Back to the Playhouse Gala at Westport Country Playhouse [Photos]

The Playhouse allowed press access at the beginning of the gala as attendees arrived. There was a pre-show cocktail party under a huge tent on the Playhouse campus, catered by Queen of Tarts Catering, with passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and cocktails. Notable guests at the cocktail party included Rep Jonathan Steinberg, Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Daniel Gerroll and Patricia Kalember.

“After three long years, we are so excited to finally return to our in-person benefit,” said Mark Lamos, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director.

The featured artist was Renée Elise Goldsberry, who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway smash “Hamilton.” The evening featured the multi-award-winning Broadway star’s high-energy concert of Broadway, pop, and soul, backed by a seven-piece band.

Goldsberry is a multi-hyphenate actress and singer who has delivered award-winning performances both on Broadway and on the screen. She is perhaps best known for her role as Angelica in the musical phenomenon “Hamilton,” which has become a cultural touchstone for the ages.

In addition to the Tony Award, Goldsberry’s performance earned her a Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and a Lucille Lortel Award. In July 2021, she was nominated for an Emmy Award for the Disney+ film adaptation.

The actress currently stars in Tina Fey’s new, Emmy-nominated series for Peacock, “GIRLS5EVA.” Up next, she will be seen in Billy Porter’s film directorial debut “What If.” As a solo artist, Goldsberry garners rave reviews performing to packed crowds in concert halls and symphony spaces all over the country. Her debut album will be released this year.

The host for the evening was Robin de Jesús, a three-time Tony Award nominee. He can be seen in the Netflix adaptation of “Tick, Tick....BOOM!” (2021), directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the Netflix film, “The Boys in the Band” (2020). Broadway credits include “Rent,” “In the Heights, “La Cage aux Folles,” “Wicked,” and “The Boys in the Band.”

Both Goldsberry and de Jesús reside in Connecticut.

Barbara K. Streicker of Westport and New York was honored with the Leadership Award. Streicker has been a beloved member of the Playhouse community for over 15 years. She is currently the chair emerita, after serving as board chair from 2014 - 2020. Streicker’s love of theater has led her to develop and co-produce several plays both on and off-Broadway.

Before the 45-minute performance, there was a live auction of experiential packages, the honoree presentation, and paddle raise in the theater, and afterwards an after-party with DJ, dancing, desserts, and drinks. The Gala benefitted the not-for-profit professional producing theater, now in its 92nd season – its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community.

All photos by Nancy Sasso Janis