Hugh Panaro to Host Skyline Theatre Company Gala, 3/30

Broadway's Hugh Panaro, star of the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, will host Skyline Theatre Company's "Broadway in Bergen" gala on Monday, March 30th at 7:00 pm at the George Frey Center for Arts and Recreation in the Fair Lawn Community Center in Fair Lawn.

Panaro is perhaps best known for having played the coveted role of the Phantom on Broadway over 2,000 times, including in the 25th Anniversary production. In addition, Panaro is one of the few actors to be cast by Harold Prince as both the Phantom and Raoul in the show's Broadway production. He made his Broadway debut in the original production of LES MISERABLES as Marius, the role he originated in the first national company. He also created the roles of Buddy in the original Side Show; Julian Craster in Jule Styne's last musical, The Red Shoes; and the title role in the American premiere of Cameron Mackintosh's Martin Guerre. Panaro was nominated for an Outer Critics' Circle award for his performance in the title role of Elton John's Lestat, based on Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. He made his West End debut in the original London company of Harold Prince's show boat as Gaylord Ravenal, the role he had previously played in the Broadway and Toronto productions.

Joining Panaro in the "Broadway in Bergen" gala event will be performers from the Boradway productions of Phantom of the Opera, Beautiful the Musical, Les Miserables, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! and Mary Poppins. The tax-deductible ticket price of $70 - "Half the cost of a ticket to a Broadway show," notes Artistic Director Sam Scalamoni - includes hors d'oeuvres, wine, and desserts. There are also chance baskets and a silent auction including Giants tickets, tickets to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway with a backstage tour, and other beauty, theatre, and sports items. All proceeds support Skyline Theatre Company's productions and educational programming.

Tickets for this event can be purchased online at www.skylinetheatrecompany.org, or reservations can be made by calling 800-474-1299. Seating is limited.