Usher, Ambassador, Friend

Passionate Bushnell patrons Sheila Sweeny and Alan Schwartz.

Growing up in the North End of Hartford, Alan Schwartz came to The Bushnell as a child, worked here as an usher in his teens, and returned to us in his adult life as a passionate patron, generous donor, and a member of our Board of Ambassadors. He and his loving life partner, Sheila Sweeny, spent countless hours here together—enjoying theater and symphony, and connecting with other Ambassadors and patrons who shared a love for The Bushnell. Alan also remembered The Bushnell with a gift in his will—a gift for which we are ever grateful, even as we miss him deeply.

The Bushnell was Alan’s second home in his teen years and was where his love of live entertainment began. He and his friend and fellow usher, Charles Nelson Reilly (who went on to become a Tony-award winning actor), witnessed many wonderful performances during the mid-1940s. There was a camaraderie among the ushers that stayed with Alan his entire life, and he held today’s corps of volunteer ushers in the highest regard.

Several years ago, we asked the community to share stories about their connections to The Bushnell and, at that time, Alan wrote: “When I sit in Mortensen Hall and look up at the exquisite ceiling, I am home. It’s where I want to be. I feel the presence of all those brilliant artists to have graced its stage. They are a part of my autobiographical memory. More than that, they are part of the fabric of my soul. This is my Bushnell, the home in my heart.”

What a beautiful legacy—thank you Alan, for your incredible intellect, enormous heart, and abiding love for The Bushnell.

If you would like to learn more about leaving a legacy at The Bushnell, please contact Ellen Nattila at (860) 987-6071 or enattila@bushnell.org.