In 1935, a group of creative Newtowners decided to start a theater group to raise money for town needs and enjoy each other’s company. On Saturday, October 17, the public is invited to spend an evening with current members of that company — Town Players of Newtown — to celebrate the oldest continuously-operating community theater in Connecticut.

Town Players will host an 80th anniversary celebration at Newtown Country Club, 2 Country Club Road. The event will run from 6 to 9 pm.

Tickets are $50 each, and will cover hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. There will be live music by The Phil Bowler Trio  and comedy songs by stars of the Town Players stage. Timothy Huebenthal, vice chair and long an active member of Town Players, will serve as host and emcee.

The evening will have a 1930s sound and vibe to it, throwing back to the era of those who saw and fulfilled a need for resident theater lovers.

The evening will also include a silent auction and raffle.

Reservations can be secured by check, which should be mailed to Town Players, PO Box 211, Newtown CT 06470; or done online at newtownplayers.org.

Proceeds will benefit the construction of a new stage for the theater company, which operates out of The Little Theatre on Orchard Hill Road.