“Ain’t Misbehavin’” was one of many triumphant musicals showcased at White Plains Performing Arts Center.
Photo credit: Carlos Gustavo Monroy
Enchanted Evening
Sets Stage For
Arts Center’s Future
By: Pat Casey
Published: May 20, 2009
In the downtown of White Plains is a gem known as the White Plains Performing Arts Center, where for two years innovative and eclectic entertainment and classic Broadway musicals have thrilled audiences. Although ticket sales have grown with every show and subscriptions are up, a wobbly economy has caused the Center to expand its revenue generating events with a gala fundraiser, “One Enchanted Evening” to be held Monday, June 1 at the theater in the City Center complex.
“The last two years have been an incredible time for us at the White Plains Performing Arts Center…thousands of people have come to see the seven Broadway classic musicals we’ve produced from scratch since November 2007, most recently a highly praised production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s “A Little Night Music” starring Tony nominees Penny Fuller and Mark Jacoby,” says Jack Batman, WPPAC Executive Producer. “I’m so grateful for the enormous support and encouragement we have received from audiences, reviewers and the media. To have such a beautiful facility so close to Manhattan has been a huge asset. Not only have we begun to draw audiences from the city, but ‘45 minutes to Broadway’ means we have access to the very finest award-winning actors, directors, musicians, designers and staff and they, in turn, have an artistic home where they can return again and again to dazzle and delight our audiences. It’s just what I thought it could be when I first proposed this dream.”
The “One Enchanted Evening” gala will include wine and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a performance featuring some of the stars of the Broadway classic musicals produced by the theater, plus other celebrity appearances. The show will be directed by Sidney J. Burgoyne (who directed “Ragtime,” “Camelot,” and “A Little Night Music,” and starred in “Man of La Mancha” and “Oliver!”). Robert Cuccioli, who played Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha” and King Arthur in “Camelot,” will also attend the gala.
The gala honors Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester for her leadership and support of the Westchester business community; Isabel Villar, Founding Executive Director of El Centro Hispano, Inc. for her commitment to the Hispanic community of Westchester; and Barbara and Richard Dannenberg, for their patronage and support of arts in Westchester.
When asked for a comment, the Dannenbergs responded: “We support WPPAC because it has top Equity actors close to home, performing shows such as “Man of La Mancha,” “Camelot,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Oliver” that we have truly enjoyed. Attending this wonderful theatre eliminates the hassle of trips to Manhattan’s theatre district with its high prices for theatre and parking.”
Youth Theater
WPPAC also supports an educational program for youth. “Our educational program, the Westchester Conservatory for the Performing Arts, is going full-steam at last under our new director of education, Jeremy Quinn, with a youth theatre production of the musical “All Shook Up” playing May 29th and 30th at the theatre. We’re now enrolling students for a full summer professional theatre training program (June 29 to August 15) that will culminate with three musical productions: “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Starmites” and “The Wild Party,” explained Batman.
A New Season
Batman continued: “We’re presently obtaining the rights to the plays, musicals and family and kids events we’ll be offering during the 2009-2010 Season, and I’ll be ready to make an announcement about that sometime soon. We can’t do any of this, however, without financial support. I am extremely grateful for all that we receive from the City of White Plains and its leadership but, as a not-for-profit theatre, we are dependent on contributions to survive. As I repeatedly tell our audiences, ticket sales only contribute about 30 percent of our actual operating costs and it takes ample funds to produce high-quality shows and run a professional not-for-profit theatre. I firmly believe the arts must play a major role in the development and growth of a thriving city, and that we must continue to build longer bridges, stronger bridges to our community and its people. The White Plains Performing Arts Center has the opportunity to create a deep and satisfying identity in this city and in the hearts of the people who live here, but to achieve these goals we need commitment and support. We’re counting on the community to give us a hand. We’ll supply the love.”
Gala tickets are available at two levels: a limited number of premium tickets for $250 (includes preferred seating and post-performance reception at 42) and regular tickets at $125 each. Mercedes-Benz raffle tickets are $50 each or three for $125. Call 328-1600 or visit wppac.com .
