About the Event

We proudly invite you to be part of one of this spring’s hottest events being held at one of the oldest and most respected social clubs in Hartford.

All proceeds from this unforgettable evening will help keep professional live theatre on the Playhouse on Park stage and bring excellent theatre arts programs to children, youth, and schools through Playhouse Theatre Academy for years to come. This year, we are going retro (think Mad Men & The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) which will be fully realized through all aspects of the event. We hope you will join us as a Sponsor or Advertiser for this unforgettable evening of fine dining, dancing, live and silent auctions, and the world class entertainment that only Playhouse on Park can produce. We will also raise a glass in celebration of our 15th Anniversary and go retro in a different way by reflecting over the past fifteen seasons here at the Playhouse.

Evening includes dinner, drinks, live/silent auctions, dancing, live performances, and more!


 

TICKETS/TABLES
Patron Tickets: $250 | Patron Table (8): $2000 | Benefactor Tickets: $350 | Benefactor Table (8): $2800 | Young Professional Tickets (35 and younger): $150

Thank you for your support.  We can’t wait to see you on May 18th!

Tracy Flater, Executive Director ~ Darlene Zoller and Sean Harris, Co-Artistic Directors


Sponsorship Opportunities
Click for Sponsorship Info Packet

Premium seating for 10 guests at Encore 2024.

Prominent recognition with logo in premier positions on the Encore 2024 website, online auction site, social media channels, E-newsletter, media releases, print materials, event signage.

Full-page ad in the Encore 2024 program book.

Opportunity to make brief remarks from the stage at Encore 2024.

Mention from the podium during Encore 2024.

PURCHASE

Premium seating for 8 guests at Encore 2024.

Prominent recognition with logo on the Encore 2024 website, online auction site, E-newsletter, social media channels, media releases, print materials, and event signage. 

Full-page ad in the Encore 2024 program book.

Mention from the podium during Encore 2024.

PURCHASE

Seating for 6 guests at Encore 2024.

Recognition with logo on the Encore 2024 website, online auction site, social media channels, E-bewsletter,media releases, print materials, event signage.

Half-page ad in the Encore 2024 program book.

PURCHASE

Seating for 4 guests at Encore 2024.

Recognition listing on the Encore 2024 website, social media channels, E-newsletter,media releases, print materials, and event signage. 

Quarter page ad in Encore 2024 program book.

PURCHASE

Seating for 2 guests at Encore 2024.

Recognition listing on the Encore 2024 website, online auction site, social media channels, E-newsletter,media releases, print materials, and event signage. 

Listing in Encore 2024 program book.

PURCHASE

Seating for 2 guests at Encore 2024.

Each opportunity is exclusive.

Recognition listed on the Encore 2024 website, virtual auction, social media chanels, press releases, print material & event signage. Listing in Encore 2024 program book. 

Entertainment - $5,000 PURCHASE
Cocktails - $2,500 SOLD
Dinner - $2,500 SOLD
Dessert - $1,500 SOLD
Decor - $1,500 PURCHASE
Young Professional Tickets - $1,500 SOLD
Staff/Performer meals - $1,500 PURCHASE
Photo Booth - $1,500 SOLD

Ad men (Advertising)

Purchase an advertisement in our virtual program, online auction site. Full Page - $500 | Half Page - $250 | Quarter Page $125


 

Event Venue

The Hartford Club, 46 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT

Parking is available in the Travelers Garage. Entrance is next to the Club on Prospect Street. Note: The height of the Garage is 6” 5”. Pull up to the gate and press the button to announce that you are coming to the Club.  Parking is $4 per car. 

Event Menu

Menu coming soon

Artists & Performers

Co-Hosts:
Jamil A.C Mangan
and Victoria Mooney

JAMIL A.C. MANGAN

An award-winning Actor and Director, Jamil earned a Connecticut Circle Award for Best Actor for his standout role as Troy Maxson in FENCES at Playhouse on Park. Excited to return, he directs TONI STONE, exploring the first woman in professional baseball. As a seasoned actor, he boasts an extensive presence in regional, off-Broadway, TV, and film productions. His notable roles include performances at Classic Stage Company, Cherry Lane Theater, Teatro Sea, Alabama Shakespeare Company, Perseverance Theater, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, TheaterWorks Hartford, Luna Stage Company, and appearances on popular TV shows like Blue Bloods (CBS), Manifest (NBC), Good Cop (Netflix), and Gotham (FOX). His directorial repertoire is diverse, featuring notable productions such as "Leap" at The Episcopal Actors' Guild of America, "Sons of Johnny Johnson" at Davenport Theatre NYC, and "All Of The Everything" at Renaissance Theaterworks. The staging of "Pipeline" by Dominique Morisseau at Next Act Theatre in Milwaukee not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned him the Broadway World Award for Best Director and Best Play. www.JamilMangan.com

VICTORIA MOONEY

Victoria Mooney is thrilled to be back co-hosting her 3rd ENCORE & she’s no stranger to the Playhouse! Tori has been involved with the theater since 2012! She’s performed in many many many TYA productions, Mama Ds Outrageous Romps, & stop/time dance theater shows. She has taught off and on for Playhouse Theatre Academy and is the contact for the ushers. Most know her as the welcoming face you see when you come to see a show, the Front of House Manager! She guarantees Encore will be a MARVELOUS evening! 


PERFORMERS:


HILLARY EKWALL
is from West Hartford, CT and loves working at her home theatre, Playhouse on Park, where she has been involved in over 20 productions, including: PIN UP GIRLS (Dana), NUNSENSE (Sr. Amnesia), SPELLING BEE (Schwarzy), CHARLIE BROWN (Sally), directing/choreographing CURIOUS GOERGE. Additional select credits include: NATIONAL TOURS: Roundabout Theatre’s CABARET (Rosie, cello/violin), HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS REGIONAL: GREASE (Patty Simcox), ROCKY HORROR (Columbia), CABARET (Kost). She is also an accomplished cellist and has played at Goodspeed Opera House, Playhouse on Park, CBS Christmas Special, and various NYC theaters. When not performing Hillary teaches theatre and coaches gymnastics. She is consistently impressed with the resiliency of the Playhouse and can’t wait to see what this small and mighty theatre continues to produce in the future!


OLIVIA FENTON
is thrilled to be back for another fabulous Encore event! She made her Playhouse on Park debut this past winter as Leanne in THE PIN-UP GIRLS. Other favorite theater credits include: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, THE GAME'S AFOOT (Monomoy Theater), HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (The REV), Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, and SWEENEY TODD (Connecticut Repertory Theatre). She is a Wethersfield native and a proud graduate of The Hartt School.

 


AMANDA FORKER
is thrilled to support Playhouse on Park and perform at Encore! Some favorite POP credits include:  Mother Superior (NUNSENSE), Featured Performer in multiple stop/time dance theater shows, SAY THINGS FUNNY: A Loving Tribute to Carol Burnett, Host (MAMA D'S OUTRAGEOUS ROMPs), Heidi [TITLE OF SHOW], Mrs. Pinkerton (PINKALICIOUS) and Miss Nelson/Viola Swamp (MISS NELSON IS MISSING). Amanda got her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from WCSU. 

 

 

KENNETH GALM Playhouse on Park: Ben THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF DR. WONDERFUL, A CHARLES DICKENS CHRISTMAS, Connecticut Repertory Theatre: Tobias Ragg SWEENEY TODD *Connecticut Critics Circle Award for "Outstanding Debut." Kenneth graduated from WCSU with a BFA in musical theatre. @kenneth_galm

 


SUSAN HAEFNER is very grateful to return to Playhouse On Park, having acted and directed off and on since 2014. Acting credits include: Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical and The Dining Room. Directing: Steel Magnolias, Little Shop of Horrors, Three Little Pigs, and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Broadway credits as an actor include State Fair, Thoroughly Modern Millie and 42nd Street. Tours include Billy Elliot (national tour and Toronto) and Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis (national tour and London’s West End). Susan has also appeared regionally at Music Theatre of Connecticut, Northern Stage, Shaker Bridge Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Barter Theatre, Weston Theater Company and Florida Studio Theatre. She received her MFA from Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. www.susanhaefner.com


BECKY LABOMBARD
is honored to be performing with the Playhouse players where she has appeared as a featured singer in several stop/time dance productions, as well as Say Things Funny and other cabaret/holiday performances. Becky has performed throughout CT in a variety of styles and venues and is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music. She is a dog lover and protector of the environment. She strongly encourages everyone to support local artists and wishes the Playhouse continued success.

 


CHELSEA POLLARD
is a Connecticut-based singer. You may have seen her as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grille at Playhouse on Park. You can catch her singing at Union Baptist Church every Sunday as well as performing in the LGTBQIA+ choral ensemble PRIDE! 247/365. She is excited to be a part of another Encore gala and hope you all donate to a wonderful theater that has done so much for her!

 

 

SPENCER POND is a Pop Artsurdist based out of Queens, NY. They aim to create dance pieces that are flamboyant and rhythmic, with community on the brain, and tongue in the cheek. You may recognize him from the Playhouse on Park stage as a former member of stop/time dance theater, or a cast member in productions such as Swinging on a Star, Chicago, A Chorus Line, or Mama D's Outrageous Romp to name a few. @spenceyspice

 


KRISTEN SCHOEN-RENÉ
 grew up in Vernon, Connecticut and now lives closer to the sea in Niantic. You may have seen her in Playhouse on Park's production of Pippin! Other credits include being a Radio City Rockette, Susan Stroman’s Merry Widow at both the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC and the Lyric Opera in Chicago, several productions of Young Frankenstein including the NETworks national tour and at Ogunquit Playhouse, and regional productions of: The Will Rogers Follies, Spamalot, Anything Goes, Chicago, Mamma Mia! and 42nd St. Kristen's favorite credit is being mom to Beckett and Quentin. She holds a BFA in dance from Ailey/Fordham University and is a graduate of the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. 

 

EMILY SIERO is an actor & comedian that's born & raised in CT. She attended Marymount Manhattan College in NYC where she studied acting & had her 1st stand-up gig at the famous Comic Strip. Once she started pursuing comedy more seriously in 2019 she found herself performing throughout New England. She's been on stages from The Funnybone, Stress Factory, MGM Roar & Comix at Mohegan Sun.




JULIA SOLECKI
is a local artist, born and raised in Middletown, CT. You may have seen her on the Playhouse on Park stage in BANDSTAND and PIPPIN! Julia is also a graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music. She is very excited to be a part of this marvelous event!

 



MICHELLE WIRKUS
graduated from Bucknell University with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Dance, while performing and choreographing for the Bucknell Dance Company. She had the special honor of performing in Beijing, China with the company showcasing American tap and jazz dance styles for an international arts festival. She has performed Matter Dance Company while studying at various studios throughout Chicago. Professionally Michelle went on to pursue her BSN from UCONN and has been practicing as a Critical Care RN for the past decade. Recently Michelle has rekindled her passion for dance taking adult classes around the Hartford area and reconnecting with what inspires her to move and perform. Most recently she has performed with Immix Dance Project, CT Tap Collaborative and with Darlene Zoller in productions of Mama D’s Outrageous Romp. Michelle is honored and humbled at the opportunity to perform at Encore! 

MELANIE GUERIN (Music Director) is grateful to have been part of the Playhouse on Park family since 2008, serving as music director for productions including “In the Heights,” “The Scottsboro Boys,” and “Bandstand,” and coaching vocals for several stop/time dance theater shows. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance and music education, as well as a Master of Music Education degree, both from The Hartt School. She is a former faculty member in The Hartt School Theatre Division, where she served as a vocal coach, music director, and accompanist, and she currently teaches at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts High School. As a music director and pianist, Melanie has worked with community and professional theater companies throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, including the Young People's Center for Creative Arts, Ivoryton Playhouse, and New Paradigm Theater. She has composed a number of works for vocal and instrumental ensembles, including several children's songs and three original musicals. www.melaniebguerin.com

 

Dancing til' midnight to the music of Latanya Farrell!

Latanya is an ordinary woman with an ordinary life who brings an extraordinary voice to the music scene during live performances and on her debut album “Feelin’ Alright”. Uplifting melodies and powerful vocals are the hallmark of her songs about life, love and happiness. Latanya Farrell has emerged as a band leader full of energy who is uniquely gifted at engaging audiences with her bright smile and impeccable style. Blending Latanya’s original music with popular cover tunes, she performs to packed houses throughout New England. Her presence is infectious and the energy keeps flowing throughout the entire performance with music that ranges from soulful classics to urban contemporary to her inspiring originals.

Extraordinary Voice
Latanya's powerful performances are packed with people both far and near who come to hear her incredible vocals. Dubbed the “Queen of Summer Concerts” by the Hartford Courant in 2013, Latanya Farrell is a multitalented gifted singer, songwriter, and performer with genuine passion, energy, and a love for music and life.

Since winning Connecticut Star Search in 2003, Latanya has had leading musical roles which include performing “Songs in the Key of Life” at the Bushnell Theater as well as other large venues sharing the stage with amazing artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Air Supply.

Latanya has been featured on several albums including her longtime friend and world-renowned saxophonist Jimmy Greene’s Grammy Award nominated album, “A Beautiful Life”, which was dedicated to Jimmy and Nelba Márquez-Greene’s beautiful precious daughter, Ana Grace, who was tragically lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Energetic Performer
Latanya's award-winning vocal talent and style have been influenced by Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Jill Scott. With performance roots in her family church and community events, her career took off shortly after she was named Champion of the 2003 Connecticut Star Search competition.


Listen to Latanya and get excited to dance at Encore!

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our 2024 Encore Sponsors! (list updated 3/15/24)

OPENING CREDITS

Richard & Lea Rubenstein

1st COMMERCIAL BREAK


CliftonLarsonAllen

2nd COMMERCIAL BREAK
Gail & David Mangs

CLOSING CREDITS



- Underwriters -
Photo Booth:
Busy Bee's Virtual Assistance and Management, LLC
Cocktails:
Gaetano & Jayne Albani
Dinner:
Ruth and Ron Van Winkle
Desserts:
Gene & Peter Evans
Young Professional Tickets:
HAS Insurance

Click to: Join us as a Sponsor or Advertiser!

Auction

Auction goes live May 8, 2024 

Auction Donors as of 3/15/24

Abby Brittain | Alvarium Beer Company |Andi Bags | Balance Massage & Wellness Center | Bartaco | Ben and Jerry's | Bert's Pizza | Best Cleaners | Bloombury Hill Farms | Bushnell Performing Arts Center | Cafe Louise | Canterbury Liquors | Capitol Grille | Connecticut Museum of Culture & History | Connecticut Sun | Dave McLellan | Delamar West Hartford | Dina Anselmi | El Santo | Elite Island Resorts | Emma Cook | Essex Indoor Golf | Estelle Gonsalves | Fit U | Fitness Class Training | Gail Mangs | Garde Arts Center | Goodspeed Musicals | Goodwin Hotel | Gouveia Vineyards | Hartford Stage | Hartford Symphony Orchestra | Hartford Wolf Pack | Hartford Yard Goats | Hawk Ridge Winery | Hope & Stetson | Imagine Float | Integrated PT | IRIS Photography | Ivoryton Playhouse | J McLaughlin | Jasmine Calhoun | Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts | Kaoud Rugs | Le Mazet Rotisserie Restaurant Bar Americain | Little Theatre of Manchester | Lilve By The Sun Feel By The Moon | Max's Oyster Bar | McBride's Carpet | Meredith Longo | Metro Bis Restaurant | Mike Michaud | More Italian Pasta Lab | Mr. Sparkle | Mystic Seaport | Naomi Jewelry | Nothing Bundt Cakes | Rockledge Golf Club | School of Rock WH | Scotch Plains Tavern | Seven Barrels/Berkshire Mountain Gourmet | Sharon Pope | Silk City Coffee | Six Flags | Small State Provisions | Southwick Zoo | Sun Do | The Charles | The Hartford Club | TheaterWorks Hartford | Thimble Island Brewery | Thomas Hooker Brewery | Tree Trails Adventures | U ARE HEARD LLC | Valvoline | Victoria Anderson Advance Aesthetics | Waypoint Spirits | We Care Computers | Whistle Pig | Winding Trails, Inc. | Wood-n-Tap

click to download the auction info packet