A Broadway performer, a bread shop owner and a human resources executive have been elected to the Ridgefield Playhouse board of directors.
The new board members include Katie Diamond, a singer, actor, writer, and producer who has written, produced and performed in numerous musical theater and cabaret shows over the past 15 years; Eric Freidenrich, new owner, with his wife, Amy, of Ross’ Bread & Artisan Bakery in Ridgefield, having purchased the artisanal bakery from Valerie and Ross Schneiderman last month; and Peggy MacMannis, senior vice president for human resources at LifeCare Inc.
Diamond’s Broadway and tour performing credits include Lorraine in Jersey Boys, The Pirate Queen (understudy for Stephanie J. Block), White Christmas, and The Wedding Banquet. She has released two solo albums (Original Passion and Down by the Riverside), and can be heard on The Pirate Queen original cast recording. Her producing/directing credits include Razzletown and Judy and Liza, both written, produced and performed by Diamond in Seattle, Wash. She lives in Ridgefield with her husband, Bill Diamond, and three children.
When asked why she wanted to become involved with the Ridgefield Playhouse as a board member, Diamond said, “Under the leadership of Allison and Scott, the Playhouse has grown to include many different genres, which is really exciting. I am a true believer in bringing the arts to our community, so being involved with the Playhouse as a board member is right up my alley! With more than 160 performances a year, including live theater for kids, top-notch singers, Met Opera broadcasts, jazz nights, and films, the Ridgefield Playhouse can’t help but be the ‘cultural center’ of Ridgefield!”
Freidenrich said, “From my first visit to the Ridgefield Playhouse, I have continually been amazed with the marquee talent the Playhouse brings to our ‘small town.’ I am a strong believer in the Playhouse’s ability to speak to everyone in our community through music, comedy, discussion, education, and film. This would not be possible without the impressive leadership organization that the Ridgefield Playhouse has built. I am thrilled to join the Ridgefield Playhouse board to continue this important work to ensure that the Playhouse remains firmly centered as the entertainment and enrichment capital of Ridgefield.”
For the past nine years, MacMannis has been responsible for leading Lifecare Inc.’s human resources organization in its strategies and initiatives that support and integrate with the company’s overall business plan and goals.
McMannis said, “As a resident of Ridgefield for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand the value that the Playhouse has brought to the town. I hope to use my professional human resource expertise to assist the Playhouse as it continues to grow. I am truly honored and excited to be a part of the board. The Playhouse provides entertainment from all genres that appeal to all generations.”