Shakespeare Theater Company Announces Annual Gala

From the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey:

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey invites the public to its annual gala for a “behind-the-scenes” look into the theater's renovated “theater factory” on Saturday, April 9. Guests will be treated to an evening of festivities that includes an array of silent auction items, food and libations, a star-studded cabaret and major recognition of Bank of America’s support throughout the years. The theater will present its Mighty Quill Award to the bank in honor of its decade-long sponsorship of the company’s popular Outdoor Stage. Further information is available through the Shakespeare Theater website.

“This is an honor we bestow very selectively. We give out the Award only at times when an individual or organization has made such a significant and meaningful impact for our company that we want to honor their efforts on our behalf in a very special way. The list of past recipients is a prestigious one including Governor Thomas H. Kean, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the CTW Foundation, and most recently, long-time Trustee Heath McLendon," said Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte of the Mighty Quill Award. "Bank of America has remained one of the few corporate entities that have stood by the arts through thick and thin, and their decade-long sponsorship of our Outdoor Stage has helped us build it into one of the region’s most popular summer events, attracting people of all ages and walks of life. For many families, the Outdoor Stage has become a yearly tradition, and we are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their outstanding support.”

“The Shakespeare Theatre’s Outdoor Stage continues to bring visitors together for inspiring performances at one of the biggest summer theatrical events in the region,” said Bob Doherty, New Jersey president of Bank of America. “Supporting arts organizations like the Shakespeare Theatre not only enriches locals’ cultural experiences but also helps build thriving communities in New Jersey.”

The cabaret performance will include two-time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Robert Cuccioli (Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark on Broadway), Elena Ricardo (Mamma Mia! on Broadway), Jacqueline Antaramian (Doctor Zhivago on Broadway) and David Andrew Macdonald (Rocky on Broadway).

The gala is the Shakespeare Theatre’s largest, annual fundraising event and is held in its unique and exciting support facility in Florham Park. The 50,000 square-foot building is home to the Theatre’s administrative, educational, artistic and technical operations, and guests are invited to a glimpse of all the behind-the-scenes “magic” that occurs in the building on a daily basis.

“There is nothing like it anywhere else, either as a workplace or as a gala venue," said Monte. "People are blown away by the unusual and fascinating space we’re creating for our artists and the public.”

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a glittering black-tie reception, including sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and gourmet food stations. Guests will then enter the grand ballroom at 8:45 p.m. Following the performance, guests who wish to remain can gather around the piano in the theater's rehearsal room or continue to explore the many spaces spread throughout the building.

Gala tickets range from $295 to $1,000 per person. Proceeds from the gala go toward supporting the artistic and education programs of the theater. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. Interested attendees must contact (973) 845-6732 for reservations.