Tickets on Sale for Lit & Wit Comedy Fundraiser in Westport, June 7
Aline Weiller and Alyssa Katz have always liked to write…and laugh. The two met through Westport Writers’ Workshop (WWW) instructor, Marcelle Soviero, and a fast friendship — and comedy show producing team — was born. Both WWW alum were familiar with the organization’s outreach program (where underserved populations/communities are given pro bono writing workshops), so they brainstormed Lit & Wit: A Comedy Night Fundraiser to further the initiative. Aline wordsmithed the show’s title, then reached out to fellow comedian, Westporter, and brand identity expert, Jerry Kuyper (jerrykuyper.com), to create the apropos logo. The result — a catchy name and clever image for a positive, community-building evening.
“Westport Writers’ Workshop is beyond excited to present Lit & Wit, a wonderful night of comedy along the stunning Saugatuck River. Comedians, though primarily known for their humor, are inherent writers and Lit & Wit will showcase a wonderful mix of these two gifts. We welcome one and all to what we hope to become an upbeat, annual event,” said Blake Schnirring, Executive Director, Westport Writers’ Workshop.
Lit & Wit’s performers include New York headliner, Karen Bergreen, an entertaining lawyer-turned-comedian. A stand-up veteran of over two decades, she’s performed on The View, Comedy Central, and USA Networks, among others. In addition, Karen is a sought after regular at Gotham Comedy Club, The Comic Strip, and Broadway Comedy Club in Manhattan. Karen, too, is an accomplished writer who has penned two acclaimed novels: Perfect is Overrated and Following Polly which have earned praise from The New York Times and O Magazine. Karen has also co-authored the non-fiction work, Young, Funny and Unbalanced: A Stand-Up Comedy Guide for Teens. All three books have received high ratings on Goodreads.com. She’s also written articles for More Magazine, Hampton Beach Magazine, Huffington Post, and Brown Paper Bag. In addition, Karen co-hosts the podcast, Shut Up Mommy’s Talking, a comedic parenting show, and can be followed on Instagram @bergreenkaren.
The other twelve comics have performed in both Connecticut and New York and include: Heidi Aishman (Emcee), Denise DiGrigoli, Mat Orefice, Barbara Miller, Blaine Langberg, Eileen Fickes, Lee Emery, Alyssa Katz, Liz Austin, Laurie Newkirk, Frankie Fuhrman, and Aline Weiller. Most met through The Ridgefield Playhouse, performing with Christine O’Leary’s Team Greenlight Comedy (christineoleary.com), others via Manhattan Comedy School (manhattancomedyschool.com).
“Alyssa and I are thrilled to produce the first Lit & Wit which promises belly laughs while supporting a noble cause — the best kind of win-win. As writers, we’re happy to help fund Westport Writers’ Workshop outreach program and share this talented line-up with the Westport community and beyond. Lit & Wit promises to be a hot ticket and laugh-filled night stand-up enthusiasts won’t want to miss,” said Aline Weiller, Lit & Wit Co-Producer
The evening’s host, Westport Writers’ Workshop, is an independent literary arts center offering enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as free literary readings to the public. The organization also provides free workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. For more information about WWW, visit westportwriters.org. For Lit & Wit tickets, go to https://www.westportwriters.org/product-page/lit-wit-a-comedy-night-fundraiser.
Photo shows (l to r) Executive Director of Westport Writers’ Workshop, Blake Schnirring, and Board Member and Event Co-Chair, Beth Criswell