Stages Raises $94,500 at Annual Cabaret Event

On Monday, August 11th STAGES St. Louis hosted Cheers!, a one-night-only cabaret event benefiting the organization's Education and Artistic Programs. This year's theme, Broadway Goes Country, featured some of STAGES' favorite talents including Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar (currently playing in the hit production of Always... Patsy Cline). The show also featured cast members, Johmaalya Adelekan and Steve Isom from STAGES current mainstage production How To Succeed In Business..., and former TeamSTAGES members Broadway Actress Taylor Louderman and also Jeff Foster. Under the direction of STAGES Associate Artistic Director Stephen Bourneuf, this sixth annual Cabaret was fun, fresh, and financially successful, breaking all previous records.

The event, held at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood opened with a 6:30PM reception, and pre-show activities including a wine pull and a TeamSTAGES raffle. The performance began at 7:30PM with a full house comprised of STAGES Board members, VIP donors, and loyal patrons. Ticket prices ranged from $75 to $250. The auction at intermission offered opportunities for exclusive dinners and parties with cast members, an evening at a St. Louis Cardinals game, including dinner at Ballpark Village, and even a special walk-on role in STAGES' upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Hosted by STAGES Executive Producer Jack Lane and Always... Patsy Cline star Jacqueline Petroccia, the evening's engaging live auction, incorporated impromptu participation from the cast and off-the-cuff humor. Guests were also able to show their support for specific Academy programs, including the Urban Arts Initiative, Access the Arts, Stories@STAGES, and student sponsorships for STAGES Performing Arts Academy at the Kent Center for Theatre Arts in Chesterfield.

Some of the favorite songs of the night were Petroccia's "Get out and Stay Out", Vonder Haar's "Always a Bridesmaid", and Lane and Adelekan's "Can't Help Falling in Love with You." The company joined in an affectionate performance at the finale of "Waitin' for the Light to Shine."

A total of $94,500 was raised through ticket sales, auction, wine pull, raffle, and a generous presenting sponsorship from Lynne and Jim Turley. "What a fun evening!" exclaimed Executive Producer, Jack Lane. He continued, "Each person, from the attendees, to the talented performers and the behind-the-scenes staff members, truly made this a memorable night. The money raised help to ensure future quality productions and quality education through STAGES St. Louis." If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to STAGES, please contact the Development Office at StagesStLouis.org or call (636) 449.5771.

STAGES St. Louis is the region's foremost not-for-profit company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2014, STAGES celebrates its 28th year of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting more than 250 performances from April through October to more than 75,000 patrons.