Local songwriters get their big break at The Ridgefield Playhouse

Virtual tickets available to watch from home!

A creative group of students are ready to TAKE THE STAGE at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 7:30pm, after working to harness their singing and songwriting skills over the last six weeks with International Recording Artist and Celebrity Voice Coach, Samantha Cole along with 13-time Emmy Award-winning songwriter, producer, and music advisor, A.J. Gundell. This Singer Songwriter Showcase is part of the amazing Classes & The Playhouse Series, 068 Magazine Singer Songwriter Series, and the Adam Broderick Salon & Spa Whole New You Series at The Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut. Students were given an intense six week crash course on not only melody and lyrics, but also the process of writing and releasing songs in the modern musical landscape. Come check out some new “local talent” and see these students step into the spotlight to debut their original works at The Ridgefield Playhouse or follow along wherever you are with a Stay-At-Home Ticket!

Samantha Cole is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and performer turned vocal coach and talent manager. Cole was discovered by Universal Music’s Doug Morris and Daniel Glass, and promptly signed to Universal Records. She co-wrote eight of the songs for her self-titled debut album, produced by an all-star team of hit-makers: David Foster, Nile Rodgers, Richard Marx, and Rhett Lawrence. The album spawned the Top 40 single “Happy With You.” The follow-up single, “Without You” (written by Cole and Foster), soared to #1 in Asia and was later covered by “American Idol” stars Kimberly Locke and Clay Aiken. She is also known for her top five global hit, “Luv Me Luv Me,” in which she is featured with international superstar Shaggy. Cole has toured with Backstreet Boys, Shaggy and 98 Degrees and has collaborated with Boyz II Men, Robin Thicke, Diane Warren, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith songwriting teams, and more. She was also signed to EMI Publishing as a songwriter.

13-time Emmy Award-winner, A.J. Gundell thinks of himself as a musical and audio midwife: “I’m here to help deliver your baby,” he states. A musician, composer, songwriter, music producer, engineer and sound designer, his songs have been recorded by country recording artists Kathy Mattea, Crystal Gayle, and Don Williams. Among his expertise, he has composed and supervised for a wide array of TV broadcasters and media clients, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, ESPN, MTV, NBA-TV, HBO, E!, Disney, Discovery, Reader’s Digest, WSOF, AT&T, and more. He spent 15 years at ABC’s “All My Children” as a staff Music Director/Composer.

For more information or to purchase touchless print at home ticket ($25) go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or, you can visit or call the box office (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT and is committed to keeping the arts alive and available to all.