Front row, from left, Daniel Reichard, Michael Longoria; back row, Christian Hoff, J. Robert Spencer, members of original cast of “Jersey Boys” in concert performance for Westport Arts Center.
Members of the original cast of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” will dazzle in a concert performance like none other on Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. at Westport Country Playhouse, benefiting the Westport Arts Center.
The event, in honor of the Westport Arts Center ’s 40th anniversary, marks only the second time the four “Jersey Boys” performers have appeared in Connecticut . The awe-inspiring, toe-tapping and arm-waving concert will be performed by Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer, bringing to life the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and the era. To keep the energy going, there will be an after-party in the Sheffer Rehearsal Studio with an open bar, D.J., savory snacks and plenty of dancing.
Ticket sales, which are expected to be brisk, begin Wednesday, February 10. Concert-only tickets begin at $175. After-party tickets are available for an additional $75, or are included in the top-tier levels of $500 and $1000. Tickets can be purchased exclusively through Westport Country Playhouse’s box office.
“This event already has generated much anticipation and excitement, and we are proud to be able to bring such a high-caliber and high-energy performance to Westport ,” said Nancy Heller, Westport Arts Center executive director. “In keeping with the Westport Arts Center ’s tradition of supporting a broad range of visual, performing and literary arts programs, this concert gives a nod to the past while showcasing the exciting programs we continue to bring to the community.”
The Gala also will honor Richard Pauker, a Westport Arts Center board member, artist and long-time Westport/Weston resident. A steadfast supporter of the Westport Arts Center for the past decade, Pauker served as president of the board from 1998-2003.
“The success of today's Westport Arts Center is due in large part to the dedication, determination, talent and skill of Dick Pauker,” said Cindy Vacarro, also a board member and past president. “He shepherded WAC's journey from the Greens Farms School building, to a ‘virtual’ arts center, to its current location on the river. He inspired artists and benefactors to join in his vision for a place that would live up to the legacy of the thriving cultural community for which Westport is known.”
Proceeds from the event will support a wide variety of Westport Arts Center programs, including exhibitions, concerts, lectures, children’s workshops and outreach initiatives, which reach more than 15,000 people each year. The 40th Anniversary Gala event is made possible by lead sponsor Fairfield County Bank, and co-sponsors U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, Moffly Media/Westport Magazine and Westport Resources. Supporting sponsors for the gala are Galaxy Family Resources, LLC., Land Rover Milford, Sue and Bill Mitchell, and Robin Tauck and Peter Romano.
The gala is chaired by Jodi Felton and Eileen O’Brien, with committee members including Stacie Curran, William Felton, Tracy Fitzpatrick, Deanna Foster, Nancy Gault, Pam LaRocca, Barry Lieberman, Laura Maged, Debbie McGinley, Eugene Miller, Dale Najarian, Joyce Pauker, Morgaine Pauker and Carol Schneider.
To purchase tickets, call Westport Country Playhouse at 203-222-4177, or visit the website at www.westportplayhouse.org.
The Westport Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating arts experiences that contribute to individual growth and enrich the community. For more information, contact the Westport Arts Center at 203-222-7070, visit www.westportartscenter.org, or visit the gallery, M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. , at 51 Riverside Avenue , Westport .
