STAGES St. Louis Raises Over $92,000 at 8th Annual CHEERS! Cabaret

On Monday, August 15th, STAGES St. Louis hosted its 8th annual one-night only cabaret event, Cheers!, benefitting the organization's Education and Artistic Programs. This year's theme, Off The Record, featured incredible talent including our hilarious music lover "Man in Chair," STAGES' very own David Schmittou, and some of your favorite stars from STAGES' 2016 Anniversary Season productions of It Shoulda Been You, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Sister Act, including Broadway Actress Corinne Melançon, St. Louis Actor Keith Boyer, Ohio Actress Kendra Lynn Lucas, Broadway Actor Edward Juvier, New York Actress Laura E. Taylor, as well as St. Louis hosts Kari Ely and Steve Isom.

The event, held at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, opened with a 6:30PM reception and preshow activities including a wine pull and a Triple Threat TEENS raffle. The performance began at 7:30PM with a full house comprised of STAGES Board members, VIP donors, and loyal patrons. Ticket prices ranged from $75 to $250. Some of the favorite chart-topping hits of the night were "Up, Up and Away" sung by Boyer, Juvier, Taylor and Lynn Lucas, Melançon's "Weekend in New England", and Taylor and Juvier's "Top of the World." The company joined together in a fun and groovy performance at the finale of "Last Dance."

Hosted by St. Louis Actors Kari Ely and Steve Isom, the evening's engaging live auction incorporated impromptu participation from the cast and off-the-cuff humor. This year's exciting auction items featured opportunities for exclusive dinners and parties with cast members, a chance to shadow the stage manager at the upcoming National tour of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and even tickets to see the smash Broadway hit, Hamilton.

Guests were also able to show their support for Academy programs, including the Urban Arts Initiative and Access the Arts, with sponsorships for the STAGES Performing Arts Academy at the Kent Center for Theatre Arts in Chesterfield. A highlight of the evening featured special performances by Triple Threats TEENS who offered memorable performances of "Coffee Break" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods, and "Brand New You" from 13: The Musical.

Over $92,000 was raised throughout the evening's exciting events. "What a fantastic night for our 30th Anniversary!" exclaimed Executive Producer, Jack Lane. "Each person, from our esteemed attendees, to the talented performers, to the behind-the scenes staff members, truly made this a highlight of the season. I continue to be amazed at the generosity of our supporters and their commitment to ensure future quality productions and exceptional educational opportunities through STAGES St. Louis."

If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to STAGES, please contact the Development Office at StagesStLouis.org or call (636) 449.5771.

STAGES' remaining 2016 Season features The Drowsy Chaperone (Now - August 21st) and Sister Act (September 9th - October 9th). Single tickets are on sale now and prices range from $20-$59. STAGES performs in the intimate, 377-seat Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, MO. For more information or to purchase tickets call 314-821-2407 or visit www.StagesStLouis.org.

STAGES St. Louis is the region's foremost not-for-profit company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2016, STAGES celebrates its 30th year of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting 135 performances from June through October to nearly 50,000 patrons.