“Broadway Comes To Stratford” on April 28th

On Saturday, April 28th, beginning at 6:30 pm, the Stratford Library will be transformed for the night into a glamorous showcase for singers direct from Broadway, as well an elegant buffet of hors d'oeuvres, desserts and drinks for 200 guests.

Presented by The Stratford Library Board of Trustees, the ninth annual “Broadway Comes to Stratford” will have a “Celebrate the 1950s” theme. Nostalgic "Fifties" attire is encouraged (but optional), and rumor has it that library director Barbara Blosveren will be sporting a classic poodle skirt. All proceeds will benefit the library’s book collection.

The evening will feature top-notch entertainment by Broadway singers Matt Cavenaugh and Jenny Powers. Recently married, the couple has just produced their debut album, “Gonna Make You Love Me”. Cavenaugh was seen in the Broadway productions of “Grey Gardens”, “A Catered Affair”, “Urban Cowboy” and “West Side Story”. Powers was featured in Broadway’s “Grease” and “Little Women” as well as the television series, “The Good Wife” and “Nurse Jackie”.

In a separate "venue" in the Library's building, singers Dan Micciche and Dave Anthony Vogel will perform a medley of Broadway selections, new and old. Mr. Micciche was most recently featured in the Broadway production of “Chicago” and has a host of local and regional theatre credits. Mr. Vogel has recently performed in Chicago The Musical (Mary Sunshine). International/National Tours include Chicago The Musical and Click, Clack, Moo (TheatreworksUSA). Stratford pianist David Childs will perform in the main lobby during intermission breaks.

A cocktail buffet of delicious edibles and fine desserts with an open bar will be catered by Events of Distinction. The Event Decorators of Bridgeport will provide a variety of magical balloon creations for the benefit. Vacation prizes and entertainment packages will be included in a special silent auction.

Event co-chairpersons are Robyn Proto and Doreen Jaekle of Stratford with committee members Barbara Blosveren, Sheri Szymanski, Judith Crudo, Shelley Hall, Cynthia Smith, Maria Ferrera, Karla Glad, Paula Nizzardo, Heather Silverman, Jim Duffy, Tory Florek and Tom Holehan. The Honorary Chairman for BCTS is Mayor John A. Harkins.

This year's sponsors presently include John and Beth Morgan, TD Bank, People's United Bank, The Milford Bank, United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, Bishop, Jackson & Kelly, Stratford Development, Aquarion Water Company and Berchem, Moses and Devlin.

Tickets for the event are available in three separate categories: Supporting Cast ($75), Director ($100) and Producer ($150). Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Attire is 1950s or semi-formal. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling the library at 203.385.4166.

On Friday, April 20, the trailblazing minister and author Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed will discuss his autobiography, "In Between--Memoir of an Integration Baby" at the Stratford Library, from 7 to 9 pm. The event is free and all are welcome. This special community book club reading and discussion is co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport (UUCGB) and the Stratford Library.

Morrison-Reed, a Unitarian Universalist minister, will provide a personal account of growing up black during the era of the civil rights movement as he wrestled with the emotions of racism, black radicalism, the death of Dr. King, and his own interracial family and experiences as one of the first black ministers in a predominantly white denomination.

He gives voice to unspoken stories of African Americans who were among the first to bring racial diversity to their neighborhood, school, church, or workplace, and who were in interracial relationships or trying to raise interracial children in a polarized world.

UUCGB has donated copies of In Between to the Stratford Library that are available for check-out. The book may also be ordered from Beacon Press or online through Amazon.com. The author will sign personal copies at the April 20 reading.

The community book discussion kicks off a weekend of public presentations by Morrison-Reed that are being sponsored by UUCGB in celebration of its 175th anniversary year and Unitarian Universalism’s historic dedication to the principle of social justice.

Morrison-Reed will also present a workshop at the Library on Saturday, April 21,and will preach at UUCGB’s Sunday 4:30 p.m. service at First Congregational Church on April 22 (2301 Main St., Stratford).

Everyone is welcome to participate and attend all of the weekend's events. For more information, call UUCGB at (203) 378-1020.