In 1975, Oddfellows Playhouse was started by four Wesleyan students: Alida Jay, Nat Needle, Sandy Cohen and Amy Bloom. Over the years, through the commitment of the community and the hard work of many volunteers and staff, Oddfellows Playhouse grew to be Connecticut's largest youth theater. More than that, Oddfellows became a safe home for many children to grow into themselves, find their voice and live.
On Thursday June 17, Oddfellows Playhouse will host a 35th Birthday Gala Celebration at St. Clement's Castle in Portland. The evening will feature a silent and live auction to raise $40,000 to keep Oddfellows' programs accessible to all students all year long. The Board of Directors will also present the 1st Distinguished Alumni Award to a Special Guest (more on that soon!)
The Middlesex county community has recognized Oddfellows role in the lives of young people for a very long time. Connecticut State Representative Matthew Lesser – (D) 100th District, a member of Oddfellows Playhouse’s Board of Directors believes, “Oddfellows is a cultural gem and a wonderful resource for young people in Middletown and around Connecticut.
Working with Oddfellows’ Board of Directors and staff in organizing this Gala evening is an Honorary Board of distinguished civic and business leaders: Larry McHugh, President of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce; Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro; Congressman John Larson; Mayor Sebastian Giuliano; CT Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz; Mark Masselli, President/CEO of the Community Health Center; Rich Barry, President of Citizens Bank CT; Chandler Howard, President/CEO of Liberty Bank; Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University; Wilfredo Nieves, President of Middlesex Community College; and Dr. Arthur “Bud” McDowell, Vice President, Clinical Services at Middlesex Hospital.
When asked about the large show of community support for Oddfellows Playhouse, Larry McHugh, President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce said, “It is important that our community celebrates the success of an organization like Oddfellows Playhouse. Their presence in our community makes this a place people want to live. Oddfellows provides a fun, healthy environment for our young people. They learn more than simply how to act – they learn how to live.”
Congressman John Larson took the time give his thoughts on the exciting milestone, “I congratulate the Oddfellows Playhouse on its 35th birthday. The organization has been a stalwart partner in the Middletown region and throughout the state in providing children and young adults a terrific educational experience in the arts and culture. Participants in the Playhouse’s productions and classes acquire skills and personal growth through the arts that shapes them into better leaders and citizens. We all look forward to the next 35 years.”
Oddfellows Playhouse 35th Birthday Gala Celebration is made possible through the generous support of Pratt & Whitney (Gold Sponsor), Liberty Bank (Silver Sponsor), Centerplan Companies, Citizens Bank, Community Health Centers, Inc, Middlesex Hospital, and Young's Printing (Bronze Sponsors).
For more information on the event visit the 35th Gala Celebration website here or email 35gala@oddfellows.org.
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