(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Following its star-studded 2021 virtual Gala, featuring stars from the stage and screen, Board President and Chair of the George Street Playhouse 2021 Gala, Dr. Penelope Lattimer, announced today that the fundraiser had raised over $452,000 to date --- making this a record breaking event as the highest-grossing gala in the history of George Street Playhouse.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported George Street Playhouse,” said Lattimer. “The results of this Gala will ensure the future of our mainstage productions, and the important work we undertake with students, as we make plans to gather in person again to attend the theatre”
Artistic Director David Saint said, “This outpouring of support not only sustains the work financially, but also is a reminder of how important George Street Playhouse and live theatre are to people’s lives. We are very grateful.”
The evening featured the following star-studded line-up of performers and celebrities, all of whom are friends of George Street Playhouse: Chris Bohjalian, Felicia Boswell, David Bryan, Jackie Burns, Karen Burthwright, Bobby Conte Thornton, André De Shields, Joe DiPietro, Ann Dowd, Rachel Dratch, Steve Guttenberg, Jeremy Jordan, Laiona Michelle, Nancy Opel, Maulik Pancholy, David Hyde Pierce, Renée Taylor, Mary Testa and Marlo Thomas
“I was incredibly honored when so many of our George Street Playhouse artists and friends immediately said yes when I asked if they would take part in this extraordinary event” said Artistic Director David Saint. “George Street Playhouse means so much to so many,”
One of the evening’s many highlights was a special surprise guest appearance by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
“He is of course a genius, but I learned, working with him as Associate Producer on the new West Side Story film, what a giving, generous man he is, as witnessed by his appearance at our gala” said Saint.
Although watched virtually from home, the event offered viewers the opportunity to feel one step closer to attending performances in person again, as throughout the evening performers appeared on stage in the Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, and speakers appeared in the donor lounge, theatre seats and other spaces within the beautiful New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
The evening began in a virtual venue, accessible from anywhere in the world, where gala guests were able to mingle and chat with their friends and family by webcam. Guests were able to join the event from across the globe including Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina, and Johannesburg.
ENCORE BROADCAST - Friends of George Street Playhouse can add their support to this special fundraising event and join in this History-Making Moment.
The Gala Celebration continues throughout the weekend, as the star-studded cabaret performance remains available until Monday, May 3 to watch at the following link.
2021 KEAN AWARDS - A signature feature of the GSP Gala for the past 30 years is the presentation of The Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award. The 2021 Kean Award recipients honored last night were former Governor Thomas H. Kean, Thomas F. Kelso Esq., Chairperson of the New Brunswick Cultural Center, and James N. Heston, Chairperson of the George Street Playhouse Board of Trustees.
Since 1990, The Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award has been awarded annually by George Street Playhouse to an individual, corporation, or foundation whose dedication to the arts enhances the cultural life of New Jersey.
The first Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award was bestowed on Governor Kean by the Board President at the time, Mrs. Lora Tremayne. Mrs. Tremayne, who continues to serve on theatre’s Board of Trustees, again presented the award to Governor Kean during the virtual event last night.
Gala Committee - The Committee was chaired by Penelope Lattimer, Ph.D.; the committee members are Joan Campbell, Paula Gentempo, Janice Haggerty, James N. Heston, Sharon Karmazin, Adele T. Macula, Ed D, C. Sharon Parker, Jocelyn Schwartzman, Nonny Stahlin, Janice Stolar and Lora Tremayne
EVENT SPONSORS - Leading sponsors for the 2021 Virtual Gala Benefit are James N. Heston; WithumSmith+Brown; Joan and Robert Campbell; Ruth and Steve Hendel; Lucy Hughes and Sean Devlin; Sharon Karmazin; Jean Cheever - Team Toxie; Flemington Car and Truck Country Family of Brands; Parker Health Group; David Saint.
For a full list of 2021 Virtual Gala Benefit Sponsors and Donors, click here.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint since 1998, and Kelly Ryman, Managing Director since 2013, George Street Playhouse produces groundbreaking new works, inspiring productions of the classics, and hit Broadway plays and musicals that speak to the heart and mind, with an unwavering commitment to producing new work. With its 45-year history of producing nationally renowned theatre, the Playhouse continues to fill a unique theatre and arts education role in the city, state and greater metropolitan region.
At the start of its 2019-20 Season, George Street Playhouse moved to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in downtown New Brunswick. Featuring two state-of-the-art theaters -- The Arthur Laurents Theater with 253 seats and The Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater which seats 465-- and myriad amenities, the NBPAC marks a new era in the esteemed history of George Street Playhouse.
TOP PHOTO: André De Shields performs "Believe In Yourself."
