Friends are the family you get to choose. Thank you, SPHERE, for bringing our Ridgefield family together for laughter and song, and joy-filled tears.
Hundreds of locals ditched the Oscar night red carpet preview party to watch our own local stars perform at The Ridgefield Playhouse. While not part of the set of a feature film in Hollywood, last night, these stars earned Academy Awards in their own right.
SPHERE of Stars represented all that beautiful about life in Ridgefield, Connecticut. The beaming smiles on the faces of SPHERE members spoke words we couldn’t and the many local businesses and nonprofits who performed alongside SPHERE told a story about love and acceptance. There were no barriers. There was no judgment. The only thing on last night’s agenda was friendship and community.
SPHERE members continue to celebrate a solid and long term partnership with Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) students. Dance ensembles choreographed by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance Executive Director, Amy Piantaggini, Kathryn Malwitz, RCD board and faculty member, and several RCD dancers, won the hearts and admiration of the many attendees.
Thank you to each and every one of last night’s community collaborators including Joyride, Fit Club, Train 2 Excel, Bach to Rock, Ridgefield Chorale, Ridgefield High School Chamber Orchestra, RVNAhealth, Special Olympics Ridgefield, ACT of Connecticut, and Ridgefield Symphony for seamlessly working alongside SPHERE with such grace. From pumping iron in the gym, to cycling, Zumba, these local partners had audience members tapping their toes, singing, and rocking to the beat!
SPHERE of Stars pays tribute to Fairfield County Bank and Ridgefield Thrift Shop
Fairfield County Bank
The number? Cabaret’s Money of course! Isabella Eckardt, a senior at Ridgefield High School, created a dance recognizing Fairfield County Bank for their support over the years. The dancers, wearing accessories donated by Audrey Road, featured SPHERE members Tessa O’Connor, Jocelyn Steele, and Meleigha Wolff with representatives from Fairfield County Bank Dan Berta, Susan Bogursky, Marcie Coffin, Caitlin Granucci, and Stephen Wooters.
Ridgefield Thrift Shop
Volunteers from Ridgefield Thrift Shop, adorned in thrift apparel, performed a hip hop dance choreographed by Ridgefield High School senior Nell Walton, inspired by and set to Mackelmore’s Thrift Shop. Racks of Thrift Shop clothing provided the backdrop for this comedic and heartwarming performance!
Just BE YOU!
Ridgefield Playhouse Executive Director, Allison Stockel made her singing debut with The Great Showman’s This is Me. She performed alongside ACT of Connecticut’s Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, and Resident Music Director Bryan Perri and earned acclaim for her brave and awesome performance!
We are Family
Rounding out the unforgettable night, SPHERE of Stars performers took the stage, singing and dancing to We are Family by Sister Sledge.
We truly are family.
Thank you to all who made last night possible! A huge amount of gratitude to SPHERE’s Chairman of the Board, Lori Berisford, for her dedication to SPHERE members and for sharing SPHERE’s mission with our community. SPHERE’s programs clearly enrich ALL of our lives.