Who Doesn't Like to Eat and See a Broadway show?

If you like to munch, mingle, and make donations that support the best youth theater in Connecticut, we’ve got the event for you! If you missed it last year—Oddfellows is willing to forgive you for that— or came and hoped we would do it again, you are in luck. On Thursday, June 6 from 6-9 pm, Oddfellows Playhouse will be hosting Food Improv: Where the Performing Arts Meets the Culinary Arts- Take 2!, at the Wadsworth Mansion.


 Let WNPR Connecticut Public Radio Host and Correspondent Lucy Nalpathanchil guide you through the evening and talk to you about the everyday difference Oddfellows Playhouse is making with the 1,200 children served each year. Oddfellows Playhouse uses the performing arts to make meaningful impacts and build life-long skills in children. The event highlights the similarities between the performing arts and culinary arts: learning how to work as a team, dedication, poise under pressure, responsibility, and especially how to improvise. 

 Attending Food Improv raises money for Oddfellows’ scholarships and programming while simultaneously solving the mystery of “what’s for dinner?”. Ten of the best chefs, four of which were just voted Best in Hartford by The Advocate, use previous Oddfellows productions as inspiration for their tasting-style dishes. Attendees will be able to try food from: Riverhouse at Goodspeed, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, The Lace Factory, Cold Stone Creamery of Middletown, Lan Chi, Mattabesset Canoe Club, Lucky Taco, New England Emporium, NoRA Cupcake Company and Tschudin’s Chocolates & Confections. When you are feeling a little parched, or want to cleanse the palate, you can try RIPE Craft Bar Juice and Onyx Moonshine’s signature cocktail, The Actor’s Nightmare. 

 “The event is more than just eating.” says event Co-chair Mary Murphy, “We are there to raise money to support the programs. Support the kids. This organization has been helping kids for 38 years and we want to show just how big a difference Oddfellows can make. With that in mind, I am very excited to announce that at the auction we have a very special item up for bid, 2 tickets to see the sold out Book of Mormon on Broadway in New York City. These are not just any pair of tickets. The winners will be given a private backstage tour of the theater and stage prior to the show by Oddfellows alum Michael Zaleski,

who is the Assistant Stage Manager of the show! We think this is a really neat opportunity to experience first-hand how Oddfellows made a difference.” 

 “These opportunities, this event, owes a great deal of thanks from our sponsors, Citizen’s Bank, Connecticut Rental Center, the law offices of Farrell, Geenty, Sheeley, Boccalatte & Guarino, PC”, and the law offices of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy P.C.. ”says Elizabeth Cipollina, who also Co-Chairs the event. She goes on to say that “Each of these organizations has generously donated to Food Improv and we can’t thank them enough for all they have done. 

 Tickets for the event are $75 for individuals and $125 for couples. All proceeds from your ticket will go directly to benefiting Oddfellows Playhouse. The event runs from 6 p.m.- 9pm. There will also be a live auction. If you have any questions about the event, or want to purchase tickets, you can contact Director of Development Courtney Antonioli at 860-347-6143 or email her at Courtney@oddfellows.org. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.oddfellows.org.