The executive director of The Ridgefield Playhouse is stepping down.  Allison Stockel will be honored for her 21 years of work at a November gala.  Under her leadership, the nonprofit performing arts center went from producing 40 shows a year to more than 250 shows.  Most recently, the lobby was expanded and there were upgrades to the backstage area and audio system.  The gala honoring the Ridgefield mother of two, will star actress, singer and children’s book author Bernadette Peters.  Managing Director Ashley Paltauf will becoming managing director of operations and development, while Artistic Director Jared Shahid will be managing director of talent and marketing. Shahid started out as Stockel’s assistant, founded his own speaker’s bureau and worked for “Shark Tank’s” Daymond John.  Shahid has moved and rebooked outdoor shows during the pandemic.  Paltauf worked with patrons through the outdoor tent/field shows as well as transitioning back to indoor shows.