Recap of Saturday’s “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton,” at Westport Country Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse’s one-night-only benefit concert, “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton,” was on Saturday, September 9, at 8 p.m.

Tony, Oscar, and Grammy award-winning composer, Justin Paul headlined the fundraising event. The Westport native is best known for his work on “La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “The Greatest Showman.” Paul’s other credits include television’s “Only Murders in the Building,” season three.

Others appearing in the benefit concert were Tony Award winners Kelli O’Hara (“The King and I”) and James Naughton (“City of Angels,” “Chicago”). They were joined by Greg Naughton, founding member of folk-rock group The Sweet Remains

Also performing were friends from Paul’s films, stage musicals, and other creative projects. They included Loren Allred (vocalist for the song “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack and film); Andrew Barth Feldman (Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen” in title role); Jessie -Bailey (Broadway’s “Waitress,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”); Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore (NBC television’s “The Wiz Live!,” “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”); Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge! The Musical!”; television’s “Schmigadoon!”); and Jessica Vosk (Elphaba in “Wicked,” both on tour and in the 15th Anniversary Broadway company).

Other talents included Raissa Katona Bennett (Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera,” “Chess in Concert”); Ben Fankhauser (Broadway’s “Newsies”; Encores!’ “Mack & Mabel”); Jacob Heimer (Broadway’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”); and Stacie Morgain Lewis (Broadway’s “Wicked,” “Sunday in the Park with George”).

Justin Paul graduated from Westport’s Staples High School in 2003, and was a member of Staples Players. Twelve current Staples Players were in the concert’s opening and closing numbers.

Director was Caley Beretta (senior manager of creative development at Disney Theatrical Group), producer Ben Frimmer (theatre arts teacher for Westport Schools); and music director Mat Eisenstein (associate conductor/keyboard for Broadway’s “Some Like It Hot”).  A post-performance party included Paul and other concert artists.

Event sponsor was Barbara K. Streicker. Liquor for post-show event was donated by SoNo 1420 American Craft Distillers. 2023 Media Sponsor is Moffly Media.  

Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All proceeds from this fundraising event will support the professional theater, its work on stage and throughout the community.

A complete schedule of Playhouse events is available at westportplayhouse.org. All titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.

For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), Instagram (wcplayhouse), and YouTube (WestportPlayhouse). Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.