Broadway Legend Ben Vereen to Headline Palace Theatre's SPOTLIGHT SOIREE

Spotlight Soirée, The Palace Theatre's annual gala and largest fundraiser, will light up the night on Thursday, March 31 at 6pm. The evening features Broadway and TV star Ben Vereen who will dazzle audiences with song, dance and unforgettable anecdotes. The 2016 Arts Ovation Award Honoree is RFR Realty. Ben Vereen show tickets (starting at $35) and Gala tickets are available at PalaceStamford.Org or by calling the box office at 203-325-4466.

The evening begins with the presentation of the Arts Ovation Award to RFR Realty for their continued philanthropic contributions to The Palace. The Arts Ovation Award is given to an individual or group who make significant contributions to the community of Stamford, and in particular, to the arts. RFR has been a loyal supporter of The Palace and its Arts Education Programs for several years.

Awards will be followed by a "Magic to Do" themed reception before Ben Vereen's one man show, Steppin' Out with Ben Vereen. The performance is a blend of artistry that combines a tribute to Broadway, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., along with humorous personal stories about Mr. Vereen's life experiences.

"The Palace Theatre is a premier venue that brings talent and entertainment from all over the globe to Fairfield County," said Gala Co-Chair, Robyn Bova. "Keeping this historical facility running along with its educational programs is something that we feel very strongly about and we are thrilled to do our part for this extraordinary theater," added Gala Co-Chair Lori Mercede.

Palace Theatre Executive Director, Michael Moran said, "The Palace provides exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic and social life of Fairfield County and beyond, but we can't do it without the support of our community."

In its seventh year, The Palace Theatre will award the newly-renamed Ernie DiMattia Emerging Young Artist Scholarships to local high schools students. The 2016 scholarships will be awarded to four students in grades nine through twelve for their writing of an original one-act play, as well as two students who exhibit outstanding acting ability.

Proceeds from Spotlight Soirée will support the Palace Theatre's Arts Education Programs designed for thousands of area youth ages 4-18, many of whom will be from our area's underserved population. These programs provide children and teens with the chance to express themselves creatively through music, dance, drama and playwriting. Students also learn other skills that are important in academic and life success such as confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance and focus.

Last year, The Palace's gala raised more than $340,000 and was attended by more than 400 guests from Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan and surrounding towns. Spotlight Soirée is made possible by the generosity of Presenting Sponsors RFR and Purdue Pharma.

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