Long Wharf Theatre Celebrates Trustee Louise Engel's 90th Birthday, 6/3

 

One recent Friday night, something strange happened to Louise Endel – she didn't have any plans. For Louise, it's a pretty rare night where she doesn't have a meeting or an event for one of the many community organizations at which she's volunteered for over the years. 

"I sat home that night and I didn't much like it," she joked. 

In honor of her tremendous service to Long Wharf Theatre as a member of the Board of Trustees, the theatre will celebrate Louise's 90th birthday at its annual Gala on Friday, June 3, at 6 p.m. NewAlliance Bank/First Niagara is the presenting sponsor of the event. 

Louise, a longtime, devoted Long Wharf Theatre trustee, has been a member of 56 community boards and currently serves on at least six boards, including Long Wharf Theatre, The Elm Shakespeare Company, LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership), Friends of the New Haven Free Public Library, the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, and the advisory board of All Our Kin. She was Vice President of the Urban League for many years. Her volunteer work actually began in the political realm and spread through all aspects of New Haven society. "I work with organizations I absolutely believe in," she said. 

Endel grew up in a household where volunteerism was an inherent part of life. "My father volunteered as president of the Board of Education and my mom volunteered for everything," she said. "I love meeting smart people and this is the way to keep doing that."

Endel isn't a passive member of these organizations – in many instances, she's been involved at the creation of some of greater New Haven's most prestigious organizations, including Creative Arts Workshop among many others. She was also one of the founders of the Panel of American Women, serving 25 years with the group, which deals with issues of prejudice. "I love to see that many of the organizations are still successful," she said. 

In addition to honoring Louise, The Midtown Men – four stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys – will display their dazzling 1960s-era musical artistry as the headliners of the Gala. The Midtown Men took Broadway by storm in one of the biggest hits of all time. Now they're together again, taking their sensational sound on the road. Audiences across the country are raving about this one of a kind concert experience celebrating the music of the 1960s with classic songs by the Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more.

The performance will be followed with a lovely dinner and a silent auction featuring a wide array of unique experiences, hard to find tickets and other valuable items, will take place as well. 

For more information about the Gala or to buy tickets, call Jenny Dupre at 203-772-8265 or visit  www.longwharf.org. For more information about the Midtown Men, visit www.themidtownmen.com. 

 

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