Playwright A. R. ("Pete") Gurney, who has had 14 of his plays staged at Westport Country Playhouse, will be celebrated at the Playhouse's annual fundraiser, "A Perfect Party: A Gala Evening Honoring A. R. Gurney," on the evening of Monday, September 22. Westport's Arthur Levitt, a valued trustee and longtime supporter of the Playhouse, will also be honored with the Playhouse Leadership Award.
Gala hosts will be Jim Simpson, artistic director of The Flea Theater, which has produced eight Gurney plays, and Simpson's wife acclaimed film and stage actress Sigourney Weaver.
Proceeds will benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 84th season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community. The gala includes a one-night-only performance by Broadway talent to be announced at a later date, and surprise guests.
"Pete Gurney has enjoyed a long and successful career in the American Theater---one that has brought decades of wit, laughter, tears, and insight to audiences across the country and around the world," said Mark Lamos, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. "The Playhouse has been a particular and proud beneficiary of many of his plays and premieres, which have delighted our audiences season after season."
Gurney, a Connecticut resident, has been writing plays for over fifty years. Among them are "Love Letters," "Children," and "The Dining Room." In 2012, he won a Drama Desk Award for the body of his work. Gurney is a member of the Theatre Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has honorary degrees from Williams College and Buffalo State University, and taught literature at M.I.T. for many years.
"Arthur Levitt's contributions to our community are legendary," stated Lamos. "He played a vital role in the campaign to bring new life to the Playhouse. He was the longest-serving chairman of the SEC and is advisor to some of the world's most important financial institutions, as well as a friend and college classmate of our other honoree, A.R.Gurney, at Williams College."
A cocktail party will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. performance. Dinner with the evening's artists and special guests will be at 8:30 p.m. A silent auction will be on-going throughout the evening. Attire is festive; black tie optional.
The Gala Committee co-chairs are Judy Phares and Katia Friend, both of Westport. Karen Parrella of Weston is auction chair. Mary Ellen Marpe of Westport is ticket chair.
First Niagara Bank is a Lead Corporate Sponsor. Additional corporate sponsorship packages are available.
Gala tickets range from $2,500 to $250. Benefactor level, at $2,500 per person, includes a cocktail party, highest priority seating at performance, post-performance dinner with the evening's stars, and an invitation to a Benefactor Preview Party with special guests; Patron level, at $1,000 per person, includes a cocktail party, priority seating at performance, and post-performance dinner with the evening's stars. A limited number of Supporter tickets are available at $250 per person and include a cocktail party and the evening's performance. For more gala information or ticket purchases, contact Elizabeth Marks Juviler, special events manager, at (203) 571-1293 or ejuviler@westportplayhouse.org.