LENOX, MA (July 2, 2025) — WAM Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2025 Benefit Celebration, Shamelessly Gorgeous Summer Soirée, happening on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 11:30am to 2:30pm in collaboration with Berkshire Muse at the stunning Doctor Sax House in Lenox. WAM welcomes gender equity and arts supporters to step out in their shamelessly gorgeous, summer garden party looks, and join WAM for an elegant brunch style gathering in the heart of the Berkshires.
“We’re honored to partner with WAM for their annual gala that celebrates bold creativity, community, and change,” shared Kelly Binder, Owner of Doctor Sax House, and WAM Benefit Committee Member. “At Doctor Sax House, we believe in the power of art to shape culture, and this affair promises to be a moment where elegance meets purpose and joy. Now is the time to use our voices, and WAM’s dedication to theatre as philanthropy and gender equity continues to inspire us.”
Guests can expect to savor artfully crafted summer bites and decadent brunch delights, all while sipping on Doctor Sax’s signature soirée cocktails. In true WAM fashion, the gathering honors an extraordinary female changemaker — award-winning playwright Pearl Cleage (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous) — for the inaugural presentation of The Pearl Award given to a fearless woman who has dedicated her life to empowering women and girls. The magic doesn’t stop there! Guests will be treated to the lush, irresistible, pop melodies of Silhouettes, a brand-new musical by Jordan Ealey with music by Ari Afsar — the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon in the Berkshires.
“When I dream of summer in the Berkshires, I’m thinking about breathtaking art, beautiful landscapes, cocktails with girlfriends, surrounded by laughter and amazing food – this event is all that and more,” said Molly Merrihew, WAM’s Managing Director, “I hope you’ll join us for a fun and meaningful day as we celebrate the women artists and activists who continue to break new ground in our community. My work with WAM reminds me every day that change is possible when we invest in and empower women and girls – in their creativity, leadership, and artistry. This event is a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose: creating opportunity.”
“The awards presented are one-of-a-kind glass sculpture pieces by Natalie Tyler, whose work is currently being showcased at Chesterwood, and previously seen locally at TurnPark, The Mount, and Berkshire Museum,” continued Merrhew. “A gallery wall of collages and other artworks will feature women artists including Andrea Nunes. This special event is sponsored by Berkshire Muse, Doctor Sax House, and WomenArts.”
“When women gather, change follows,” says WAM Artistic Director Genée Coreno. “There’s something deeply empowering about creating space for women artists to share the stories only they can tell — stories that show us what’s possible when we fully claim our talent, our leadership, and one another. This event honors all the beautiful ways a story can live — a photograph, a collage, a poem, a new musical, an act of advocacy, a moment of celebration. The Summer Soirée is our way of saying: We see you. We believe in you. We will hold you, invest in you, and walk beside you until you are standing exactly where you are called to be. This is how we build lasting change — together.”
“We dream about what will happen as more and more women artists gain the resources they need to express their creativity fully. We are convinced that they will change the world,” added Martha Richards, WomenArts Founder & Executive Director.
The Summer Soirée Benefit Committee includes Ellen Beck, Kelly Binder (Host), Carolyn Butler, McCaela Donovan, Lauren Fritscher (Host), Elizabeth Nelson, Karen Richards, and Susanna Sharpe. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Genée Coreno and Executive Director Molly Merrihew.
WAM Artistic Director Genée Coreno reflects on the upcoming reading, “This story leapt off the page, under my skin, and into the more tender spaces of my heart. I knew I had to direct this play. Berryman offers a poignant exploration of modern motherhood—especially for women discovering themselves as artists.” Coreno continues, “Alien Girls speaks to those navigating the intricate terrain between creativity, identity, and the lives we choose to lead and not to lead—those parallel selves that continue to orbit our present.”
WAM Theatre’s Fresh Takes Play Reading Series spotlights new plays that provoke dialogue around social justice and gender equity. Alien Girls exemplifies the theatre’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives and to celebrate the complexity of women’s lives, choices, and creativity.
Featured Artists at the event include: Iÿcia Bacon (Poet), Noh Bailey (poet), Pearl Cleage (Playwright), Andrea Nunes (Collage Artist), Elizabeth Nelson (Paper Sculpture Artist), Natalie Tyler (Glass Sculpture Artist), Jordan Ealey (Playwright & Performer), Ari Afsar (Composer & Performer), Angela Santillo (poet), Susanna Sharpe (Graphic Artist), and more.
WAM Theatre’s 2025 Board of Directors includes Erica Barreto, Deb Brothers,
Bryan Binder, Eden-Reneé Hayes, Molly Hennighausen, Sarah LaDuke,
Shela Levante, Andrea Nunes, Edi Pasalis, Richard Tovell, Nicole M. Young-Martin; and Board Member Emeritus: Ashley Berridge, Carolyn Butler, Margaret Fluhr, Donna Haghighat, Wendy Healey, Lynn Festa, Arwen Lowbridge, Megan Sandberg-Zakian, Diane Scott,
Kim Stauffer, Tammy Valicenti, and Kristen van Ginhoven (Founding Artistic Director).
TICKETS
Tickets start at $300, with a Gold Ticket at $500, and a limited number of $100 Tickets are available to Artists & Activists of the Berkshire Community. Individuals who cannot make the event, but still want to support WAM’s Mission can sponsor an Artists Activist Ticket. All proceeds support WAM Theatre’s Community Engagement Program and their exciting 2026 Season of Women Artists. Visit wamtheatre.com/summer-soiree/ to purchase tickets.
AT A GLANCE
WAM’s 2025 Benefit Celebration, Shamelessly Gorgeous Summer Soirée, happening on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 11:30am to 2:30pm in collaboration with Berkshire Muse at the stunning Doctor Sax House, 35 Walker Street in Lenox.
SCHEDULE
Sunday, July 27 from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM at Doctor Sax House, 35 Walker Street in Lenox, MA.
MORE ABOUT THE SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS SUMMER SOIRÉE TEAM:
Summer Soirée Benefit Committee: Ellen Beck, Kelly Binder (Host), Carolyn Butler, McCaela Donovan, Lauren Fritscher (Host), Elizabeth Nelson, Karen Richards, and Susanna Sharpe.
Summer Soirée Featured Artists: Iÿcia Bacon (Poet), Noh Bailey (poet), Pearl Cleage (Playwright), Andrea Nunes (Collage Artist), Elizabeth Nelson (Paper Sculpture Artist), Natalie Tyler (Glass Sculpture Artist), Jordan Ealey (Playwright & Performer), Ari Afsar (Composer & Performer), Angela Santillo (poet), Susanna Sharpe (Graphic Artist), and more.
WAM Theatre Leadership: Genée Coreno and Molly Merrihew
WAM Theatre Team: Sabine Denise Jacques, C. Jade Nicholas, and Erin Patrick
WAM Theatre Board of Directors: Erica Barreto, Deb Brothers,
Bryan Binder, Eden-Reneé Hayes, Molly Hennighausen, Sarah LaDuke,
Shela Levante, Andrea Nunes, Edi Pasalis, Richard Tovell, Nicole M. Young-Martin.
Board Member Emeritus: Ashley Berridge, Carolyn Butler, Margaret Fluhr, Donna Haghighat, Wendy Healey, Lynn Festa, Arwen Lowbridge, Megan Sandberg-Zakian, Diane Scott,
Kim Stauffer, Tammy Valicenti, and Kristen van Ginhoven (Founding Artistic Director).
MORE ABOUT BERKSHIRE MUSE
Berkshire Muse is a creative event planning company dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences. Specializing in designing bespoke gatherings that celebrate the cultural richness of the Berkshires. a creative collaborator, Berkshire Muse partners with local businesses, artists, and visionaries to curate unique, immersive experiences that inspire connection and leave a lasting impression. At the heart of everything Berkshire Muse does is a deep commitment to community — bringing people together through meaningful moments that feel both personal and unforgettable.
MORE ABOUT DOCTOR SAX HOUSE
Doctor Sax House is a boutique inn in the heart of historic Lenox, offering modern comforts with a sense of character and soul. With a chic bar, and an elegant farm-to-table restaurant, dulu, the property blends the intimacy of an inn with the energy of a metropolitan club. More than just a place to stay, Doctor Sax House is a space to gather, escape, and feel inspired. With year-round events, curated programming, and a warm, welcoming spirit, Doctor Sax invites guests and locals alike to connect, unwind, and experience the magic of the Berkshires.
MORE ABOUT WOMENARTS
WomenArts is dedicated to increasing the visibility of women artists in all art forms. We share news and information about trailblazing women artists and gender parity activists all year long through the WomenArts Blog and our Facebook page. Through our blogs, e-newsletters, and social media, we celebrate women’s creativity in all its forms. We believe in the power of women artists to create, connect, and change the world.
ABOUT WAM THEATRE
WAM Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Berkshire County, MA, that operates at the intersection of arts and activism. Now celebrating its 16th Season, WAM creates theatre for gender equity and has a vision of theatre as philanthropy. In fulfillment of its philanthropic mission, WAM donates a portion of the proceeds from their Mainstage productions to carefully selected recipients. Since WAM’s founding in 2010, they have donated more than $105,000 to 26 local and global organizations taking action for gender equity in areas such as girls education, reproductive justice, sexual trafficking awareness, midwife training, and more. WAM Theatre has been widely recognized for having a positive impact on cultural and community development in the region. WAM Theatre is certified as a women owned and operated business by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the recipient of the Creative Economy Standout Berkshire Trendsetter Award and previously, was named Outstanding Philanthropy Corporation of the Year by the Western MA Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. For more information, visit wamtheatre.com
WAM SUPPORT
WAM Theatre is certified as a women owned and operated business by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. WAM Theatre is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). WAM Theatre’s Season is also supported in part by grants from Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Brabson Education & Library Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, GKV Foundation, Lee Bank Foundation, Scarlet Sock Foundation; as well as grants from the Alford-Egremont Cultural Council, Lee Cultural Council, Lenox Cultural Council, Otis Cultural Council, Richmond Cultural Council, Sandisfield Cultural Council, Stockbridge Cultural Council, and Washington Cultural Council. WAM’s sponsors include Adams Community Bank, Blue Q., Berkshire Muse, Berkshire Roots, Blue Spark Financial, Baystate Financial Wealth & Wellness Team, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Garden Gables Inn, Guidos Fresh Marketplace, Handful Photography, Higher Bar, Mill Town Foundation, Inc., Heller & Robbins Attorneys at Law, Interprint, Onyx Specialty Papers, Outpost Productions, RB Design Co., T Square Design Studio, Toole Insurance, a. von schlegell & co, and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.