WESTPORT — The Westport Woman’s Club will host a fundraiser performance of  “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” on Friday, June 12. Attendees will enjoy an evening of comedy and conversation and the funds raised will help pay for the club’s community initiatives. 

Beginning that evening at 5:30 p.m. with complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres, followed by the performance beginning at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Mark S. Graham and written and performed by Chris Fuller and Gary Betsworth, “Cheese Fries” is described as combining “rapid-fire comedy with emotional honesty in a deeply human story about bipolar disorder, resilience, healing and hope,” per the club’s release.

The show follows Fuller’s lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour and navigating his own challenges with bipolar disorder and nonstop commentary inside his own head, along with his ‘eccentric spiritual guru’, a golf coach described as a clone of Mr. Rogers, an unforgiving Russian ballet teacher and the moments that lead Fuller on the path to healing.

“What makes the show especially unique is that the inner voice we all live with is actually brought to life onstage,” the club wrote in their release. “Gary Betsworth’s “IV” interrupts, advises, criticizes, comforts, jokes, and occasionally sabotages Chris in real time — becoming a funny and touching reflection of the inner dialogue shared by all human beings.”

After the conclusion of the performance, there will be a special dialogue and discussion regarding mental health and breaking the stigma surrounding it with two physicians from The Shores Mental Health division of Hartford HealthCare: Dr. Mario Russo-Appel and Dr. Tobias Wasser. The conversation aims to offer attendees a chance to continue engaging with the themes of compassion, recovery and hope.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased by either calling 203-227-4240 or online through the Westport Woman’s Club website and event page.

Cheese Fries & Chili Dips

Friday, June 12
Hors d’oeuvres & beverages: 5:30 p.m.
Performance: 6:30 p.m.
Special Talkback: Immediately following the performance
Tickets: $25.00
Ticket Information: (203) 227-4240 or here.