24 – Toronto Marlies vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
1/28 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
1/30 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods kicks off 2026 with a dynamic January entertainment lineup

ICYMI: Our top 5 most visited stories of the week

Ridgefield Theater Barn to debut ‘Sybil’s Ride,’ a family play with puppets