While Starlight Musical Theatre and its audiences are saying "Hello" to "Hello, Dolly!", currently running at Starlight as a previously announced final show of the season, they will in fact not be saying "Goodbye" once the show closes on September 5th. It has just been announced that a benefit concert, "Divas Do Broadway", will have a one night only performance on Saturday, September 11 to close out their 64th summer season.
Artistic Director, Carlos Mendoza, is gathering a number of Starlight alumni ladies to perform many of Broadway's favorite tunes in an evening of pure musical theatre bliss. Mr. Mendoza stated, "Starlight has been blessed to have tremendous talent on its stage, many with Broadway and national touring credits. We all love listening to Broadway hits and I thought a night of hearing our ‘divas' belt them out would be an even better way to close out the season. I know Starlight fans will enjoy seeing some of their favorites on stage doing what they do best."
Ticket prices for the event are two-tiered, $45 for front and $25 for rear, in the 4,200 seat theatre. Marketing/PR Director, Ryan Fahey, stated that, "We wanted to keep prices within reason, especially in financial times like these. While many charge upwards of $100 or more for a benefit we wanted to ensure that our mission of bringing families together was still upheld. This is an event to hear amazing songs sung by amazing woman and at an amazing price. You simply can't beat it."
All proceeds from the evening will benefit 64 year old Starlight Musical Theatre. In fact, all unions associated with the theatre, AEA (Actors Union), IATSE Local 122 (Stagehands Union) and Musicians Union Local 325 (Orchestra), have agreed to donate their time towards the cause of raising funds for Starlight. Of course in these economic times of decreased donations and sponsorships, Starlight has had to resort to surviving mainly on ticket sales alone, a feat that any arts organization knows is virtually impossible. This event will help to decrease the budgetary gap that almost all are feeling and ensuring its continued survival for years to come.
Located in beautiful Balboa Park, Starlight Musical Theatre has been a unique San Diego tradition for 64 years. Starlight audiences can enjoy top notch San Diego professionals while sitting under the stars in a 4,200-seat outdoor amphitheatre. Built for the 1935-1936 California-Pacific Exposition, the Starlight Bowl became the home of Starlight Musical Theatre in 1946. Since that time, Starlight has presented over 133 musicals and is one of the oldest continuously-producing musical theatre companies in the United States.
