Gravitte Is Bringing Her Broadway Style

To Playhouse For The Holidays

RIDGEFIELD — When the Associated Press called Debbie Gravitte “one of the best voices on Broadway,” it could have also added “and one of Ridgefield’s crown jewels” to the description. Ms Gravitte not only lives in Ridgefield, but has embraced the community… not an easy thing to do when you’re traveling around the country belting out Gershwin, Berlin and Rodgers and Hart.

But winning such awards as a Tony and the New York Showstopper Award hasn’t stopped Ms Gravitte from bringing her expertise to the town she calls home-this time in “Holiday Spectacular!” at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts on Friday, December 5, at 7 pm, and Saturday, December 6, at 3 pm.

“I’m a great believer in The Playhouse and what it’s doing for our community,” says Ms Gravitte. “I love to sing there and would sing there every weekend if I could. But we as a community have this incredible base of talent, from kids on up and I thought it would be great to have a community-based show.”

 “This is a busy time of the year,” says Ms Gravitte, “and I’m thrilled that people have taken time out from their busy schedule to do this.” Ms Gravitte is working with Victor Mathews, who is directing the show and Russ Kassoff, the show’s musical director. Similar to Ms Gravitte, both have worked in the professional arena and are bringing a true sense of expertise to the production.

About 40 young participants will join Ms Gravitte onstage.

“It’s exactly what I had hoped for,” says Ms Gravitte. “I walked in one day and heard the kids singing and started crying. I really think that people are going to be blown away.”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children.

For more information about “Holiday Spectacular!” or to purchase tickets call The Playhouse box office at 438-5795. The playhouse is in Ridgefield’s former high school building, at 80 East Ridge.