Opera And Lobster: A ‘Pay It Forward’ Event

The Blue Dog Lobster Roll Co. of Ridgefield is sponsoring its first “pay it forward” charity fundraising event. The purpose of the event is to raise money for local charities involved with helping the homeless in Danbury and the surrounding area. 

“The reason we are putting on the event is because we believe the size and scope of the homeless situation in Danbury and the surrounding area is not only underestimated but also growing faster than safe accommodations can be met,” said event organizer Paul Bertolami. “One hundred percent of all profits will be donated,” he promised.

“Opera and Lobster” will be held on Thursday, December 15, in The Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street. The program will begin at 7:30 pm, and will feature a concert by professional opera singers Laura Ann Heckmann and Alexandra Woodruff. The event will also include a lobster roll dinner.

Opera Singer Laura Ann Heckmann will be the featured performer at this event. Miss Heckmann, a soprano, debuted with the Northern Westchester Symphony in 2009.

She performed the role of Della in The Gift of the Magi, an operetta by John Taylor Thomas, Anne in The Dance Teacher by the same, and originated the role of Maggie in The Count and the Widow, with the Taylor Thomas Traveling Troupe. She also sang the role of Ella in Patience with the Einstein Orchestra, and the role of Siebel in Faust, to rave reviews, for Hudson Lyric Opera.

Recently she performed Olympia in Tales of Hoffman, also with Hudson Lyric Opera.

Mezzo soprano Alexandra Woodruff is currently a second-year resident artist with Dicapo Opera Theatre in New York City. Ms Woodruff performs with various opera companies throughout the tri-state area, of which her most recent work includes the roles of Giulietta and The Voice of the Mother in Les Contes d’Hoffmann with Hudson Lyric Opera. Previously this season she has performed in Amici Opera’s L’orfeo as La Musica and Rigoletto as Maddalena.

Ms Woodruff is a student of the internationally acclaimed tenor Arturo Spinetti.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Visit BlueDog.ticketleap.com/lobster or call Paul J. Bertolami at 203-885-8996 for tickets and additional information.