For Immediate Release: January 20, 2005
Media Contact: Roger Ricker, The Media Theatre, 610.891.0100

The Media Theatre will hold its Ninth Annual Grand Gala Valentine's weekend. The annual benefit event allows residents and organizations in the Philadelphia/ Wilmington region the opportunity to support Delaware County's only award-winning professional theatre.

The Media Theatre, a non-profit organization, had one of its most rewarding, risk-taking seasons this past year, producing stellar, critically- acclaimed productions. Artistic Director Jesse Cline conceived a new version of the classic Cabaret, the Philadelphia area premiere of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party (for which Jennie Eisenhower won the theatre's first Barrymore Award), and outstanding concerts by Tony Award winners Judy Kaye and Betty Buckley.

The Media Theatre's children's programming continues to develop future professional performers and new audiences with titles such as The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and the area's most popular summer camp. Matthew Gehr, a student at Media Elementary School, was cast in Artistic Director Jesse Cline's production of Cabaret. His memorable performance was so captivating, the Philadelphia Weekly named it one of 2004's top five moments onstage.

Jesse Cline explains the annual Gala. “To continue our artistic growth here at Media Theatre, we need the support of the community,” he said. “Ticket sales, while encouraging, will only make up a portion of what is needed. The community's support will allow us to move ahead with our mission and to strive for even higher levels of excellence. This Valentine's weekend, we hope everyone who loves The Media Theatre, the Broadway Series, the children's programming and the professional talent on our stage will support what we do by making a donation to the theatre or purchasing a ticket to our annual fundraiser.”

As is the tradition with the Media Theatre Gala, the theatre will honor those whose dedication and support of the arts enhance the cultural experiences of residents in the Philadelphia/ Wilmington region. The 2005 Honorees are: James Haskins, Executive Director of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia (Advocate of the Arts Award), Hedgerow Theatre (Arts Recognition), Doubet Jewelers (Arts Appreciation) and Town Talk Newspapers (Public Service).

Tickets for the Annual Grand Gala on Saturday evening February 12 are $100, which includes a reception prior to the show, the awards ceremony, a performance of the Broadway musical I Do! I Do! at 8pm,and post-show entertainment. The evening is black-tie optional.

Each ticket purchased assists in insuring the Media Theatre will continue its mission, which is ‘to promote and nurture the imagination, diversity and joy unique to music theatre by the production of new and classic works; to herald music theatre to young people as an art form that is relevant to their lives and to foster an understanding by them that it is indigenous to their cultural heritage and reflective of our country's heritage.'

Corporate sponsorship packages are available. Organizations or individuals may purchase a seat at the Media Theatre, in which you (or your organization) will be recognized with a plaque on the back of a seat (Gold Level seats are $500, Silver Level are $250.)

For information on the Gala, becoming a sponsor, or purchasing a seat, call the Media Theatre at 610-891-0100.

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