The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 2009 Gala 3/28

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will hold its highly celebrated annual fundraiser gala on March 28 at the at the Hilton Short Hills in Short Hills.  Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte and the Board of Trustees of The Shakespeare Theatre are proud to announce that Prudential, a major supporter of The Shakespeare Theatre, will be the 2009 Gala Sponsor.   This annual Shakespeare Theatre event kicks off each season and is the Theatre's largest fundraiser of the year.  "We are thrilled to return to the Hilton Shorts Hills for this dazzling event," said Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte.  "The Hilton allows us to change from the normal dinner format and instead offer fabulous dishes from carving and sauté stations, sumptuous passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while Gala attendees mingle with guests and artists, and shop the silent auction that promises scores of unique offerings.  Of course, as is our tradition, the evening ends with desert, during which patrons will be treated to our renowned cabaret show featuring stage, screen and television luminaries."    Proceeds benefit The Shakespeare Theatre's productions as well as numerous education programs that serve more than 100,000 adults, students, teachers, and young artists annually.   For more information or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-3164 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with guests feasting on sumptuous passed hors d'oeuvres, and dishes from a variety of carving and sauté stations.   While mingling, wining and dining, guests may bid on a variety of silent auction offerings including tickets and a back stage tour of Broadway's hit musicals Billy Elliot and Phantom of the Opera,  a 42 inch Sharp LCD television, private horse-riding lessons, a stay at the Hilton Short Hills, Somerset Hills Golf Package, a 3-day membership to Vulcan Motor Club, and other unique and unusual clothing, jewelry, getaways and sports and theatrical memorabilia items.   

Afterwards, guests will enjoy a fabulous cabaret show of music and comedy sketches featuring notable performers from the stage and screen.  The celebrity guest roster this year includes Tony award and Emmy award winner Blythe Danner, Broadway veterans Kate Baldwin, Robert Cuccioli and Laila Robins, Tamara Tunie from NBC's series Law and Order: SVU, Peri Gilpin from the hit series Frasier, hot, new jazz vocalist Gregory Generet and many others.   

Gala tickets range from $300 to $1,000 per person and there are numerous sponsorship opportunities available. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law.  For more information or reservations, call 973-408-3164 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.  Additional major support is received from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the F. M. Kirby Foundation, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Shubert Foundation and Drew University, as well as contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals. American Airlines is the official airline of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Crystal Rock Water is the company's official water provider. Barefoot Wine is the official wine provider.

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