Howard J. Aibel to Receive Leadership Award at Westport Country Playhouse Annual Gala, 9/16

Arts advocate and philanthropist Howard J. Aibel of Weston will be honored with the Westport Country Playhouse Leadership Award at the theater's annual fundraising gala on the evening of Monday, September 16.

"I am so pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate Howard Aibel at our Gala," said Michael Ross, Playhouse managing director. "Not only has he been a lifelong supporter of the performing arts, but he has been instrumental to the success and vibrancy of Westport Country Playhouse through so much of its history. Howard is an inspiration in both his commitment as a philanthropist, and his passionate advocacy for the organizations he believes in - The Playhouse included - motivating others to join him in his support."

Currently a Playhouse board of trustees vice chair, Aibel is actively committed to The Playhouse's stability, growth, and effectiveness, consistently going above and beyond in supporting the theater's mission since joining the board in 2005. Recently retired from his dispute resolution practice, he previously retired as a partner of what is now, Dewey & LeBoeuf, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of ITT Corporation.

In addition to his dedication to The Playhouse, Aibel serves the community in other volunteer leadership roles. He was chairman of the Dean's advisory committee at the University of Bridgeport's School of Law, and represented the UB Law School on the University's board of trustees. He is currently a member of the Conservation Commission of the Town of Weston, and a trustee of Sacred Heart University, Fairfield. Aibel served two terms as president of the Harvard Law School Association of New York and is a former vice president-at-large of the Harvard Law School Association. He was reunion gift chair for the 45th, 50th, and 55th reunions of the HLS Class of 1951, achieving a then record level for the 50th reunion gifts. Aibel served two terms as a member of the visiting committee of the Northwestern School of Law. He is chairman emeritus of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/NY, a theatrical arts service and advocacy organization for the not-for-profit theater industry in New York.

As previously announced, The Playhouse's annual gala, entitled, "Sophisticated Lady: A Gala Evening Honoring Phylicia Rashad," will also honor the Tony Award-winner, who directed Westport Country Playhouse's "A Raisin in the Sun" last fall. Among the guests currently planning to attend the gala are celebrated artists Michael Cerveris, Darius de Haas, Danielle Ferland, Joanna Gleason, James Naughton, Steven Pasquale, Christopher Plummer, Chris Sarandon, and Christopher Walken,

The Playhouse gala will include a cocktail party 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. Festive evening attire is suggested.

Proceeds will benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 83rd season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community. The Gala Committee co-chairs are Katia and John Friend and Judy and Scott Phares, all of Westport. Karen Parrella of Weston is auction chair.

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 at a private home; 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, which include a cocktail party and the performance, are available at $250 per person. Corporate sponsorship packages are available. For more gala information or ticket purchases, contact Elizabeth Marks Juviler, special events coordinator, at (203) 227-5137, ext. 123, or ejuviler@westportplayhouse.org.

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