Broadway Star To Headline Hammerstein Museum Benefit In Bucks Co.

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center will present “Some Enchanted Evening,” an exclusive gala on October 19 at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Holicong. The highlight of the glamorous evening, which features cocktails, a three-course gourmet dinner, and auction, will be a concert by two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin performing songs with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

Baldwin starred as Irene Molloy opposite Bette Midler, David Hyde Pierce and Gavin Creel in the hit Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!," for which she was nominated for the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critic's Circle awards. But it was her starring role in the 2009 revival of Yip Harburg's and Burton Lane's hit classic musical, "Finian's Rainbow," which drew Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critic's Circle Award nominations and put her on the map as "a real musical theatre star." (New York Post).

She originated the role of Sandra Bloom in Big Fish on Broadway and has appeared in the Broadway casts of The Full Monty, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wonderful Town. Kate has appeared in concert with numerous symphonies, including the New York Pops, Boston Pops, National Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and the American Songbook series at Lincoln Center.

Also at the gala, Hammerstein Museum will present its first “Ockie Award,” honoring an individual, group, or nonprofit organization who embodies Oscar Hammerstein's optimism, empathy, and legacy of mentorship through education, humanitarian, or philanthropic work. “Ockie” was a nickname for Oscar Hammerstein II used by the lyricist’s close friends and family throughout his life.

Ted Chapin, the winner of the inaugural Ockie Award.

The recipient of the inaugural Ockie Award will be Ted Chapin, former President of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization and a member of the museum’s Honorary Advisory Board. During his tenure at R&H, Chapin oversaw eight Tony Award-winning Broadway revivals and several television specials. He serves on many boards, including the American Theatre Wing, New York City Center, the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, and was the head of the Advisory Committee for the Encores! series.

The October 19 gala supports the museum and theatre education center’s restoration of Highland Farm in Doylestown - Oscar Hammerstein II's primary residence and creative epicenter - and the museum’s educational programs and general operating expenses.

The nonprofit has achieved significant milestones this year, including the recent acquisition of Hammerstein’s iconic standing desk into its collections. Donated by Hammerstein grandchildren Melinda Mathias Walsh and Peter Mathias, the desk was placed on public display for the first time anywhere this August at the museum. The nonprofit’s growing educational programming includes the International Youth Solo Contest, the Bucks County Youth Playwriting Contest, and the Getting to Know Oscar Hammerstein II traveling workshop.

The evening will include silent and live auctions featuring curated experiences including a Broadway Show Package with tickets and a backstage tour for Hamilton, and an Enchanted Getaway to The French Manor resort in the Poconos.

The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, the venue for the gala, is the former estate of George S. Kaufman. Oscar
Hammerstein is known to have spent time with Kaufman here, where writers and celebrities of the time would often come for dinner or for the weekend.

The “Some Enchanted Evening” gala is being presented with generous support from Café with Soul. Kate Baldwin’s appearance is underwritten by Hammerstein Museum Board member Gregory Kammerer. Individual tickets for this not-to-be-missed fundraising event are $500 per person. Tables and sponsorships are offered with a variety of benefits. Visit the Hammerstein Museum website by clicking here. Hammerstein Museum is a registered non-profit organization, and a portion of ticket purchases are tax-deductible.