NEW MILFORD, Conn.—New York City-based actor Mark Lanham began a singular act of kindness. Every Saturday morning, he served free coffee to people experiencing homelessness in Manhattan’s Union Square Park.
What began as a simple gesture grew into lasting friendships, profound conversations and a journey that challenged his assumptions, deepened his faith and transformed his life. In 2023 he wrote a play about it called “Anything Helps.”
On Saturday, Aug. 22,, at 7:30 p.m., Merryall Center will present the Connecticut premiere of this play, directed by regional theater director Chris Clavelli. “Anything Helps” is the third installment of Merryall’s “To the Power of One” theater series, funded by an Arts & Culture Grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation along with support from the Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation.
In June of this year “Anything Helps” was well-praised at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles. Georgia Hawley, of The Midnight Mission, commended the play for “its authentic portrayal of people experiencing homelessness and the transformative power of compassion. The play encourages us to see beyond stereotypes and reminds us that meaningful change often begins with something as simple as showing up, listening and caring.”
In the spirit of the play’s message of generosity and community, audience members are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to the performance. Suggestions include cans of tuna or a box of cereal. All donations will benefit the New Milford Food Bank, helping local families in need while extending the themes of compassion and service beyond the stage.
The evening will include a post-performance talkback moderated by Rabbi Ari Rosenberg, director of the Association of Religious Communities (ARC) in Danbury, a leading advocate for people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Tickets are $25/$15 (student, 25 and under) and are available at merryallcenter.org. Merryall Center is located at 8 Chapel Hill Road.
