Rachel Louchen reports from Sharon. The TriArts Sharon Playhouse opened its season on Saturday, May 24 with its annual gala and largest fundraising event of the year. The hotly anticipated event always serves as an opening of the summer season but this year, in honor of the 25th season, added dinner, dancing and very special performances to celebrate the milestone year. Despite the overcast and slightly ominous sky, the 170 attendees happily enjoyed cocktails and bid on the silent auction, no doubt influenced by Broadway hits like "Put On A Happy Face" that played in the background. The performances, which featured Broadway vets Lindsay Mendez, Jay Armstrong Johnson and Kyle Barisich was an exciting taste of what's to come for the jam-packed season. Above, board member Johanna Hahn with husband Bruce Hahn.
Julia DiMarzo, one of the actors in the playhouse's upcoming production of Spring Awakening with her parents, Jackie DiMarzo and Dean DiMarzo; Volunteers Chris Abeel and Libby Hall greeted guests to the gala.
Board member Alexandra Lange with Spring Awakening directors Fiona Santos and Jason Brantman; Sharon's Pam Wilson and David Offensend of Wassaic.
Artistic Director John Simpkins and Justin Ball, Managing Director.
Melinda Fanning and performer David Fanning; Board Vice President Carol Kalikow and Alexandra Lange.
Resident costume designer Michelle Eden Humphrey with resident sound designer Brad Berridge; Board of directors' secretary Emily Soell with longtime TriArts supporter Annette Clooney.
Board members Mimi Estes and John Champion with President Bobbie Olsen.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
