Shakespeare on the Sound: Connecticut Throws a Benefit

SHAKESPEARE ON THE SOUND TO HOST

“ A   B I G   T O – D O   F O R   M U C H   A D O ”

ANNUAL GALA SET FOR APRIL 2, 2011

AT WOODWAY COUNTRY CLUB

Rowayton, CT – Shakespeare on the Sound, Connecticut’s premier outdoor summer theater company presenting free Shakespeare in the park today announced that the company will host a gala for its 16^th summer production, Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, under the direction of Joanna Settle.  Stew and Heidi Rodewald will again create music and songs for the upcoming production.  A Big To-Do for Much Ado will be held at the Woodway Country Club (540 Hoyt Street, Darien, CT) on April 2, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.  This event will raise funds for the production and the company’s ongoing educational outreach programs.  Much Ado About Nothing will play two beautiful locations on Long Island Sound, Pinkney Park in Rowayton and Baldwin Park in Greenwich.  Performance dates and further details will be announced shortly. 

“We are planning a big, fun party for this summer with one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies and we plan to do-it-up Shakespeare style at the gala,” commented Emily Bryan, the company’s Managing Director.  “Our gala makes it possible for us to put on high quality productions every summer, and to offer programs in schools, community centers and libraries across Fairfield County,” added Leslie Lawrence, the gala chair.  “It’s a wonderful way to support the arts in our community – for so many in our area, Shakespeare on the Sound’s production or educational programs are their first encounter with Shakespeare.  This is a wonderful gift for our supporters to give the community,” added Dulcy Brainard, the gala’s Honorary Chair, “Shakespeare on the Sound is proud to be a cherished institution in the community and this is a great way to kick our season off!”

There will be a silent and live auction with exciting items, including vacations at Exclusive Resorts and the Ocean Reef Club, golf packages, a baseball signed by Mariano Rivera and tickets to a taping of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”  The auction will also offer cultural experiences: tickets to SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark on Broadway, a night at the Metropolitan Opera and a special access to Shakespeare on the Sound rehearsals in New York City. 

Shakespeare on the Sound has established itself as one of the most popular summer theater companies on the East Coast, drawing large audiences to each performance in the unique under-the-stars settings of its waterfront venues.  16,000 people seeShakespeare on the Sound performances and 20% of the audience is children.  Admission is free, though donations are greatly appreciated. For more information about the gala or sponsorships, call Shakespeare on the Sound at 203-299-1300 or visit www.shakespeareonthesound.org.