Westport Country Playhouse to Host Holiday Online Auction

Westport Country Playhouse will host a holiday online auction, called "Encore! Encore," to support the historic theater, for one week only, from Monday, December 14, at 5 p.m., through Monday, December 21, at 5 p.m.

"'Encore! Encore!' auction items are perfect gifts for the holiday season," said Kat Gloor, Playhouse development director. "So whether you're shopping for a loved one or yourself this season, think about giving back at the same time and bidding at the final Playhouse event of the year!"

Unique auction items include an original poster from the 1943 Broadway production of "Oklahoma!," inspired by composer and Fairfield resident Richard Rodgers seeing a 1940 Westport Country Playhouse production of "Green Grow the Lilacs," upon which the ground-breaking musical is based.

Other theater-oriented, exclusive experiences include tickets and backstage tours for "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," "The Color Purple," and "Finding Neverland."

Theater parties will be on the auction block including dinner for 10 on the Playhouse stage catered by Positano Ristorante, and hosted by Michael Ross, Playhouse managing director, Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist, and David Dreyfoos, Playhouse associate producer/director of production. Also, there will be a "Moon Mouse Glow Party" available after the Playhouse Family Festivities presentation of Lightwire Theater's cosmic adventure, "Moon Mouse," in March, with an opportunity for youngsters to meet the cast and take a backstage tour.

"Playhouse Assistant Director for a Day" will offer the winning bidder a chance to assist Anne Keefe as she directs a rehearsal of professional actors for one of the 2016 Script in Hand playreadings, including dinner with the cast and crew.

Other auction prizes include tickets to a Dennis Basso Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week in February; a luxury getaway to Winvian Farm in Litchfield Hills; and a cellar wine package.