Arizona Broadway Theatre to Host Inaugural Broadway Ball, 2/22

Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT), producer of premier professional musical theatre in the Valley, today announced Saturday, February 22 as the date for its inaugural black-tie fundraising event - The Broadway Ball. The elegant event is expected to become the nonprofit theatre's major annual fundraising event in support of ABT's artistic, educational and charitable programs.

The Ball will be held at the theatre and will feature an evening of dining and entertainment as well as silent and live auctions that will include dining, sports and travel packages. Experiences, opportunities and memorabilia unique to the Arizona Broadway Theatre will also be offered during the auctions to raise funds for the nonprofit.

"The Broadway Ball is a way for us to celebrate the arts, the community and ABT as a prominent gathering place in the Valley," said Kiel Klaphake, executive producer at Arizona Broadway Theatre. "Because we are a nonprofit organization, we aim to benefit the community for many years to come. This annual event will help us sustain our existing programs and develop new ones that will enrich lives, not only in the West Valley, but across the state of Arizona and beyond."

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with guests being welcomed by live entertainment and passed hors d'oeuvres to accompany silent auction bidding. The house will open for the dining portion of the evening at 7:00 p.m. The evening's program will begin with a brief live auction followed by entertainment representative of ABT's Mainstage programming, Theatre for Young Audiences, Academy for Young Performers and Education Outreach. An after-party with dancing in the theatre lobby will conclude the festive evening.

The Broadway Ball will raise awareness of the impact that Arizona Broadway Theatre has had on residents and visitors to Peoria, Glendale, Surprise and the Sun Cities for nearly nine years. Proceeds from the event will fund many programs, including scholarships for youth, arts outreach workshops for Title I schools, enhancements to children's programming and salaries for Mainstage artists.