
TriArts in Sharon, CT, is rethinking how it defines "crowd pleaser." A unique blend of professional designers, directors, musicians, Equity actors, non-Equity actors, and dedicated community performers and volunteers, TriArts built its reputation on reprising Broadway classics primarily from the Rodger & Hammerstein era. After this year's opening production of 42nd Street, TriArts will present Rent, the landmark musical about AIDS, and Hairspray, the musical based on the John Waters film starring a man dressed as a woman. At last Saturday's gala at the breathtaking Salisbury School boathouse, the guests were dazzled by the the summer preview performances as well as the stunning lakefront views.


Gala chairs Lola White, Alexandra Lange and Carol Kalikow; Elyse Harney Morris, Mimi Harney, Kathleen Devaney and Stephanie Roy.


Cast members from TriArts upcoming production of Rent: Jason Stanley (Mark Cohen), Jared Weiss (Rodger) and Kanda Good (Angel); TriArts executive director Alice Bemand with board chairman David K. Sims.


Sophie Leibowitz with her fiance Alfred Portale, the founder and executive chef of New York's Gotham Bar and Grill; Janice Cronk and hardware store honcho Ed Herrington

Artistic directors John Simpkins and Michael Berkeley flank board vice president Mimi Estes.


Jim Montanari and Dan Dwyer of Johnnycake Books; Kennedy White House social secretary Nancy Tuckerman and Norman Kappler.


TriArts board member Susan Mieras and Dr. Peter Reyelt; Katie Sarno who will star in Hairspray this summer with her mother, Donna Moulison.
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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