“Back to the Playhouse!”: Gala Celebrates the Westport Country Playhouse
Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 Leadership Award was presented to Barbara K. Streicker, second from left, by, L-R, Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director; Michael Barker, managing director; and Anna Czekaj-Farber, board of trustees chair. Photo contributed by Coppola Photography. Press ReleaseMulti-award-winning Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, perhaps best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical “Hamilton,” headlined Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 Gala, “Back to the Playhouse!,” on Saturday evening, September 17. The evening featured Goldsberry’s high-energy concert of Broadway, pop, and soul, backed by a seven-piece band, along with a pre-show cocktail party, live auction, and an after-party with a DJ and dancing—all while providing generous philanthropic support to the Playhouse.
Three-time Tony Award-nominated actor Robin de Jesús served as gala host. Barbara K. Streicker, former chair of the Playhouse board of trustees, received the Playhouse’s Leadership Award at the event.
Executive Committee included Tom Coppola, co-chair; Tracey Knight Narang, co-chair; Anna Czekaj-Farber, board chair; Mary Ellen Marpe, development chair; Carin Freidag, auction chair; Judy Phares, gala fundraising chair; Jessica Caldwell; Paige Couture; Marjorie Jacobson; Maggie Lehnerd-Reilly; Ellen Petrino; and Tricia Schwartz. Benefit committee includes Athena and Daniel Adamson; Alisyn Camerota and Tim Lewis; Diane DelVecchio; Terry Nardozzi; Barbara Streicker, honoree; Diana and Scott Metro; Amy and Carl Wistreich; MJ and Terry Hogan; Preetika and Ashok Narang; Jane and Rami Leshem; and Holly McCarthy.
Gala proceeds benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 92nd season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community.
For Westport Country Playhouse information, visit westportplayhouse.org. Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).
ABOUT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater of the highest caliber and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The not-for-profit Playhouse provides this experience in multiple ways by offering live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos; educational and community engagement events to further explore the work on stage; the New Works Initiative, a program dedicated to the discovery, development, and production of new live theatrical works; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings to deepen relationships with audiences and artists; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. Charity Navigator has recently awarded its top 4-star charity rating to the Playhouse in recognition of its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Serene Sunset Scene
Beachgoers enjoyed the quiet last moments of the evening as the sun went down over Saugatuck. WestportLocal.com photo
Harvest Moon Brings Warm Light to Compo Saturday Night
The full Harvest Moon brought light and warmth to the seasonable Saturday evening on Compo Beach. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com
Easton Farmer Plants Sunflower Field surrounding Elementary School in Honor of Ukraine
Longtime Easton farmer Irv Silverman, who owns Silverman’s Farm, gave Samuel Staples Elementary Schoolers a bright start to their school year this week - and the entire region something to smile about.
Four acres of sunflowers surround the front of the public school building after Silverman planted hundreds of pounds of seeds this past Spring, he told the Easton Courier. The sunflowers support the Ukrainian people during their continued war against Russia as a gentle reminder of kindness and strength for those who pass the fields or wander through them. Silverman has invited the public into the field to pick the flowers to enjoy them and spread the kindness they embody as their bloom season comes to an end.
A bit different than Westport schools’ green lawns, nearby Easton farmers using to this section of field at the elementary school is not unusual as they use the several acre plots for their crops. Silverman took on the rent this season in addition to his own 50 acre nearby farm & petting zoo for the purpose of helping and supporting others. Silverman has always been in the farming industry after his father Ben started their farm on Sport Hill Road in the 1920s. Irv has continued the tradition ever-since.
The sunflower fields are located at 515 Morehouse Road and are free and open to the public until their blooming season ends and the regional drought trudges on. Silverman’s Farms are located at 451 Sport Hill Road and will be open for apple picking, pumpkin picking, apple cider and pie purchases, and petting zoo visitors throughout the Autumn season.