Jonathan Groff Headlines Westport Country Playhouse Gala
Westport, CT -- “Hamilton” Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Jonathan Groff headlined Westport Country Playhouse’s 2017 Gala on Saturday evening, September 9.
Groff ascended to Broadway royalty with his Tony Award-nominated and Grammy Award-winning performance as King George III in “Hamilton.” He is also known for roles in the film “Frozen,“ television’s “Glee,” and his Tony-nominated role in “Spring Awakening.”
Groff last appeared at Westport Country Playhouse in a Script in Hand playreading of “Butterflies Are Free” with Blythe Danner in 2010.
The Gala’s theme “Moonlight Over Venice” evoked the romance and glamor of Italy on the canals. The evening included a cocktail party, followed by a presentation of the Playhouse Leadership Award to Ann Sheffer, a performance by Jonathan Groff, and dinner. A silent auction was on-going throughout the evening.
The 2017 Gala Committee co-chairs are Ania Czekaj-Farber and Athena Adamson. Committee members include Barbara Streicker (Board of Trustees chair), Mary Ellen Marpe (Development Committee chair), Karen Parrella (auction chair), Molly Alger, Vani Birnbaum, Deborah Bono, Paige Couture, Diane DelVecchio, Katia Friend, Patricia Goodrich, Kristen Haines, Marjorie Jacobson, Anne Keefe, Darlene F. Krenz, Maggie Lehnerd-Reilly, Elizabeth Marks, Maria Mendoza-Smith, Terry Nardozzi, Judy Phares, Dana Rutson Robinson, Tricia Schwartz, Carol W. Seldin, Leslie Stetter, Diana Sussman, Nancy Tillson, Marietta B. White, Donovan Wildgoose, and Mindy Wolkstein.Gala proceeds will benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 87th season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community. Westport Country Playhouse is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and contributions are tax-deductible.
For more Gala information, contact Aline O’Connor, associate director of development, at 203-571-1138, or aoconnor@westportplayhouse.org.
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 worth talking about and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The Playhouse creates this relationship with the community and provides this experience in multiple ways by offering: Live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos, from May to November; educational and community engagement events and opportunities to further explore issues presented by the work on stage; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand playreadings throughout the year to deepen relationships with audiences and artists alike; the renowned Woodward Internship Program training program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations from December through May 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. The value of the Westport Country Playhouse to all it touches is immeasurable.
Included in the Playhouse’s 87th season is “Sex with Strangers,” an up-to-date take on love in the digital age, playing September 26 - October 14, written by Laura Eason and directed by Katherine M. Carter. “Romeo and Juliet,” October 31 – November 19, written by William Shakespeare and directed by Mark Lamos, is the tale of two star-crossed teenagers, who fight to love each other in a violent world. All play titles, artists, and dates are subject to change.
5 Photos Attached:
- Ann Sheffer (right) of Westport receives the 2017 Westport Country Playhouse Leadership Award from Barbara K. Streicker, chair of the Playhouse board of trustees, at the historic theater’s 2017 Gala.
- Headliner Jonathan Groff sings songs from his roles in “Hamilton,” “Spring Awakening,” “Glee,” and more.
- Jonathan Groff serenades a young patron from the audience.
- Jonathan Groff congratulates Ann Sheffer on receiving the 2017 Playhouse Leadership Award.
- From left, Mark Lamos, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director; Jonathan Groff; Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist; and Michael Barker, Playhouse managing director.
Photos by Steve Walter Photo