GSP's Star-Studded Annual Gala Sets Fundraising Records

• Annual Gala Benefit Raises Record-Setting Amount for George Street Playhouse’s Mainstage and Educational Programming
• New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill, DEVCO President Chris Paladino Highlight $190 Million Performing Arts Center to Serve as GSP’s Future Home
• Artistic Director David Saint, Marlene & Tony Volpe Honored at Event

(L to R) Stephen Bienskie, Sarah Litzsinger, George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint, and Colin Hanlon at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

New Brunswick, NJ (April 7, 2017) – George Street Playhouse announced today that its recent Annual Gala Benefit was the most successful in the event’s history, raising a record amount of funds in support of its mainstage and educational programming. The Gala took place at The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick on Sunday, April 2, 2017, and featured many stars of the stage and screen as presenters and performers.

“Under the guidance of our Gala Chairperson Ken Fisher, an extraordinary Gala committee, our stalwart Board of Trustees, and our dedicated leadership and staff, the 2017 Gala exceeded all expectations,” said Kelly Ryman, Managing Director of the Playhouse. “As we celebrate our theatre’s bright future, the unprecedented success of the 2017 Gala is a testament to the unbending support of our patrons and community.

“We are thrilled to have them on the journey with us for the next two seasons and for the grand opening of our new home in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in 2019,” added Ryman.

The money was raised through Gala sponsorships, ticket and table sales and the event’s ever-popular silent auction. In addition, a live donation appeal raised money specifically for the Playhouse’s educational programs, including its popular Educational Touring Theatre, Summer Theatre Academy, acting classes and residencies. The live appeal, on its own, also raised an all-time record amount to support these important programs.

Among the highlights of the evening’s Cabaret were presenters Tim Daly (TV’s Wings, Madam Secretary), Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro, and stage and screen stars Betsy Aidem (Broadway’s All the Way) and Dan Lauria (TV’s The Wonder Years).

Actor Tim Daly (TV's "Wings", "Madam Secretary") speaks at George Street Playhouse's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

Joe DiPietro, Tony Award-winning playwright for "Memphis" and a longtime friend of George Street Playhouse, speaks at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

Broadway stars and George Street Playhouse favorites (L to R) Betsy Aidem and Nancy Opel at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Dalia)

Actor Dan Lauria (TV's "The Wonder Years", Broadway's "Lombardi") speaks at George Street Playhouse's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

Performers included Tony Award nominee Nancy Opel (Broadway’s Honeymoon in Vegas, Urinetown), who will be starring in GSP’s season-closing musical Curvy Widow, and stage and screen great Mary Beth Peil (Tony Award-nominated for Broadway’s The King and I; TV’s Dawson’s Creek and The Good Wife). Stars from George Street’s 2016-17 season including Suzzanne Douglas (American Son), and Ben Michael and Elise Vannerson from Daddy Long Legs also performed. A reunion of GSP’s 2004 production of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick...Boom! – Colin Hanlon, Sarah Litzsinger and Stephen Bienskie – performed “Louder Than Words” from that show.

Broadway's Nancy Opel, who will star in George Street Playhouse's season-closing musical "Curvy Widow," performs at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

Stage and screen veteran and George Street Playhouse favorite Suzzanne Douglas performs during GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

Stage and screen legend Mary Beth Peil (Tony Award-nominated for Broadway’s "The King and I"; TV’s "Dawson’s Creek", "The Good Wife") performs at George Street Playhouse's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

(L to R) Stephen Bienskie, Colin Hanlon and Sarah Litzsinger from George Street Playhouse’s 2004 production of Jonathan Larson’s "Tick, Tick...Boom!" reunited to perform “Louder Than Words” from that show during GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement in celebration of his 20th season as the Playhouse’s Artistic Director. It was presented by legendary screenwriter, film director and actress Elaine May.

The Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award was bestowed upon Marlene and Tony Volpe, longtime supporters of George Street Playhouse, by the namesake of the award, Governor Kean.

David Saint, celebrating his 20th season as George Street Playhouse Artistic Director, accepts the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

(L to R) Tony and Marlene Volpe receive the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award from its namesake, former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean during the Annual GSP Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

(L to R) Stephen Bienskie, Sarah Litzsinger, George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint, and Colin Hanlon at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)

Another highlight came when New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill and New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) President Christopher Paladino spoke about the plans for the new $190 million downtown performing arts center that will serve as George Street Playhouse’s new home starting with the 2019-20 season.

The black-tie evening drew corporate, civic and social leaders from throughout the region. Each year, the Gala raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to support George Street Playhouse’s world-class mainstage productions and nationally recognized educational programs. The silent auction is one of the highlights of the Playhouse’s Annual Gala, and offers luxury vacation trips, home furnishings, tickets to hard-to-get Broadway shows, fine dining experiences, top sports venues and much more.

Kenneth M. Fisher, Jr. of Hillsborough served as Benefit Chair. GSP Board Chair James Heston of Metuchen, and GSP Board President Penelope Lattimer of New Brunswick, served as Sponsorship Co-Chairpersons. Janice Haggerty of Bedminster, and Gabrielle Vajtay of Somerset served as Silent Auction Co-Chairpersons. W. Burton “Tripp” Salisbury of North Brunswick, and Janice Stolar of East Brunswick were Tickets & Tables Co-Chairpersons. Lora Tremayne of Somerset served as Journal Chairperson.

Rounding out the Annual Gala Benefit Committee were Joseph P. Benincasa, president & CEO of The Actors Fund and the 2016 Kean Award recipient; Joan Campbell of North Brunswick; Carol Hila of Woodbridge; Sharon Karmazin, president of The Karma Foundation; Jocelyn Schwartzman of East Brunswick; and Frances C. Stromsland, Ed.D., of Watchung.

Sponsors for the evening included The Family of Robert Wood Johnson, Jr., Marlene and Tony Volpe, Joan and Robert Campbell, James N. Heston, Sharon Karmazin, WithumSmith+Brown, PSE&G, TD Bank, Nassau Communications.

GSP's Summer Theatre Academy Moves to Lord Stirling Community School for 2017

• Classes Offer Engaging Environment for Exploration, Development and Collaboration for students ages 5 to 18, July 3 -July 28, 2017
• School within a half-mile of George Street Playhouse's current home
• Limited Number of Spots Available for a Fun, All-Day Theatre Camp for Youth and Teens

George Street Playhouse’s popular Summer Theatre Academy for students age 5-18, will take place July 3-28, 2017, at Lord Stirling Community School in New Brunswick, N.J. (Photo by Brad Reznick) 

New Brunswick, NJ – With George Street Playhouse temporarily relocating during the construction of its new home in downtown New Brunswick, its popular Summer Theatre Academy will take place July 3-28 at nearby Lord Stirling Community School. The Academy celebrates creative expression and provides a fun, engaging environment for youth and teens to explore theatre, develop self-confidence and collaborate with others. These affordable two- and four-week classes are for budding thespians of any experience level ages 5-18.

Class hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and extended-care packages offering the convenience of early drop-off and late pick-up for busy parents are available. A 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, modern facilities and the quality of its programs have made GSP’s Summer Theatre Academy a popular summertime destination. Plus, each class culminates with a performance for family and friends.

“We’re so fortunate to be at Lord Stirling Community School this summer,” said Jim Jack, GSP’s Director of Education and Outreach. “Lord Stirling has excellent facilities with modern amenities, easy drop-off, and is located only a half-mile away from George Street Playhouse’s current home. We are thrilled to provide the same high-level quality of programming that our students and parents expect from us this summer.”

For information on the full slate of classes offered by GSP’s Summer Theatre Academy, or to register, visit www.GSPonline.org or call 732-846-2895, x117. George Street Playhouse will soon be announcing the location of a temporary home for its administrative offices and performance space while a new performing arts center, scheduled to open for the 2019-2020 season, is built at its former location in downtown New Brunswick. Lord Stirling Community School is located at 101 Redmond Street in New Brunswick.

Two-week programs for students ages 5-8:

Song as Stories explores how songs tell stories. Students will play exciting games, create wonderful characters and learn the basics of musical theatre. On the final day of the program, students will perform their songs and stories for family and friends. Songs as Stories runs from July 3 through July 14.

Junior Company cultivates students’ imagination and spirit of fun. Inspired by a classic children’s story, students will learn the foundations of theatre by creating an original play, developing characters and participating in the design process. The class will culminate with a performance for family and friends. Junior Company runs July 17 through July 28.

Two- and four-week programs* for students ages 9-12:

Rising M Company: Musical Theatre explores the joy of musical theatre through the rehearsal and performance of a popular musical. Our team of theatre professionals will inspire confidence each step of the way as students develop singing, dancing and acting techniques that will culminate in a performance for family and friends. Rising M Company: Musical Theatre runs July 3 through July 28.

Rising Company: Play Production ventures into a fun, mythic world of imagination to develop, rehearse and perform an original, action-packed play. Students learn the foundations of acting through improvisation, character development and collaborative activities as they create a performance to share with family and friends. Rising Company: Play Production runs July 17 through July 28.

(* As these programs run concurrently, a student may only register for one of the two courses offered for that age group.)

Four-week program for students ages 13-18:

Young M Company students create, rehearse and perform an original play with music. Starting with exciting source material, Young M Company works with professional playwrights, composers and choreographers to develop characters, write songs and stage the action. Young M company provides students with a fun, imaginative opportunity to develop acting, singing and collaborative skills. On their last day, students perform their original play for family and friends. Young M Company runs July 3 through July 28.

About GSP’s Educational Programming
The centerpiece of George Street Playhouse’s educational programming is its touring theatre, which commissions and produces first-class productions with relevant themes for young audiences, such as respect, conflict resolution, health and wellness, and climate change. Each play is followed by a post-play discussion providing excellent starting points for engaging classroom conversations that can be used to fulfill New Jersey Common Core State Standards. GSP’s Educational Touring Theatre features three issue-oriented productions seen by more than 40,000 students annually during the academic year. GSP’s Theatre Academy, which offers classes throughout the year, focuses on the process of creative self-expression – enhancing students’ artistry and creative problem-solving skills, while building self-esteem and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. For further information on any of GSP’s educational opportunities, visit www.GSPonline.org, email education@georgestplayhouse.org, or call 732-846-2895, extension 117.