Performance Network unveils Spring Fantasia

Audiences know Performance Network for its excellent performances, featuring award-winning Michigan actors, directors and theatre designers. Now, Michigan's theatre artists will come together on April 9th to delight audiences in a new way and support the professional theatre by letting their creativity run wild.

Spring Fantasia is a fabulous evening of fun, food and fashion that will feature a juried fashion show and costume design contest based on the theme "Turn of the Centuries." Steam Punk, French Revolution and New Wave fashions will be just some of the design themes on display.

The Gala event will take place at Performance Network and will begin at 7pm. Guests will enjoy a strolling buffet that will take them on a tour of the theatre's offices, rehearsal spaces, backstage and dressing rooms while enjoying sumptous hot and cold hors d'ouevres from a variety of downtown restaurants. Live mannequins selling raffle tickets, and a silent auction will add an air of whimsy and excitement.

Also featured will be a "tag-sale" where guests will be able to "purchase" (make donations in the amount it costs to fund) items required for the theatre's operation. Guests will receive a souvenir item representing whichever portion of the theatre they've purchased, for example "Artistic Director's salary for a Day" or "One Show's worth of Gaff Tape." All tage sale donations are tax-deductible.

At 9pm "Not Your Mother's Live Auction" will commence on the Performance Network stage, featuring many one-of-a-kind items and getaway packages, auctioned off amidst the hilarious improvisational stylings of the Go Comedy Improv troupe. Immediately following the auction, guests will enjoy the strolling "Cakestravaganza" with dessert and coffee selections, while perusing the entries in the evening's fashion show. Judges will announce the awards at 10pm, including Fashionista of the Evening, Most Theatrical Ensemble, Best-Dressed Cake and the Grand Jury prize for best Theatrical design.

Tickets are $125 per person, and include a tax-deductible contribution to the theatre of $75. Reservations can be made online at performancenetwork.org or by calling the PNT box office at 734-663-0681. RSVP deadline is April 1st (no foolin').

Executive Director Carla Milarch says "After a long winter, we're all aching to come out of hibernation, and Spring Fantasia is a great excuse to wake up your wardrobe and spring into bloom, metaphorically, and in some cases, even literally speaking. As the drabness of March subsides, we'll celebrate the change of seasons with a show that's bursting with color and imagination. It's a fantasy for the mind, the palate, and the senses."

Spring Fantasia takes place as part of Performance Network's Taste of the Season, a series of fundraising events, house parties and special gatherings sponsored by PNT supporters and based on theatrical themes.

All proceeds from the evening will support Performance Network's operations, including its education and outreach programs, the Fireside Festival of New Work and The Children's Theatre Network, bringing the magic of live theatre to schoolchildren across Southeast Michigan.
####

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.

Since opening its downtown space, the company has grown into a regional leader, with a track record of winning more awards than any other theatre in the state. It has garnered national acclaim, including 3 American Theatre Critics' Association nominations and moved plays premiered in Ann Arbor to theatres nationwide, including one optioned for Broadway.

Performance Network brings joy and entertainment to 20,000 patrons each year, and its touring shows and family series light up the faces of 20,000 children. Its programs include the critically acclaimed professional series, the Fireside Festival of New Works featuring scripts in development, classes and workshops for children and teens and a late night performance series for developing artists.