Mardi Gras Masquerade Fundraiser To Be Held At The ABT

Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) is holding its first fundraiser, a Mardi Gras Masquerade, February 21, 2009, to benefit ABT’s educational, outreach and children’s programs, including the Academy for Young Performers and the Arizona Broadway Children’s Theatre.

To capture the excitement of Mardi Gras and its carnival-like atmosphere, the evening’s activities will include midway games, character artists, magicians, showgirls and an authentic Dixieland band. A silent auction will take place in ABT’s spacious lobby.  The amazing donated items include:  two nights at the Las Vegas Desert Rose Resort; a spa treatment for 10 at the Red Door Spa; a two-night stay at Las Palomas Beach at Rocky Point, and a walk-on role in ABT’s upcoming production of Guys and Dolls! The evening continues with delectable French Quarter cuisine, including hors d’oeuvres, salad, entrée and dessert, prepared by ABT’s executive chef, Allen Dowe. During dinner, the Crackerjack Jazz Band, Phoenix’s finest and most-seasoned professional Dixieland jazz musicians, will take the stage.

ABT feels that arts education is a vital element in the development of the whole individual.  The mission of the Academy is to instill and to inspire young people to develop an appreciation for the performing arts through the education and exploration of theatre skills.  Theatre professionals provide training in all aspects of theatre.  Sessions for students aged 7 – 18 years are offered each spring break, in June and July, and after school on Monday afternoons every fall and winter.
Arizona Broadway Children’s Theatre is a seasonal program in which professional actors perform for children.  Launched in July 2008, the Children’s Theatre has produced two highly successful and entertaining productions:  The Wizard of Oz and The Elves and the Shoemaker. This summer young audiences can enjoy performances of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little.

ABT, Arizona’s one-of-a kind, state-of-the-art professional dinner theatre, showcases locally and nationally acclaimed artists both onstage and behind the scenes. ABT is conveniently located south of W. Bell Road off the Loop 101, east of the Peoria Sports Complex. Parking is free. For more information, please call the Box Office at 623.776.8400 or visit www.azbroadwaytheatre.com.