Alan Menken Set for Segal Centre Gala Fundraiser Tonight

Tonight, May 14th, 2015, the Segal Centre for Performing Arts hosts its bi-annual gala evening, marking the closing of its Segal - Dora fundraising campaign and a highlight of its most successful theatre season to date.

This landmark event will pay tribute to the legacy of the late Dora Wasserman, Founding Artistic Director of the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre (DWYT), regarded by many as the most prestigious Yiddish theatre in the world.

American musical icon Alan Menken, the legendary music composer of Beauty and the Beast and the upcoming Segal premiere of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz: The Musical, will lead the evening's entertainment with an intimate performance of his most beloved compositions.

Best-known for his musical scores for such classic Disney films as Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Little Mermaid, Menken has eleven Grammys, eight Oscars, seven Golden Globes and a Tony Award to his name. His performance will coincide with the beginning of rehearsals for the Segal's anticipated June premiere of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz: The Musical, based on Mordecai Richler's eponymous novel.

Entertainment for the evening will also feature a selection of moving and nostalgic pieces from previous DWYT productions helmed by Dora, performed by the gifted artists of the DWYT repertory company.

"To see Dora honoured in this way is a true testament to the lasting effects of her legacy. Indeed, she was the first to demonstrate that a theatre of diversity can survive and flourish in Canada, and she did so with an all-consuming selfless dedication to her art," said Bryna Wasserman, Dora's daughter and Artistic Director of the DWYT.

Funds collected from the Segal - Dora campaign will support the Segal Centre and its commitment to excellence in the performing arts:

"Influenced in no small part by Dora's legacy, the Segal remains committed to promoting and celebrating cultural diversity on our stage and in our unique city. With the help of our dedicated supporters and donors we are able to continue making the arts accessible and strengthening our communities through the transformative power of the performing arts," said Segal Centre Artistic and Executive Director, Lisa Rubin.

Following the Gala at 9:00 p.m. is the I - MTL After-Party hosted by the Segal Centre's Young Leaders; with open bar, dance, entertainment, silent auction and more.

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