Hallmark Stars To Appear At New London Fundraiser

NEW LONDON, CT — Hallmark movie fans will have a chance to hear directly from some of the actors and filmmakers behind their favorite romantic comedies during a Valentine’s weekend fundraiser at the Garde Arts Center.

On Friday, Feb. 13, the Garde will host “Love, Lights & Galentine’s Night — A Panel with the Stars & Storymakers” in the historic downtown theater. The event will feature Hallmark actor Wes Brown, along with other performers and Connecticut-based filmmakers involved in movies shot across the region.

Brown, known for roles in “True Blood,” “90210,” and “Private Practice,” has also appeared in several Hallmark films, including “A Newport Christmas.” He will headline the evening’s live panel discussion, which begins at 7 p.m. A pre-show reception is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Other scheduled participants include Ginna Claire Mason, who has appeared in multiple Hallmark films and starred in “Wicked” on Broadway, as well as directors Dustin Rikert and Colin Theys and producer Molly Mayeux. Producer Andrew Gernhard of Synthetic Cinema International will emcee the event.

Organizers say the discussion will focus on how Hallmark films are made in Connecticut, from on-screen performances to production design and filming schedules.

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The fundraiser will support P:ACE — Partners: Arts. Community. Education. — a Garde initiative aimed at expanding access to live performances and film experiences. The weekend also marks the start of the theater’s centennial celebration. The Garde Theatre opened in 1926 and was established as a nonprofit in 1985.

Tickets for Friday’s event are $75. A weekend package, which includes Saturday performances of “My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical,” is available for $125. Saturday-only tickets are $35.

More information is available by clicking here.