Crooked Hammock Brewery debuts Beers for Broadway

Historians around the world note that the world's most celebrated playwright and actor, William Shakespeare, once remarked "For a quart of ale is a dish for a king."

Locally, however, beer lovers are happy to know what a pint of Crooked Hammock craft beer can do for one of Sussex County's most celebrated performing arts organization, Clear Space Theatre Company. Needless to say, the Bard would be proud.

Now in its third year, Crooked Hammock is continuing its tradition of community support by kicking off the new year with "Beers for Broadway," a special fundraising effort from January to March to support the work of the community's beloved thespians.

"Since we opened The Hammock in 2015, we've enjoyed being a part of the local community, and we value the support we've received," says Josh Grapski, managing partner of La Vida Hospitality Group which manages the popular brewery & restaurant. "We also believe in thanking the Sussex community by giving back in meaningful ways." In its first year "Beers for Books" supported the Lewes Public Library. In 2017 "Beers for Bravery" gave support to Sussex County's first responders. Grapski notes that since the Crooked Hammock program began, more than $15,000 has been raised to benefit local nonprofits.

How it works: During January, February and March, Crooked Hammock will be joined by community sponsors to raise awareness and funding for Clear Space. Each sponsor will host monthly events. Throughout the three-month period, for every pint of beer that is sold, Crooked Hammock will donate 25 cents per pint to Clear Space. For each event, Clear Space members will partner with the sponsors to create an entertaining experience for Crooked Hammock patrons.

"We're thrilled to be Crooked Hammock's 2018 Beers for Broadway recipient," says Sharon Smith, development director for Clear Space. "It's our mission to inspire audiences, artists and students by providing high quality performances, along with a variety of educational programs. Crooked Hammock's support means we can continue to make our contributions to Sussex County."

Beers for Broadway event schedule:

• Wednesday, Jan 24: Happy Hour Party sponsored by the Cape Gazette, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This special event highlights the upcoming programs for Clear Space Theatre. The public is invited to a free preview performance of their new season, including the talented Erin Bobby, former Miss Delaware. The event also includes a 50/50 raffle to increase awareness and fundraising for this important community organization.

• Wednesday, Feb. 21: Broadway Comes to the Beach! sponsored by Schell Brothers, begins at 6:30 p.m. Special dinner and show featuring two of Clear Space's New York actors in a special performance created by Artistic Director David Button. The geographic reach of Clear Space creates a broad awareness of the arts, and brings in many different actors from different areas. With that being said, the casting is underway for Clear Space Theatre's upcoming production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” For this Crooked Hammock event, two of the lead actors from New York City will be featured in this production. This dinner and a show is a fun evening for those wanting to get a taste of how these Big Apple actors will steal the show that will be playing at Clear Space Theatre. Tickets are Broadway Comes to the Beach are $49 and include a three-course dinner, plus an opportunity to meet and greet with the performers. Proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit Clear Space directly. 

• Wednesday, March 21: Broadway Bound! sponsored by Jack Lingo Realty, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Similar to the January awareness event, this special Happy Hour showcases each of Clear Space's youth programs: After School Literacy, Broadway Bound, and Spotlight on Young Performers. Clear Space's Legends of Broadway, an over-50 group involved in the arts, will also be present. Both Clear Space and Crooked Hammock are joining forces by reaching out to local schools and youth organizations committed to creating a pathway to success for young artists to be involved in this special event.  

"I'm really excited about our collaboration to raise awareness and fundraising for Clear Space Theatre. As someone who has always been surrounded and involved in the arts on some level, it's nice to see such a community effort in keeping it alive near and far for every age," says Tom Little, spokesperson for Crooked Hammock.

Open daily year-round from from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m, Crooked Hammock is located at 36707 Crooked Hammock Way in Lewes. Phone 302-644-SUDS (7837).

Beers for Broadway information and ticket reservations is online at crookedhammock.com.