The Ridgefield Playhouse Welcomes New Member to Board of Directors
Three executives join The Ridgefield Playhouse Board of Directors
The Ridgefield Playhouse has announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Katie Diamond, a singer, actor, writer, and producer who has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past fifteen years; Eric Freidenrich, new owner, with his wife Amy, of Ross’ Bread & Artisan Bakery in Ridgefield, having purchased the artisanal bakery from Valerie and Ross Schneiderman last month; and Peggy MacMannis, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, LifeCare, Inc.
Katie Diamond’s Broadway and tour performing credits include Lorraine in Jersey Boys, The Pirate Queen (understudy for Stephanie J. Block), White Christmas and The Wedding Banquet. Katie has released two solo albums (Original Passion and Down by the Riverside), and can be heard on The Pirate Queen original cast recording. Katie’s producing/directing credits include Razzletown (written, produced, and performed by Katie in Seattle, WA) and Judy and Liza (written, produced, and performed by Katie in Seattle, WA). Katie lives in Ridgefield with her husband, Bill Diamond, and three children.
When asked why she wanted to become involved withThe Ridgefield Playhouse as a Board member, Katie said, “Under the leadership of Allison and Scott, the Playhouse has grown to include many different genres, which is really exciting. I am a true believer in bringing the arts to our community, so being involved with the Playhouse as a Board member is right up my alley! With over 160 performances a year, including live theatre for kids, top-notch singers, MET Opera broadcasts, jazz nights and films, The Ridgefield Playhouse can't help but be the ‘cultural center’ of Ridgefield!”
Turning to the culinary arts, Eric Freidenrich and his wife Amy recently purchased the very popular Ross’ Bread Artisan Bakery and Café in Ridgefield. Mr. Freidenrich commented, “From my first visit to The Ridgefield Playhouse, I have continually been amazed with the marquee talent the Playhouse brings to our ‘small town’. I am a strong believer in the Playhouse’s ability to speak to everyone in our community through music, comedy, discussion, education and film. This would not be possible without the impressive leadership organization that the Ridgefield Playhouse has built. I am thrilled to join the Ridgefield Playhouse board to continue this important work to ensure that the Playhouse remains firmly centered as the entertainment and enrichment capital of Ridgefield.”
For the past nine years, Peggy MacMannis has been responsible for leading Lifecare Inc.’s human resources organization in its strategies and initiatives that support and integrate with the company’s overall business plan and goals. When asked about her new affiliation with the Playhouse, Peggy said, “As a resident of Ridgefield for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand the value that the Playhouse has brought to the town. I hope to use my professional human resource expertise to assist the Playhouse as it continues to grow. I am truly honored and excited to be a part of the Board. The Playhouse provides entertainment from all genres that appeal to all generations.”
The Ridgefield Playhouse is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to serve the Ridgefield community and neighboring environs by fostering an appreciation for the arts through enrichment and entertainment programs including movies, musical performances, theater and other performing art forms at a price and with a content accessible to a broad cross-section of the public. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; box office 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org.