Broadway to Come to Winchester

The Winchester Field Development Council will be hosting its annual spring fundraiser this Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30 at . This year’s fundraiser will be a production of Richard Dresser’s critically acclaimed

The performance will feature actor Matthew Lawler from The Sopranos and the movie, Knight and Day. He will be performing with off-Broadway actor, Arthur Aulisi. Friday and Saturday night the show begins at 7 p.m. and on Saturday afternoon there will be a 2 p.m. matinee.

“Since the start of this entity we’ve tried to have two or three events a year,” said Paul Manganaro, President of the development council. “We were given the opportunity to have a performance with two New York actors. And what’s nice about this is that it’s a family-friendly event.”

Proceeds from the production will benefit Phase 2 of the Renovation project, which is to include a state-of-the-art track and field facility. Tickets can be purchased at Bookends and Gloria’s Pizza or on line at www.wfdc.net.

The show is about two little league coaches – Lawler and Aulisi – who have different philosophies of coaching. One only cares about winning,  while the other is more laid back in his approach.

“I’m excited because, regardless of your age you can go and enjoy it,” Manganaro said. “It’s age-appropriate for people aged six to 90. And it’s an opportunity to see good show and not have to drive into Boston. You can see a quality production and make a donation to a good cause.”

Phase 1 of the Manchester Field Project was to renovate the football field, which was completed in the fall of 2009. It included a new turf and improved the stands.

The second part of the project will be the construction of an eight-lane track with a full-sized football and soccer field in the infield. According to Manganaro, the council is closing in on 50 percent of its $1 million goal.

“It seems like a steep mountain, but we’re getting there,” Manganaro said. “We’re not going to hit a grand slam and get all the money right away, we’re looking to hit singles and doubles and gradually build up to it.”

Manganaro said that the goal is to have the funding secured by the fall, so that construction can begin next summer.

“Field space is so limited around the town,” Manganaro said. “The high school will have increased enrollment, and we desperately need additional field space. This will be a great addition to the town.”