Performance Network Announces 30th Anniversary Gala Lineup

The seven shows scheduled this season at Performance Network are just the last in a long line of plays and musicals staged at Ann Arbor's professional theatre, now celebrating its 30th Anniversary Season.  To mark this milestone, PNT is holding an inspiring Anniversary Gala, entitled "Home Grown, World Class," which will showcase the plays, musicals, and talents featured over the past 30 years, from the early 80's "Waiting for Godot" to 2010's 'The Drowsy Chaperone." This fund raising event will be held on Saturday March 24th at 6pm at Kensington Court Hotel. Tickets are still available and will be sold through March 16.

Emceed by Scott Crownover, star of "The Drowsy Chaperone," the evening will feature a humorous musical montage telling the story of the theatre's history. Written by Executive Director Carla Milarch, the cabaret-style show will feature musical performances by Cheryl Dawdy, best known as one-third of the Chenille Sisters ; Broadway performer, Naz Edwards; and theatre favorites Phil Powers, Brian Thibault, BJ Love, Tobin Hissong, Jennifer Joy, Mark Hammell,  Linda Rabin Hammell and Artistic Director, David Wolber. 

Audiences will recognize tunes from "She Loves Me," "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Three Penny Opera," "The Fantasticks," and "Man of La Mancha," BUT -- with a bit of a twist.

Also joining the theatre for the evening will be PNT founding members Jim Moran and David Bernstein, coming together after 30 years to perform a scene from "Waiting for Godot," one of the first shows ever seen at Performance Network.

In addition to the evening's entertainment, the 30th Anniversary Gala will include a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and the Angel of the Arts Awards presentations to Bob and Marina Whitman, underwriters of such productions as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "The Seafarer," as well as actor/writer/director Malcolm Tulip, a familiar face to many Network audiences.

Individual tickets for the event are $125 and available until March 16. Tickets can be purchased through the box office at 734-663-0681, at 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, or www.performancenetwork.org.

Kensington Court is located at 610 Hilton Blvd., Ann Arbor, 48108.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and the Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.