FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2007
Contact: Mark Fleischer
518-222-8972
mfleischer@ATFestival.org
ADIRONDACK THEATRE FESTIVAL
14th Annual Winter Benefit
“BROADWAY BEGINNINGS”
An evening of Broadway songs performed by the cast of
ATF’s acclaimed production of tick, tick…BOOM!
Proceeds from the 14th Annual Winter Benefit will support
ATF’s Artistic and Education programs
On Friday, January 18th, the Adirondack Theatre Festival will fill the Charles R. Wood Theatre with celebration and song for its 14th Annual Winter benefit: Broadway Beginnings. The entertainment for the evening will feature the cast of last summer’s hit show, tick, tick…BOOM! reunited for a one night only event benefiting the artistic and education programs of the Adirondack Theatre Festival. Colin Hanlon, Sarah Glendening, and Ryan Duncan together with musical director Gary Adler will create an original revue composed of some of their favorite tunes from Broadway as well as tick, tick…BOOM! Benefit co-chair and ATF Board Member Jill Paltrowitz says that the entertainment is truly special, “Audiences responded so strongly to last summer’s musical that we could think of nothing better than to have these amazing performers in the benefit. We are so pleased that they feel they are a part of ATF and want to share their talents with us. I look forward to hearing them sing on the Wood stage once again.”
Seating for Broadway Beginnings is limited to only 280 people and tickets are already selling briskly. Tickets for the benefit are available for $75 (includes a listing in the evening’s program and a ticket for ATF’s $1,000 raffle). General admission tickets are also available for $60. Tickets can be purchased by calling 518.798.7479 or visiting www.ATFestival.org.
When asked about the Broadway Beginnings theme, benefit co-chair Kathy Reed commented that it is connected to many aspects of ATF’s current journey. “At the end of last season, after thirteen years, founding directors Martha Banta and David Turner retired from their leadership roles at ATF. Mark Fleischer, ATF’s Producing Artistic Director, is part of a new beginning for the theatre. Broadway Beginnings also fit with ATF’s longstanding mission of launching both new plays and artists at the beginning of their careers. This commitment has made a significant contribution to the theatre not just in our region, but throughout the country. Broadway Beginnings is a way of reaffirming that commitment.”
--MORE--
Adirondack Theatre Festival
Broadway Beginnings
Page 2
ATF’s Board President, David King, says the event is an important part of ATF’s financial security. “While the goal of the evening is definitely for the audience to have a great time, the benefit plays a serious role in ATF’s ability to fulfill its mission. The funds raised during the course of the evening help ATF to present the high-quality, professional theatre audiences have come to expect. Money raised defrays ticket costs so that the shows are affordable and accessible to a wide audience. Box office revenues cover only 40% of ATF’s annual budget. The patrons who attend the benefit are playing a vital role in the success of ATF and we are very thankful for their support.”
The evening starts at 7:00 pm with hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine provided by Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery, Adirondack Wine Merchants, The Gourmet Café, and Fitzgerald Brothers Beverages. Following the show, the audience is invited to stick around for a champagne toast and dessert and coffee donated by the Montcalm restaurant and Ridge Street Coffee Company.
Refreshments and entertainment are not the only highlights of the event. ATF’s exclusive silent and live auction will be filled with many unique and hard to find items. Featured items include a “Chicago Weekend” for two, comprised of airfare, hotel stay, tickets to Chicago’s famed Steppenwolf Theatre and many other Chicago treats. This package has been assembled by ATF’s incoming Producing Artistic Director, Mark Fleischer, as a tribute to the great city he is leaving in order to become a part of this community. Also on the auction block are VIP seats to hard-to-get Broadway shows, tickets to favorite local and regional theaters, a NYC weekend package featuring a taping of Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show, dinner parties with local chefs, original artwork by renowned local artists and many other exciting items.
Finally, the Festival is also selling $10 raffle tickets for those who cannot attend the event but want to support ATF. Only 500 tickets are being sold for a cash prize of $1,000. The winner will be announced at the event.
Broadway Beginnings will take place Friday, January 18, 2008 beginning at 7:00 pm. At the Charles R. Wood Theatre, 207 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY. Tickets are $60 and $75, the latter including a Raffle Ticket and Patron listing in the evening’s program. To order tickets call 518-798-7479 or mail check, money order, or VISA/MC number (with expiration date) to ATF at P.O. Box 3203, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Tickets may also be purchased online at: www.ATFestival.org
###