Jamil A.C. Mangan and Victoria Mooney will host, and Latanya Farrell and a cast of many others will perform at Playhouse Theatre Group’s annual fundraiser, ‘Encore!’ at the Hartford Club on May 18.

Courtesy image

By Ronni Newton

When West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park hosts a gala, it’s far from your standard cocktail party followed by chicken dinner and dancing to a DJ – and while “Encore” will include the requisite live and silent auctions, drinks, domes. and music, expect every aspect of “Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” to be an escape to the mid-century modern world.

While last year’s “Razzle Dazzle” event had a Roaring 20s theme, appropriately held at the opulent Society Room, this year’s theme hearkens to the style of “Mad Men” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and will be held at the Hartford Club, with a menu that includes deviled eggs, French onion dip, oysters Rockefeller, wedge salad, and surf and turf, as well as entertainment reminiscent of the late 50s and early 60s. And because it’s being put on by those who are actively involved with or appreciative of theater, expect most attendees to embrace the recommended period attire.

Playhouse on Park “Encore! Razzle Dazzle” at The Society Room. May 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

“Encore really is one of the hottest FUNdraisers of the season offering plenty of food, performances, dancing, and fun – not stuffy,” said Tracy Flater, co-founder and executive director of Playhouse on Park.

“More importantly, it’s really needed. All professional theatres are finding it hard to make ends meet in this post-pandemic climate. Audiences have not returned to pre-pandemic capacity, expenses have increased, and emergency relief funding is gone. This event should raise over $150,000 to support Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. We hope anyone who can, will join us!” Flater added.

All proceeds will help keep professional live theatre on the Playhouse on Park stage in West Hartford, and will also support theater arts programs for children, youth, and schools through Playhouse Theatre Academy for years to come.

The event will include world class entertainment, and the opportunity to raise a glass in celebration of Playhouse on Park’s 15th Anniversary “and go retro in a different way by reflecting over the past 15 seasons at the Playhouse.”

The evening will be hosted by award-winning actor Jamil A.C. Mangan (who most recently appeared as Troy Maxson in “Fences” at Playhouse on Park) and the Playhouse’s own Victoria (Tori) Mooney, who will be hosting her third Encore and has been part of many productions at Playhouse on Park in addition to serving as front of house manager.

There will be dancing until midnight to the music of Latanya Farrell – dubbed the “Queen of Summer Concerts” by the Hartford Courant in 2013 and a multi-talented gifted singer, songwriter, and performer with genuine passion, energy, and a love for music and life.

Latanya Farrell. Courtesy photo

In addition to Farrell, other featured performers include Susan Haefner, Olivia Ciaffaglione, Hillary Ekwall, Olivia Fenton, Amanda Forker, Kenneth Galm, Chelsea Pollard, Julia Solecki, Alan Mendez, and Emily Siero, as well as featured dancers Lisa Caffyn, Erica Misenti, Spencer Pond, Kristen Schoen-René, Mallory Cunningham, and Michelle Wirkus. All have extensive credits, and many have been seen on stage at Playhouse on Park multiple times over the years.

Encore will be held at the Hartford Club, 46 Prospect Street, Hartford, on Saturday, May 18, from 6 p.m. until midnight. To purchase tickets, and for attire inspiration, click here.

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