Palo Alto Players to Host 85th Anniversary Gala This April

Palo Alto Players, the first theatre company on the Peninsula, will hold its first annual benefit to celebrate the company's 85th Anniversary, on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

The inaugural gala, entitled "Players Through the Decades," celebrates the company's 85-year history through story and special performances, and honors the leading players that have contributed to the growth of Palo Alto Players over the last eight decades. All proceeds from the event will be used to further the company's mission of providing high quality, performing arts programming to the community.

Tickets (starting at $85) can be purchased online at paplayers.org or by calling 650.329.0891.

The evening will begin at 6 pm with a private reception for VIP ticket holders and underwriters. At 6:30 pm the doors open for guests to enjoy dinner and drinks, followed by entertainment from Palo Alto Players' favorite actors highlighting scenes and songs from past seasons, and an exciting live and silent auction, featuring an array of one-of-a-kind experiences like a walk-on-role in an upcoming production, getaways, and specialty packages. The event will also honor former Artistic Director Peter M. Bliznick, retired Patron Services Manager Susan Ron, and Philanthropist Margot H. Driscoll. Each will receive the Leading Player award to recognize their indelible impact on Palo Alto Players and the theatre community.

"Whether you have been an actor, subscriber, or occasional audience member, if Palo Alto Players has touched your life, I hope you will reunite with us on April 9." says Board President, Eugenie Watson. "This gala is our opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to the City of Palo Alto, our supporters, the artists and the staff that have made it possible for Palo Alto Players to produce great theater season and after season for this community."

Tickets are $85 (regular seating) and $185 (VIP seating) each and include the performance, gourmet dining and drinks. Tables are also available starting at $1,000. Underwriting levels, which include tickets for the Gala, begin at $1,500. To purchase tickets or a table, or to become an underwriter, contact Development Director Elizabeth Santana, at (650) 363-8582 or esantana@paplayers.org. All net proceeds support Palo Alto Player's five mainstage productions and community outreach programs.

Palo Alto Players is grateful for the support of these event underwriters and sponsors (as of 2/26/16): Margot H. Driscoll, Mary Louise Johnson, Palo Alto Players' Board of Directors, Events that Matter, Precise Printing, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Palo Alto.

For more information about the event, visit www.paplayers.org/85th-anniversary-gala.

Palo Alto Players, the Peninsula's first theatre company, presents a season of comedies, dramas, classics, and musicals at the Lucie Stern Theater in Palo Alto, built explicitly for the Players in 1933. The company is committed to providing a meaningful theatre experience for both audience and production participants. Intrinsic in this is the belief that theatre benefits the community-at-large and enhances the quality of life of those who are touched by it through education, enlightenment, and enrichment. Truly a home-grown organization, Palo Alto Players features all local talent and serves over 13,000 patrons each year.

In cooperation with The City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto Players performs at the Lucie Stern Theater located at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, California. Use of this facility is made possible through support from The City of Palo Alto, Community Services Department, Division of Arts and Sciences, and from our patrons.

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