Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Set for 2014 State Theatre Benefit Gala

State Theatre has just announced that it will honor Johnson & Johnson at the State Theatre's 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala on Saturday, May 17, 2014 and featuring Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons in concert. The State Theatre honors Johnson & Johnson for its significant contribution and commitment to the arts.

A special award for this anniversary year, the Silver Anniversary Honoree, will be presented to Johnson & Johnson for their unwavering support of the arts community and the city of New Brunswick. Johnson & Johnson played a major role in the theater's re-opening as a performing arts center in 1988, and has remained a loyal supporter each and every year. Johnson & Johnson's continued support throughout the years has enabled the State Theatre to expand its reach to over 234,000 people each year.

"We are proud to be ranked the #1 most attended theater in New Jersey for the second year in a row, according to Pollstar, an industry trade magazine. We also received the honor of being #1 in the world in the 2,000 and under seat category in paid attendance and gross revenue, according to Venues Today. These accolades would not have been possible without Johnson & Johnson's ongoing support and we are truly honored to be able to present them with the Silver Anniversary Award," said Mark W. Jones, State Theatre President & CEO.

"As a corporate citizen of New Brunswick since our founding here in 1886, we believe that the arts are crucial to the health of this city," said Dominic Caruso, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "The historic State Theatre is a cornerstone of the arts community here in New Jersey, and Johnson & Johnson is proud to support its success."

Gala Information
The Gala festivities begin at 5pm at The Heldrich Hotel and the performance will begin at 6pm. In addition to the concert, Gala guests will enjoy a reception, dinner with reserved seating, open bar, dancing, and live entertainment. The Benefit Gala, the State Theatre's biggest annual event, underwrites the State Theatre's artistically acclaimed programming and nationally recognized education programs. A portion of each ticket price represents a tax-deductible contribution to the State Theatre. Concert tickets range from $55-$250. For concert only tickets, call 732-246-SHOW (7469). Benefit Gala tickets are $650. For Benefit Gala tickets please call 732-247-7200, ext. 543.

The State Theatre Benefit Gala Corporate Honoree is Boraie Development. This year's Leadership in the Arts awards will be presented to The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and the J. Seward Johnson, Sr. 1963 Charitable Trust.

The 25th Anniversary Gala Co-Chairs are Doug and Diane Garback of Prudential-The Garback Agency with support from Vice-Chairs Scott Fergang of RBC Wealth Management and Richard T. McDonald of Johnson & Johnson.

About the Gala Artist
A true American legend, Frankie Valli's incredible career with The Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles including "Sherry," "Walk Like A Man," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "December '63 - Oh What A Night," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Valli's long-lasting career has led to the overwhelming success of the Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS, which chronicles Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons incredible career and features all of their greatest hits. The JERSEY BOYS juggernaut has now been seen by over 18 million people worldwide and has won four Tony Awards including Best Musical (2006).

In 2014, Frankie Valli's life story will once again be featured. This time in the film adaptation of JERSEY BOYS, directed by Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood.

For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at http://www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm; Saturday, 1pm to 5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates, unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich people's lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatre's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. Magic 98.3 is the official radio station of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre. United is the official airline of the State Theatre.

STATE THEATRE
15 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Ticket Office - 732-246-SHOW (7469)
Online - http://www.StateTheatreNJ.org

PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS FURNISHED UPON REQUEST
Please contact Kelly Blithe at 732-247-7200, ext. 542 or by email at kblithe(at)StateTheatreNJ(dot)org.

Up-to-the-minute information on events and State Theatre news, online at http://www.StateTheatreNJ.org.
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