West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park held their annual fundraising gala at The Society Room on Saturday night.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
When you tell a group of people associated with or supportive of a theater organization that there is a suggested dress for an event, don’t expect a lame Halloween-costume approach to the theme.
Indeed nearly every one of the 200 guests at Playhouse on Park’s “Encore! Razzle Dazzle,” held Saturday night at The Society Room of Hartford was decked out head-to-toe in “Art Deco Chic” attire reminiscent of what you might find at an extravagant Great Gatsby-era party. Bobbed hair, sparkly drop-waist dresses accessorized with pearls, bowler hats, bow ties and pocket squares, and saddle shoes were just some of the styles party-goers chose for their evening attire.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The natural opulence of The Society Room – approached via a red carpet from Pratt Street in Hartford – was the perfect complement to complete the theme. The former headquarters of the Society for Savings features grand marble columns, a dramatic sweeping staircase leading to a second floor balcony more than 3o feet above the main room, an exquisite mural own the ceiling, and the even the former bank vault that served as an innovative space for photos.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Several performances served as a tribute to the work of John Kander. Playhouse fan-favorites Thao Nguyen and Victoria (Tori) Mooney served as emcees, and many other veterans of the Playhouse on Park stage also performed for guests. The evening was capped off by dancing to the music of Latanya Farrell and her band.
Results of the fundraising from the live and silent auctions as well as a paddle raise had not yet been tabulated as of Sunday, but it appeared to be a great success.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: John Lyons
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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