5th Avenue Celebrates 30th Anniversary At 2010 Gala 6/19

The 5th Avenue Theatre celebrates its 30th Anniversary with A Night At The 5th, a Gala celebration of three decades as one of the region's leading non-profit organizations. On Saturday June 19 The Theatre Offers up entertainment, catered delicacies and both a Silent and Live Auction, and celebrates the end of a critically-acclaimed season as well as honoring the visionaries who saved The 5th from demolition.
 
On June 16, 1980, almost 30 years ago to the day of this year's event, another Gala took place at The 5th with two of American Theater's leading ladies present, actress Helen Hayes and legendary musical theater star Ethel Merman. To reopen The Theatre Hayes recited a Shakespeare Sonnet and kissed the stage, declaring it "a National Treasure," while Merman brought the house down with the songs "I've Got Rhythm" and "There's No Business Like Show Business." This year we pay tribute to our own Leading Lady of The 5th, Marilynn Sheldon, who served as the theatre's founding Managing Director up till her retirement last year, as well as the civic and business leaders behind the theatre's transformation from movie palace to Seattle's magnificent home of live musical theater.
 
The eighth annual Gala this year also puts the spotlight on our supporters and patrons with an evening that includes three acts of sophisticated fun. "Act One" is a cocktail reception in the theatre's lobby, accompanied by catered appetizers and a Silent Auction of exclusive goods and services from the region's best shops, wineries and businesses. "Act Two" features a Live Auction that includes such one-of-a-kind gifts as a cameo appearance in one of next season's shows or even a special song composed just for you! The Auction is accompanied by live performances by an all-star cast of 5th Avenue performers. Finally in "Act Three" join your fellow patrons onstage for a champagne dessert, and feel what it's like to be in the star's spotlight for a night.
 
Tickets for A Night at The 5th, as well as season subscriptions to The 5th Avenue's 2010-2011 Season, are available by calling 206-625-1900/toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), at our website at http://www.5thavenue.org/support/anightatthe5th.aspx, and in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.
           
The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle's premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation's largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, Managing Director Bernadine C. Griffin and Producing Director Bill Berry, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.
 
Special thanks to The 5th's 2011 Season Co-Sponsors Safeco Insurance and US Bank.

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