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!
ONLINE AUCTION NOW OPEN! See the Auction tab above!
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
Ad men (Advertising)
Purchase an advertisement in our virtual program, online auction site. Full Page - $500 | Half Page - $250 | Quarter Page $125
The Cocktail Party
Open Bar 6pm - 7:30pm
Stationary Hors d'oeuvres
deviled eggs display | french onion dip with house chips | spiced smoked nuts
crudité with assorted dips | assorted cheeses, meats with breads
Passed Hors d’oevures
asparagus crème with pumpkin seeds | spam bites wrapped in bacon with spicy aioli
lamb curry lollipops | oysters rockefeller | fig puree & goat cheese crostini
The Dinner Party
wedge salad
rolls & butter
Surf & Turf
6-ounce filet with roasted garlic herb demi-glace | 3- ounce lobster tail with drawn butter
mashed potatoes | heirloom carrots
Vegetarian Option
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Grilled Endive
Red & White Table Wine
Cash Bar 7:30pm - 12am
Dessert
assorted mini cheesecakes | assorted gluten free fudge | chocolate tulip cups filled with brigadeiro
coffee | tea
Late Night Dance Party
french fry bar with assorted aiolis & ketchup
waffle fries | steak fries | sweet potato fries | yucca fries
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:
ALAN MENDEZ is a New York City-based actor, musician, and music director. Alan has performed at venues throughout New York City including The Green Room 42, Rockwood Music Hall, and 54 Below, and he is thrilled to be back at Playhouse on Park, where he was last seen as Davy Zlatic in BANDSTAND. Acting credits include COMEDY OF ERRORS and SOCRATES (the Public Theater), IT HAPPENED IN KEY WEST (Fulton Theatre), BANDSTAND (Phoenix Theatre Company), and NATASHA, PIERRE... (Hangar Theatre). Alan is also the bandleader and pianist of the Shubert Alley Cats, a jazz band that showcases original jazz and swing reimaginings of the showtunes and pop songs you know and love. Graduate of Muhlenberg College (B.A., Theatre & B.S., Physics). IG: @alan.r.mendez @shubertalleycats
OLIVIA CIAFFAGLIONE is a musical theater graduate of the Hartt School. She spent the pandemic years working to earn her master’s in secondary English Education from the University of Connecticut and now teaches at a local middle school in Newington where she is also the assistant director of their theater program. Olivia can be spotted with her band, Soundbite, performing at Connecticut venues over the summer. She has performed on the Playhouse stage in Mama D's Outrageous Romp. |
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 |
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! |
THE SUGARTONES A Connecticut-based female vocalist group featuring the beautiful harmonies of Jerilyn Boudreau, Kara Nielsen, and Rachel Ballasy |
LISA CAFFYN has been dancing ever since she can remember and is an original member of stop/time dance theater. By day, Lisa is a local middle school teacher and mother to three energetic children. During the winter months, when not dancing, teaching, cooking, grocery shopping, or cleaning, Lisa is busy shuffling her children around to various mountains so they can ski race! She would like to thank her husband of 21 years, Sean, who is extremely supportive of her and her pursuit of dance. |
ERICA MISENTI is a member of stop/time dance theater and is the proud owner of the Fitness and Dance Center, Higher Ground Core for kids and adults in Evergreen Walk, South Windsor. Erica is a cheerful cat mom to brother and sister cats, Pino and Cabby and loves her dog Rio very much. Erica also has a strong love for her family. Stage credits include but are not limited to: CHICAGO (Liz), Carnival Cruise Lines, MTV 2, Good Morning America, The Purge Election Year, Hallmark Channel, Connecticut Lottery Commercial and The Peabody Awards. |
ALI FORMAN is a member of stop/time dance theater and a performer in Mama D's Outrageous Romps . When she's not dancing, you'll find her working with adorable tiny humans as a speech-language pathologist in Birth to Three and being a loving mom to her two fur babies, Hardy and Millie. |
LAURIE MISENTI is an original member of stop/time dance theater, the resident dance company of Playhouse on ParkuLaurie is certified to teach all ages, and is efficient in time management. Her fitness background includes personal training, weight loss, toning and weight maintenance and is an instructor at Higher Ground Core in South Windsor. Laurie is originally from Springfield Massachusetts where she began her study of fitness and dance. |
MALLORY CUNNINGHAM is thrilled to be back home with her beloved POP family, having previously performed in A Chorus Line (Kristine), Hair, Mama D’s, and stop/time dance theater, and taught for their summer youth program! She trained at the Glastonbury Dance Center and GHAA and earned a BFA in Acting from UCONN (Go Huskies!). Mal and her choreography have been seen on stages across the country, including the last six years on the Showboat Branson Belle. Some favorite roles include Eldorado Casino: FOOTLOOSE (Urleen); Cape Fear Regional Theatre: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Tzeitel); Connecticut Rep: INTO THE WOODS (Rapunzel); Woodstock Playhouse: LES MISERABLES (Fantine), WEST SIDE STORY (Consuela), CHICAGO (Annie), and LEGALLY BLONDE (Vivienne); Temple Theatre: CATS (Rumpleteaser), THE MUSIC MAN (Zaneeta); and Granbury Opera House: SOUTH PACIFIC (Dinah). |
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
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!
Thank you to our 2024 Encore Sponsors! (list updated 3/15/24)
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Richard & Lea Rubenstein
1st COMMERCIAL BREAK
CliftonLarsonAllen
2nd COMMERCIAL BREAK
Gail & David Mangs
CLOSING CREDITS
Patrick & Carol McCabe
- 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
AUCTION IS LIVE - NEW ITEMS BEING ADDED EVERY DAY!
Auction Donors as of 5/2/24
Abby Brittain | Alvarium Beer Company |Andi Bags | Andrew Lattimer | Balance Massage & Wellness Center | Bartaco | Ben and Jerry's | Bert's Pizza | Best Cleaners | Beth Pite | BK & Co |Bloombury Hill Farms | Bushnell Performing Arts Center | Butler Florist & Garden Center | Cafe Louise | Canterbury Liquors | Capitol Grille | Central Optical | Cinestudio (Lew Michaels) | Connecticut Museum of Culture & History | Connecticut Sun | CT Explored, Inc. | CT Forum | CT Science Center | Dave McLellan | Delamar West Hartford | Diane Zannoni | Dina Anselmi | Effie's Place | El Santo | Elite Island Resorts | Elmwood Pizza | Emma Cook | Essex Indoor Golf | Estelle Gonsalves | Excel Fitness | Fairfield Theatre Company | Falcetti Pianos | Falcetti School of Music | Fit U | Fitness Class Training | Gail Mangs | Garde Arts Center | Goodspeed Musicals | Goodwin Hotel | Gouveia Vineyards | Hartford Athletics | 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 | Jane Comerford | Jasmine Calhoun | Jenni Freidman | Joe Zannoni | Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts | Judi Manfre | 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 | Mecha Noodle Bar | Melissa Donaghy | Meredith Longo | Metro Bis Restaurant | Mike Michaud | More Italian Pasta Lab | Mr. Sparkle | Mystic Seaport Museum | Naomi Jewelry | New Britain Museum of American Art | New Park Brewing | Northeast Piano Movers | Northeast Piano Service | Nothing Bundt Cakes | Raimie Weber Jewelry | Rockledge Golf Club | Salute | School of Rock WH | Scotch Plains Tavern | Seven Barrels/Berkshire Mountain Gourmet | Severence Foods | Shake Shack | Sharon Pope | Silk City Coffee | Six Flags | Small State Provisions | Smoke Public House | Southwick Zoo | Stone Age Rock Gym | Sue Aber | Sun Do | The Charles | The Hartford Club | the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | The White Rabbit | TheaterWorks Hartford | Thimble Island Brewery | Thomas Hooker Brewery | Total Wine | Tree Trails Adventures | U ARE HEARD LLC | University of Hartford President's College | Valvoline | Velvet Touch Salon | Victoria Anderson Advance Aesthetics | Warner Theater | Waypoint Spirits | We Care Computers | WeHa Brewing and Roasting Co. | Whistle Pig | Winding Trails, Inc. | Wood-n-Tap
click to download the auction info packet