SHARON PLAYHOUSE
SPOTLIGHT GALA
Phillips "Pete" Hathaway & Rob Fish
PRODUCERS
Present
Rebecca Hathaway & Charles and Georgette Mallory
Saturday, May 30, 2026
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Hey There, Good Times!
An Unforgettable Evening of Music, Community & Celebration
The Sharon Playhouse Spotlight Gala is our most important fundraising event of the year—and a joyful kickoff to the summer season.
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the entire Playhouse campus comes to life, featuring three wonderful ways to celebrate—from an elegant seated dinner in The Bok with an exciting paddle raise, to a festive Patio Celebration with live music and chef-prepared fare, to a thrilling musical revue on the Olsen Stage and an after-party under the stars.
Dinner seating is in high demand and is extremely limited. We invite you to explore the many ways to be part of this vibrant and meaningful evening!
Every moment supports the Sharon Playhouse Fund—sustaining live theater, arts education, and our campus in Northwest Connecticut, and ensuring the Playhouse continues to thrive as a creative home for artists, students, and audiences alike.
Honoring Skip Barber
We are proud to honor Skip Barber, a remarkable community leader and champion of the arts.
Best known as the founder of the Skip Barber Racing School and a steward of Lime Rock Park, Skip’s impact extends far beyond motorsport. As a dedicated Sharon Playhouse board member and Treasurer, he has been a passionate advocate for the arts and their power to inspire and strengthen community.
Introducing The Spotlight Spirit Award
This year, we are honored to introduce the Spotlight Spirit Award, celebrating individuals whose generosity and belief in live theater illuminate the heart of the Playhouse.
We are thrilled to present the inaugural award to Sarah Combs.
A founding member of Tri-Arts—the organization that became the Sharon Playhouse—Sarah has helped shape the very foundation of this institution. Her decades of service reflect a legacy of vision, dedication, and love for the arts that continues to inspire us all.
Choose Your Gala Experience
With multiple ways to attend, there’s an option to suit every guest.
Availability is limited and demand is high—secure your place today!
Reserve Early!
Option One | Gala Dinner & Performance | 5:00 PM
Begin the evening with cocktails and a festive, sumptuous seated dinner by Rita Welch Catering in The Bok, featuring a special performance by members of our YouthStage Company and a lively fundraising celebration led by Paul Florez-Taylor in support of the Sharon Playhouse Fund. Then enjoy premium seating for the gala performance, followed by the After-Party on the Patio.
Dinner tables and seating are extremely limited!
Option Two | Patio Celebration & Performance | 6:30 PM
Join us for a vibrant Patio Celebration where the evening comes to life with live jazz music performed by Ram Miles and Joe Finn, great company, and the irresistible aroma of food fresh off the grill provided by Rita Welch Catering.
Enjoy live music alongside a delicious, chef-prepared menu of small plates served fresh on site, featuring a variety of sliders hot off the grill—including pulled pork, burgers, and vegetarian options—along with flavorful bites, seasonal sides, and a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres.
Relax, mingle, and savor a festive, open-air experience before heading into the Olsen Theater for our exciting gala performance—and continuing the celebration under the stars.
Option Three | Performance Only | 8:00 PM
Join us for the gala performance in the Olsen Theater, a thrilling musical revue featuring extraordinary talent and special guests, followed by the After-Party on the Patio.
Unable to attend? You can still be part of the evening.
Support the Playhouse
Your support sustains live theater, arts education, and community in Northwest Connecticut.
Producing Opportunities
Contact Engage@SharonPlayhouse.org for underwriting and producing opportunities for the Gala or the season ahead.
The tax-deductible portion of each ticket is the amount paid above the fair market value of goods and services received. A detailed receipt will be provided at the time of purchase.