West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park held their annual fundraising gala at The Hartford Club.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park’s annual fundraising gala – “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” – lived up to every part of its name, with attire, music, food, and drink true to mid-century modern theme.
Nearly 250 guests, most dressed in late-50s/early-60s attire, sipped cosmos and noshed on deviled eggs during cocktail hour, while Latanya Farrell and her band entertained with music from that same era. Dinner, which included a lettuce wedge and surf and turf, also took a cue from mid-century banquet menus.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The amount of money raised through live and silent auctions and a paddle raise, however, was straight out of the modern era – and netted just shy of $200,000, organizers said.
“It was an incredible evening filled with so much love and support for the Playhouse,” said Playhouse on Park Executive Director Tracy Flater. “I am grateful to each and every person and business who helped make Encore possible: sponsors, underwriters, auction donors, attendees, those who participated in the online/live auction and paddle raise, volunteers, board members and our staff. It really does takes a village the Playhouse community knocked it out of the park. All while having so much fun,” she said.
Live entertainment also punctuated the cocktail hour and dinner, with a comedy act as well as several musical performances.
Tony Falcetti (center) was presented with the POP Star award. Also pictured are Darlene Zoller (left) and Sean Harris. Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tony Falcetti, owner of Falcetti Music was named the Playhouse on Park’s “POP Star” for 2024 in recognition of his tireless assistance and other contributions to the organization.
“This type of fundraising event is critical to in ensuring we meet our fundraising goal, which is close to $1 million this year alone,” Flater said. She said that this year, more than ever, the Playhouse has had to rely on the annual fundraiser since the post-pandemic climate has not been kind to regional theatres with costs increasing and earned revenue decreasing.
While the event was a success, the organization continues to fundraise to bridge the gap in the budget and rebuild reserves. “And as mentioned, our gap just increased as a result of the news from the state that they are withdrawing previously allocated funds from theaters across the state,” Flater added.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Those who missed the event but are interested in supporting Playhouse on Park can still contribute in support of ENCORE! Tax-deductible donations may be made online at www.PlayhouseOnPark.org, over the phone at 860-523-5900 x10, or by mail to Playhouse on Park at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
In a news release, Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. expressed thanks to everyone who helped make the event such a success! “Thank you to the incredible sponsors, underwriters, advertisers, attendees, volunteers, monetary donors, auction donors and those who shopped/won auction items. So many individuals and businesses supported Encore! We are overwhelmed with gratitude,” the release stated. Sponsors included Richard & Lea Rubenstein (Presenting Sponsor), Hoffman Auto Group, JCJ Architecture, PeoplesBank, Power Station Events, Eversource Energy, and CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (1st Commercial Break), Gail & David Mangs (2nd Commercial Break), Trinity College, ARI Accounting & Human Resources, Patrick & Carol McCabe, and Morgan Stanley (Closing Credits). Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. would also like to thank the following Underwriters: Busy Bee’s Virtual Assistance and Management, LLC (Photo Booth), Gaetano & Jayne Albani (Cocktails), Ruth and Ron Van Winkle (Dinner), Gene & Peter Evans (Desserts), and HAS Insurance (Young Professional Tickets). Media sponsor was We-Ha.com.
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Playhouse on Park “Encore! Madly Marvelous: A Retro Bash” at The Hartford Club. May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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