Bay Street's Summer Benefit Bash Set for 7/20

The annual ROCK THE DOCK! SUMMER BENEFIT BASH on Saturday, July 20, will be hosted by the one and only Susan Lucci. Actor and Bay Street Board Member, Richard Kind, who most recently won the DRAMA DESK AWARD for his role on Broadway's THE BIG KNIFE, will be the evening's celebrity auctioneer. The gala is being held in memory of the Theatre's founder and former Artistic Director, Sybil Christopher. Tickets are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling Jessica Lemire at631-725-0818 ext. 129.

"I am thrilled to be hosting this year's event," says Lucci. "I have been coming to Bay Street for many years and am so looking forward to this upcoming season!"

The Summer Benefit Bash is Bay Street's most important fundraising event of the year. Funds raised from the Gala support Bay Street's yearlong programming including; the Summer Mainstage productions, as well as Educational Outreach Initiatives including Literature Live, Summer College Internships and Theatre Camps and Classes for kids.

Cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres kickoff the evening at 6:30 pm under the tent overlooking the waterfront of the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. The evening continues with dinner, dancing and fantacy LIVE auctions. Single tickets are available as well as tables for 10. For those who hate to see the night end, there is the AFTER PARTY at B. Smith's immediately following.

Items up for auction this year include a 3-day 2-night stay at the Four Seasons Costa Rica; tickets to some of the hottest Broadway shows with exclusive backstage tours, VIP TICKETS to LIVE WITH KELLY AND MICHAEL plus backstage meet & greet, several rounds of golf at THE BRIDGE golf course, Yankees tickets and much, much more.

"Many people who come to the Hamptons or who own weekend homes here, are unaware of why we host the ROCK THE DOCK gala fundraiser," says Tracy Mitchell Executive Director for Bay Street Theatre. "As a non-profit doing business on Main Street in Sag Harbor, we have no access to artists housing or workforce housing and we therefore must pay rents not only for the theatre, but also for a warehouse, and 10-12 houses each summer for NYC actors and designers. In order not to raise ticket prices and to be able to host local organizations throughout the year such as the elementary school variety show, local filmmakers, and even Santa, we must raise over a million dollars a year in donations. ROCK THE DOCK is a great way for people to have a fun night out, while contributing to this Sag Harbor institution."

Past attendees include: Alan Alda, Julie Andrews, Lauren Bacall, Alec Baldwin, Chris Bauer, Joy Behar, Mel Brooks, Kim Cattrall, Chevy Chase, Blythe Danner, Kelsey Grammer, Marvin Hamlisch, Anne Jackson, Billy Joel, Star Jones, Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Susan Lucci, Terrence McNally, Rosie O'Donnell, Mercedes Ruehl, Liev Schreiber, B. Smith, Eli Wallach, Naomi Watts and Robert Zimmerman.

This year's sponsors include: BMW Southampton, The Bridge, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, Dan's Papers, Fairweather, Four Seasons Costa Rica, Party Rentals Ltd, Peconic Landing, Madison and Main, Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House, Sterling Affair Caterers, Suffolk County National Bank, The Ritz Carlton Orlando - Grande Lakes, LIVE with Kelly & Michael; and Donny and Marie Osmond/Live in Las Vegas (list in formation). Interested sponsors should contact the Development Office at 631-725-0818.

The Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.