WAM Theatre to Host Stars in the Orchard Gala, 7/14

Tickets are selling well for "Stars in the Orchard," WAM Theatre's 2016 benefit, a magical midsummer night's cocktail party hosted by Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, MA on Thursday, July 14 at 6:30pm - rain or shine! The entertainment begins the moment guests arrive at the 200-acre apple orchard with the exuberant sounds of the Expandable Brass Band playing at the twilight cocktail hour.

"Raucous, and full of fun, the Expandable Brass Band is dedicated to spreading joyful music to the people of Western Massachusetts. I heard them a few years ago and loved them. The joy they bring is infectious. I'm delighted they will launch our summer benefit evening celebrating WAM and our mission. At $50 a ticket, WAM's benefit is a guaranteed fun time for all!" said Kristen van Ginhoven, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of WAM Theatre.

The festivities include the announcement of WAM's 2016 beneficiary, a sneak peak of WAM's fall show and WAM's education work, and announcement of the inaugural WAMily Awards. Hearty hors d'oeuvres and their famous apple cider donuts will be catered by Hilltop Orchards, and the cash bar will be well stocked with wines made on site by Furnace Winery.

Come ready to bid at both the silent and Raise the Paddle auctions with proceeds going to WAM Events and Education. Two exciting package deals anchor the auctions - a Pampering Berkshire Staycation Package with lodging at the Red Lion Inn, a spa day at Cranwell and dinner at Rouge Restaurant, and a Berkshire Theatre Lovers' Bonanza with two tickets each to shows at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Berkshire Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, Shakespeare & Company, and WAM Theatre. Other auction items include a photography session with Edward Acker; a haircut with Peter at the Peter Alvarez Salon; pearl earrings from Laurie and Lisa Designs; a large Berkshire Boodle Pail from Berkshire Treats filled with locally made cookies, granola, biscotti and chocolates; and a gift certificate to Methuselah Bar and Lounge in Pittsfield.

Over the past six seasons WAM Theatre has donated more than $21,000 to eight local and global non-profit organizations. As a special part of this benefit evening, guests will be the first to learn who will be the 2016 beneficiary of this year's Mainstage production, the American Premiere of The Bakelite Masterpiece by Kate Cayley, starring David Adkins and Corinna May and directed by van Ginhoven. A co-production with Berkshire Theatre Group, the production will run September 29-October 23 at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge. The director, some of the cast and creative team, and other special guests will be on hand at the July 14 benefit to meet and mingle with the crowd.

Tickets are $50 and are on sale at http://www.wamtheatre.com/stars-in-the-orchard-2016/ or 1-800-838-3006.

Stars in the Orchards is a festive event for all ages. Hilltop Orchards is handicap accessible.