(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey launches its 56th season with their 2018 Annual Gala on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The Theatre will present its rarely bestowed Mighty Quill Award to longtime Board member Richard B. McGlynn at the annual event. Patrons, artists, and community leaders are invited to join the festivities at the Theatre’s renovated theatre factory that will be transformed into a “Grand Ballroom.” In addition to a star-studded cabaret, guests will be able to bid on scores of silent auction offerings that include relaxing getaways, exclusive tickets to Broadway shows, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
Thomas Keffer, President of the Board of Trustees, said, “Rich McGlynn has been a giant in the history of this Theatre. Behind the scenes, he has worked tirelessly to lift us up by attracting trustees and funding. At our shows, he is always front and center, the first to laugh and the loudest to applaud. He is a true champion of the art.”
Mr. McGlynn has served on The Shakespeare Theatre’s Board of Trustees for almost four decades. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Mighty Quill award. My longtime association with STNJ has brought hours of great theatre, and the joy of working with so many people who make STNJ a rare gem in New Jersey’s cultural crown,” said Mr. McGlynn of the honor.
“Without Rich McGlynn, our audiences, our students, our artists, and the state of New Jersey would all be lacking, for through his decades of service, he has truly been one of the forces that has kept this institution alive and moving forward and upward,” saidArtistic Director Bonnie J. Monte. “He is our history, our passionate advocate, and a patron of the arts of the highest degree.”
This year’s Gala will include the annual popular Cabaret performance that features luminaries from the world of Broadway, film and television, many of whom are Shakespeare Theatre company members. Performers will be announced soon.
The Gala is the Theatre’s largest fundraising event of the year, and welcomes guests to its behind-the-scenes theatre factory for the festivities. Located in Florham Park, the 50,000 square foot building is home to the Theatre’s administrative, educational, artistic, and technical operations. The facility includes areas for the construction and storage of set, costumes, props, stage weapons, and archives, a spacious rehearsal hall and Green Room, as well as the Boulevard of Dreams, a hallway featuring murals and artwork by the Theatre’s scenic artists. The Theatre will transform its 3 Vreeland scene shop into a “Grand Ballroom” for the event.
The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Guests will dine, mingle and explore the facility as well as bid on spectacular silent auction offerings, including superb wine baskets, unique handcrafted folk art objects, fine art, stage props featured in productions, relaxing getaways, and one-of-a-kind theatrical opportunities. At 8:45 p.m., the Silent Auction will close and guests are invited into the “Grand Ballroom” for more libations, dessert, and coffee while enjoying the performances of the Cabaret artists.
Gala tickets range from $295 to $500 to $1,000 per person. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. For more information or reservations, call 973-845-6732 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.
