STRATFORD LIBRARY PLANS MAJOR BENEFIT

Eighth Annual "Broadway Comes To Stratford" Set for April 30^th

The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will present its annual major fund-raiser for the library beginning at 6:30 pm. April 30. 

The eighth annual "Broadway Comes to Stratford" will be a gala evening of musical vignettes, lavish hors d'ouevres, fine beverages and delectable desserts, according to a statement. 

All proceeds will benefit the library's book collection.  Major sponsors for the benefit include People's United Bank, Beth and John Morgan, Aquarion Water Company, Bishop, Jackson & Kelly, CT Distributors, Inc., Donation in memory of Walter & Dorothy Gelazin, The Milford Bank, Sierra Nevada, Stratford Development Company, Sutter Home with Ahlberg, Florek & O'Neill, Berchem, Moses & Devlin and the Pistey Funeral Home.  The library is currently seeking more corporate sponsorship and program book advertisers, the statement said.

The evening will feature top-notch entertainment including jazz vocalist Christiana Drapkin and her band.  Drapkin, accompanied by Charles Sibirsky on piano, Stephanie Greif (bass) and Robert Weiss (drums), will perform a variety of Broadway standards that had their roots in jazz.  Works by George Gershwin and Cole Porter will be included, the statement said.  In a separate venue, singer Schuyler Beeman will perform a medley of Broadway selections, new and old.  Beeman was most recently featured in the musical, "The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in Westchester and has a host of local and regional theatre credits.  His accompanist will be John Sebastian DeNicola.  Stratford pianist David Childs will also perform in the main lobby during intermission breaks, the statement said.

The Stratford Library will be transformed for the benefit to accommodate two special performance areas and 200 guests.  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, the statement said.

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

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

In the photos:  Singers Christiana Drapkin and Schuyler Beeman will perform at the Stratford Library's annual "Broadway Comes to Stratford" benefit on April 30th.