On August 15, 2011, STAGES ST. LOUIS hosted its third annual Cabaret fundraiser at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, a benefit for the organization's Education and Outreach Programs. Three Tenors: To Broadway and Beyond raised $52,400, surpassing fundraising goals, as well as support generated by the 2010 Cabaret. The event was co-hosted by New York actress Julie Cardia, star of STAGES current production The Secret Garden, and STAGES Executive Producer Jack Lane. Lynne Turley and ElizaBeth Green served as co-chairs.
The one-night-only event showcased the exquisite voices of some of the greatest Broadway and St. Louis actors currently performing in musical theatre. The evening included selections from works such as The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Carousel, Drowsy Chaperone and other beloved and acclaimed works. The Three Tenors featured Broadway actors Peter Lockyer, Anthony Holds, and Edward Juvier. The evening also included performances by Christopher DeProphetis, Kelly McCormick, Joseph Medeiros, Matthew Charles Thompson, Zoe Vonder Haar, with accompaniment by Lisa Campbell Albert, STAGES Musical Director.
In 2011, the Academy and its Outreach Programs will reach over 3,500 students and award nearly 145 scholarships valued at $25,000 as well as $25,000 in program underwriting. STAGES Performing Arts Academy enrolls over 1,000 students each year and reaches thousands more through its Urban Arts Initiative, Access the Arts, and other outreach programs. Long-time outreach partners include City Academy, Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, Marian Middle School, Parkway Central and South High Schools, Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, St. Louis County Libraries and many more.
The Three Tenors cabaret was attended by 400 supporters.
Notable attendees included:
• Don and Marilyn Ainsworth
• Margaret and Wayne Smith
• Ken and Kathi Tacony
• Tom and Cathy Sakiyama
• Jim and Merry Mosbacher
• Cynthia Prost
• Ed and Lynne Higgins
• Debra Hollingsworth
• Michael and Elizabeth Gibbons
• Bob and Carol Jones
• Jack and Dottie Brennan
• Debbie and Thelma Brunner
• Ira and Judy Gall
• Lisa and Greg Nichols
Executive Producer Jack Lane stated "I am continually amazed at the generosity of the people of St. Louis and their overwhelming support for the unique niche filled by STAGES, especially in such hard economic times. These much needed dollars will enable us to continue providing the region with the highest quality educational opportunities and musical theatre performances."
STAGES continues the celebration of its 25th Anniversary Season with The Secret Garden (through August 21), and Victor/Victoria (September 9 - October 9).
STAGES ST. LOUIS is committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2011, STAGES is celebrating its 25th year with productions of A Chorus Line, The Secret Garden, Victor/Victoria and Disney's 101 Dalmatians.In its 25-year history, STAGES has entertained 800,000 patrons with 82 productions and 2,600 performances. The recipient of twenty-three Kevin Kline Awards over the past six years, including three awards for Outstanding Production of a Musical, STAGES has become the leading company for musical theatre performance and education in the Midwest.
STAGES ST. LOUIS would like to extend sincere thanks to the sponsors of our 25th Anniversary Season whose significant contributions enable us to produce Broadway-quality shows. The 2011 Silver Season corporate sponsors include Edward Jones (A Chorus Line), Emerson (101 Dalmatians), Lindell Bank (101 Dalmatians), and AEP River Operations (Victor/Victoria). The Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation provided funding support for our production of The Secret Garden. Generous support was also provided by individual Production Sponsors Marion and Van Black (A Chorus Line), Margaret and Wayne Smith (A Chorus Line), ElizaBeth Green (101 Dalmatians), Lynne and Jim Turley (The Secret Garden), Judy and Jerry Kent (Victor/Victoria) and Merry and Jim Mosbacher (Victor/Victoria).STAGES also wishes to thank the following arts agencies for their support of our season and year-round educational programs: Arts & Education Council of St. Louis, Missouri Arts Council, and Regional Arts Commission.
