Written by SMCR Marketing
The Newtowne Players and Southern Maryland Community Resources have built a partnership on song and dance. On Wednesday, May 15 theater-goers from the community sat down for a very unique evening of music and lights. The Newtowne Players performed selections from their recent show “A Night on Broadway” to an energetic audience filled with residents from The Center for Life Enrichment and The Arc of Southern Maryland, as well as other community members with developmental differences enjoying a night out with family.
As if the fantastic show wasn’t enough, SMCR’s members were also treated to dinner. Mission BBQ graciously donated pulled pork, chicken, green beans, cornbread and more to round out an evening of true dinner theater in St. Mary’s County for the hungry crowd.
After dinner, the crowd took their places in the Three Notch Theatre’s brand new red seats. The lights dimmed, the musical began and members of SMCR were treated to a slice of Broadway here in Lexington Park. Singers Marina Broome-Eason, Erich Engel, Sarah Gravelle, Christine Kalil, Autumn Mallory, and Hunter Martin entertained the audience with selections from various Broadway shows like “Aladdin”, “Hamilton”, “Evita” and many others.
SMCR’s Executive Director Bonnie Elward credits Board Member Kristin Kauffman with the partnership idea. “This started as a spark of an idea she had, and when she mentioned it to the directorial team, everyone knew that this was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up,” Elward said. Kauffman, Marketing Manager at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, immediately involved the credit union in planning and sponsoring the event. “May 16 marked the one year anniversary of this wonderful partnership,” said Elward. “A Night on Broadway” is The Newtowne Players’ third performance for this crowd since May of 2018.
By the end of the performance that evening, the audience was cheering. “This was wonderful” said Susan Shannon, mother of SMCR member Melanie. “It was so relaxing to go [to the show] and know that my daughter can just be herself. It’s hard to explain, but I’m very grateful.” SMCR would like to extend many thanks to The Newtowne Players, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union and Mission BBQ for making this night possible for over 100 members, caregivers and community supporters.