Photo Flash: Civic Theatre of Allentown Hosts 6th Annual Tonys & Tapas Celebration

On Sunday, June 12, 2016, Civic Theatre of Allentown hosted its 6th annual Tonys & Tapas celebration. The event raised over $25,000 for Civic Theatre and had nearly 100 attendees. The event also served to officially unveil Civic's new logo in preparation for its 89th season. Sharon Glassman, Board President, stated in her welcome, "This evening, Broadway celebrates its best and brightest of the 2016 season by honoring each winner with the prestigious Antoinette Perry Award, thereby assuring these performers a place in theatre history. This afternoon, we not only celebrate those awardees, but also the inimitable magic that the theatre brings into each of our lives."

Acoustic Guitarist Frank M. Flandorffer, Sr. serenaded guests upon their arrival as they walked down the red carpet and into Civic's transformed scene shop, which was decorated with set pieces and costumes from past Civic productions. They then entered Civic Theatre514 to enjoy food and drink while bidding on the silent auction. Tapas for the event were provided by Biaggio's, The Cakesmith, Centro, The Dime, Divine Catering, Kome, Ringer's Roost, Roar, The Shanty on 19th and Yianni's , and libations were provided by Elena and Joe Pascal, Candida's and Shangy's.

Guests were free to visit both of Civic's buildings and to mingle underneath a tent that stretched across 19th Street. A troupe of singers appeared to musically announce the beginning of the live auction in the historic 19th Street Theatre. Auctioneer Ray Starner began the show, dazzling bidders with fabulous items.

The event culminated in a live performance, "A Tony Revue," which was Directed and Conceived by William Sanders with Musical Direction by Justin Brehm. The revue featured performances by Dan Becker, Justin Brehm, Melissa Brehm, Andrea Cartagena, Tracy Ceschin, Autumn Colalillo, August Fegley, Brian Foley, Janis Greim, Emilie Leyes, Will Morris and Sarah Nekich.

The 2016 Tonys & Tapas Committee included Co-chairs Jason Sizemore and Marie Ann Sutera along with JoAnn Wilchek Basist, Kenn Colodonato, Maria DeFebo-Edwards, Sharon Lee Glassman, John Hedges, Shirley Kline, Will Morris, Kate Pistone, William Sanders and Patty Yurchak.

Sponsors included City Center Lehigh Valley; BB&T Bank; A-Town Pawn and Gold; Buckno, Lisicky & Company; MAGDA Design Studios; National Penn Insurance; Schaefer Industries; St. Luke's University Health Network; Timothy Richard Fine Jewelry; Dorothy J. Allen; JoAnn & Marc Basist; Charles & Joan Cole; Dietrick Group, LLC; Embassy Bank; Joseph & Deborah Kochanasz; Dr. Vito & Patricia Loguidice; Alan & Judith Morrison; Victoria Sanders Neff; Kathy & David Patterson; Lissette Santana; Carol Sizemore; Susan Ellis Wild; Stan & Shea Zukowski.