WESPORT, CT — Our “Voices for Volunteers” event at the Westport Country Playhouse on January 24, 2024, began with a special touch for the volunteers from Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. Prior to the show, a reception was held at Mexicue in Westport, offering a warm and festive atmosphere to thank the volunteers for their selfless service across Danbury, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Norwalk.
As the evening progressed, the volunteers were treated to a remarkable array of performances at the Westport Country Playhouse. The event featured Broadway stars like John Treacy Egan, known for “My Fair Lady,” “Casa Valentina,” “Little Mermaid,” and “The Producers,” and Cady Huffman, a Tony Award winner for “The Producers.” Adam Kaplan, noted for his roles in “A Bronx Tale,” “Newsies,” and “Kinky Boots,” also graced the stage.
The lineup of talented performers included Nili Bassman from “Chicago,” David Friedman, a renowned composer from Norwalk, Mia Gentile of “Kinky Boots,” Jeff Gurner from “The Lion King,” Jacob Heimer of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” Remy Laifer from the National Tour of “Fiddler on the Roof,” Juliet Lambert Pratt of “Les Misérables” and “Passion,” and Fairfield’s own Natalie Steele.
The evening was masterfully emceed by Chris O’Neill, known for his role in “The Book of Mormon,” with musical direction by Mat Eisenstein, who has directed major Broadway shows like “Some Like it Hot,” “Frozen,” “Something Rotten,” and “Newsies.”
This event was not just a showcase of extraordinary talent but also a celebration of the community spirit and dedication of the volunteers. A highlight of the night was the personal encounter between volunteer Doug Rose and his daughter Sarah with Chris O’Neill after the show. This special meeting symbolized the union of community spirit and entertainment that defined the event at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Doug Rose and his daughter Sarah with Chris O’Neill after the show