Jenifer Lewis to Headline CIRQUE DU 5TH Gala in Seattle This Month

Multi-talented actress and singer Jenifer Lewis returns to The 5th Avenue Theatre to headline the festivities at Cirque du 5th, the company's 12th Annual A Night at the 5th Gala, set for Friday, May 29th. Ms. Lewis was last seen at The 5th in 2009 in the starring role of Dolly Levi in the popular production of Hello, Dolly!, directed and choreographed by 5th Avenue Executive Producer and Artistic Director, David Armstrong.

"We are so lucky to enjoy a fantastic relationship with the amazing Jenifer Lewis," said Armstrong. "She is that unusual performer who regularly stars in a wide range of platforms: television, film, theater, voice-over work, and in cabaret. Her iconic performances have truly made her a Diva in the best possible sense. Her performance will make this an unforgettable evening."

Jenifer Lewis currently plays Ruby in ABC-TV's hit comedy Black-ish, the latest in a string of recurring roles in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, A Different World, Meet the Browns, and Strong Medicine. Her film career extends back to 1989 when she appeared with Bette Midler in Beaches (Lewis previously toured with Midler as one of her "Harlettes," her backup singers) and includes featured roles in The Preacher's Wife; Corrina, Corrina; The Temptations and Think Like a Man. Her voice has been heard in Shark Tale, Cars, Cars 2 and Disney's The Princess and the Frog. On Broadway, she starred in the musical revue of jazz artist Eubie Blake's songs entitled, Eubie!, and as Motormouth Mabel in Hairspray. Lewis and Armstrong's relationship extends back to the 1980s when they collaborated on a series of influential cabaret shows Off-Broadway and at the Public Theater that showcased her artistry as a singer, actress and comedienne.

Cirque du 5th is the theme for the 12th annual A Night at the 5th Gala. Known widely as the best party in town, attendees will enjoy cocktails and dinner in the Spanish Foyer of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel along with a silent auction and a chance to purchase a "Golden Ticket" to win an exciting London theatre package for two that includes two international Delta One tickets courtesy of Delta Air Lines, luxury accommodations, VIP seats to the hit West End production of Memphis (which traces its origins to The 5th Avenue Theatre), lunch at the world-renowned Ivy Restaurant with Memphis production partners, and 2 tickets to another London West End show. Following cocktails, guests will enjoy entertainment and a live auction at The 5th Avenue Theatre followed by a celebratory toast, dessert, and dancing on stage. Proceeds from the event support The 5th Avenue Theatre's education programs, which served over 74,000 children in 2014.

Tickets for Cirque du 5th begin at $500 and include cocktails, dinner, live and silent auction, and a memorable evening of entertainment. Tickets are available by calling (206) 260-2159 or by e-mailing mmurphy@5thavenue.org. Online bidding will also be available for those unable to attend. Golden tickets are $100 and purchasers don't need to be present at the Gala to win. Only 500 Golden Tickets are available.

The non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre is acclaimed as one of the nation's leading musical theater companies and is especially renowned for its production and development of new works. Since 2001, the Seattle-based company has produced 17 new musicals. To date, nine (including the sensational hit Disney's Aladdin) have moved on to Broadway premieres, earning a combined 14 Tony Awards, including two for Best Musical (Hairspray and Memphis). The 5th Avenue Theatre is also known for its world class, critically acclaimed productions of musicals chosen from both the contemporary canon and the Golden Age of Broadway.

Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, this 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 Artistic Director Bill Berry, this non-profit theater company attracts an annual attendance of more than 300,000, including over 25,000 subscribers -- one of the largest theater subscriptions in North America.

In addition to its main stage productions, The 5th Avenue Theatre is also committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its extensive educational outreach programs. For more information about The 5th Avenue Theatre, its season and its programs, visit www.5thavenue.org.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride