Playhouse On Park Announces Biggest Fundraiser of the Year: Encore! On Tap

Published On: June 2, 2026Categories: Arts, Entertainment, Happenings, Lifestyle
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Previous Playhouse on Park Encore event. Courtesy photo

Encore! On Tap will be held on Saturday, June 13, at New Park Brewing in West Hartford.

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Playhouse on Park is gearing up for the hottest fundraiser of the year – Encore! On Tap – which will take place June 13, 2026 from 6 p.m. until midnight at New Park Brewing in West Hartford, CT.

Guests are invited to meet in the (beer) garden to celebrate all things Playhouse, including what’s up next and what’s in store for the future, all while raising money to support the organization’s mission of bringing professional theatre to the stage and transformative arts education to children, youth, and schools through Playhouse Theatre Academy. The evening includes: two hours of open bar and hors d’oeuvres, dinner by DORO Catering & Events, silent and live auctions, dancing, late night snacks, and world-class performances that define Playhouse on Park!

Tickets for ENCORE! On Tap are available online. Benefactor tickets include access to a VIP reception beginning at 5 p.m. in the Barrel Room at New Park Brewing.

This year’s event is a true collaboration between West Hartford organizations, hosted at New Park Brewing and featuring catering by DORO Catering & Events —local businesses supporting the arts together. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, exceptional local food and beverages, networking opportunities, and exciting auction experiences — all while celebrating and investing in the West Hartford community.

Encore! On Tap will be hosted by Olivia Fenton. Playhouse on Park audiences may recognize her as Leanne from The Pin-Up Girls, or from singing jazz with the Shubert Alley Cats. As an actor, she has performed at Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Connecticut Repertory Theater, Ivoryton Playhouse, The REV, Music Theatre of Connecticut, and The Monomoy Theatre. As a singer-songwriter, she recently released her debut single, “Finding My Way,” available on all streaming platforms. For more music and updates, feel free to visit www.olivia-fenton.com.

Putting a unique spin on the event’s “On Tap” theme, guests will enjoy performances by acclaimed tap dancer Corey Hutchins, whose credits include an eight-year run with Riverdance: The Show, appearances at the New York City Tap Festival, and a special performance for First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House.

Along with Hutchins, Rosemarie Beskind, Mallory Cunningham, Rick Fountain, Collins Marco, Robert Mintz, and Michelle Wirkus – a group of accomplished performers, educators, choreographers, and longtime members of the Playhouse on Park artistic community – will take the stage.

Guests will also enjoy vocal performances throughout the evening by Lily Bucko, Sophia Cantin, Kenneth Galm, Jasmen Hunter,  and Rebecca Donaghy.

Encore! On Tap attendees will also be treated to an exclusive preview of Playhouse on Park’s upcoming summer musical The Wild Party, featuring cast members Maddi Bowman, recently seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Asolo Repertory Theatre, and Juli Solecki, whose Playhouse credits include Singin’ in the Rain, Bandstand, Pippin, and The Prom.

Closing out the evening, guests will dance until midnight to the music of Latanya Farrell and her band. Farrell has emerged as a dynamic bandleader known for engaging audiences with her bright smile, impeccable style, and infectious energy. She performs to packed houses throughout New England, bringing a repertoire that ranges from soulful classics and contemporary hits to her own inspiring original music.

Latanya Farrell performs at previous Encore! event. Courtesy photo

In addition to world-class performances, the evening includes: two hours of open bar & hors d’oeuvres, dinner by DORO Catering & Events, silent & live auctions, dancing, and late night snacks!

The online auction opens on June 6.

Complete details about the event, including menus and a list of performers, can be found online here.

For more information on sponsorships, advertisements, and the Silent Auction, contact Emma Cook, Development Manager, at ECook@playhousetheatregroup.org or call 860-523-5900 x15. To purchase tickets, click here.

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