Palace Theater Offers Students Chance to Work with Chef Robert Irvine

Seven local students from Kaynor Technical High School and Naugatuck Valley Community College have been tapped to participate in a unique experience assisting celebrity chef Robert Irvine during his upcoming stage show at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on Friday, Dec. 4.

Alexandrea Angle, Carissa Berardi, Ashley Clark, Tiffany DelToro and Kimberly Munoz from Kaynor Technical High School's Culinary Arts program and Benjamin Rosado and Mike Spinella from Naugatuck Valley Community College's Hospitality Management program will work behind-the-scenes on the day of the event to help prepare food for the evening's pre-show tasting and VIP Experience, as well as the fully interactive stage show. The students may also be called on to assist Chef Irvine on stage as he tackles "impossible" food challenges randomly chosen by the audience.

"Having the chance to work with a professional culinary master like Chef Irvine and experience the behind-the-scenes magic of a live stage production is a once-in-a -life-time experience that could definitely spark a young person's career goals," noted Palace Theater Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Zembruski. "It also speaks to the Palace's mission to provide educational opportunities to the broad community that we serve."

Robert Irvine's all-new, stage show features dynamic off-the-cuff cooking challenges, never-before-seen videos, interactive social media components, a Q & A segment, and a heaping of audience participation. From the start to the end, the production boasts that there are no recipes, no scripts and no holds barred. Tickets to the event are $48, $38, and $28 and can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St.

The Palace's primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.

For more information on Robert Irvine and his tour, visit www.chefirvine.com or www.palacetheaterct.org.