First Stage Hosts 25th Anniversary Gala Tonight, 6/9

First Stage celebrates milestone year with its 25th Anniversary Gala tonight, June 9. The event is also an occasion to recognize Founding Artistic Director Rob Goodman for his accomplishments during his 25 year tenure. The black tie evening will include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres followed by dinner and a program featuring inspirational stories by current young performers, students and alumni of First Stage. During this program a ground-breaking new fundraising initiative will be unveiled and Rob Goodman will be presented with a special gift in honor of 25 years of transforming lives through theater. The evening will conclude with the high-energy big band, Swing Nouveau.

Honorary chairs include Cathy & Mario Costantini (Milwaukee), Ann & Dick Gallagher (Milwaukee), Barb & Harry Stratton (Milwaukee) and Carlene & Andy Ziegler (Mequon).

The gala committee features Liza Perry (Milwaukee), Erin Peschel (Milwaukee), Sharon Rise (Wauwatosa), Jami Ross (River Hills), Kristin Severson (Milwaukee), Kristin Sheehan (Milwaukee), Mary Sprague (Milwaukee), Chad Tessmer (Milwaukee) and Susan & Bob Mikulay (Whitefish Bay), Corporate Sponsor Chairs

Performers include Adults (First Stage Alumni) Chris Feiereisen (Whitefish Bay) and Kate Gonring (Whitefish Bay); Young Performers Christian Adams (Milwaukee), Cole Hines (Milwaukee), Kamilah Lay (Milwaukee), Gaby Musickant (Mequon), Ashley Patin (Muskego), Emily Pogorelc (Milwaukee), Isaiah Reynolds (Brookfield) and Cole Winston (Hartland); Music Director Jeff Schaetzke (Grafton).

The gala takes place at Pier Wisconsin, located at 500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee on Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 6:00-11:00 p.m.

SCHEDULE:

6:00 p.m. Guests arrive, cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres will be enjoyed overlooking the lake
7:30 p.m. Welcome remarks by Carol A. Gehl, board president; dinner
7:40 p.m. Musical performance by First Stage Young Performers
8:30 p.m. Tribute to Rob Goodman, presented by Artistic Director Jeff Frank;
Video presentation, musical performance by First Stage Young Performers
9:00 p.m. Rob Goodman will unveil First Stage FUTURE campaign, with request for
support
9:30 p.m. Music and dancing with Swing Nouveau

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in the 2011-12 season, First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional Theater Productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. Selected for the Kennedy Center's Partners in Education program in 2012, First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education and Americans for the Arts, as well as Theatre Wisconsin and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).

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