New Canaan Town Players Benefit Performance Raises $18,000

NEW CANAAN, CT — A recent Town Players of New Canaan benefit performance of "Ordinary People" raised $18,000 to support the New Canaan Urgent Assessment Program.

According to a news release provided by the town players, this number may yet increase as any donations made to Town Players through Sunday will also benefit the NCUA.

The benefit performance took place Feb. 25 and included a buffet dinner and drinks at the Carriage Barn Arts Center prior to the 8 p.m. show. More than 100 community members attended, according to the town players.

A collaboration between the town of New Canaan and Silver Hill Hospital, the NCUA connects those in urgent need of mental health treatment with a timely, psychiatric assessment and tailored referral for ongoing care. The program requires zero out-of-pocket costs from New Canaan residents for the assessment, according to the town players.

"We are extremely grateful to the community for partnering with us to get people talking about mental health and to raise support for the NCUA program," Patricia Spugani, director of community outreach for the Town Players, said in a news release. "Through Ordinary People's powerful story and the immediacy of live theatre, we contributed to an important public conversation. Our post-show discussions led by Silver Hill Hospital have been especially inspiring and eye-opening, as audience members and cast have shared personal and heartfelt stories about anxiety, depression, suicide, hope and recovery. We hope the conversation continues."

Ordinary People runs through Sunday at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park. Its final performances are as follows:

• Friday, March 3 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, March 4 at 2 p.m. A free performance for teens. It includes a post-show audience discussion with the director and cast, led by Dr. Andrew Gerber, president and medical director of Silver Hill Hospital. Adults are welcome to attend (with a regular ticket purchase) if they are accompanying or invited by a teen. To reserve teen seats and purchase adult tickets, click here.

• Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. Includes a post-show audience discussion with the director and cast led by Dr. Michael Groat, chief clinical officer at Silver Hill Hospital.

More information and tickets are available at tpnc.org/shows/ordinary-people.