1812 Productions, Philadelphia's all-comedy theatre company, is pleased to announce its annual gala fundraiser Eventa du Schmancy. Eventa du Schmancy will take place from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on Monday, March 10th at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street. Tickets are available at various prices and can be purchased by contacting 1812 Productions directly at (215) 592-9560 or online at www.1812productions.org.

Eventa du Schmancy is 1812 Productions' fourth annual gala fundraiser and has become a much anticipated event for 1812 Productions' patrons and supporters. A full evening of drinking, dining, laughing, check writing, and entertainment, a special feature of this year's Eventa du Schmancy will be crafted to honor the achievements of Dolly Beechman Schnall, a member of 1812 Productions' board of directors, arts philanthropist, and beloved first lady of Philadelphia theatre. Mrs. Beechman Schnall's career in the theatre has been an all-encompassing journey that includes work as an actress, director, professor, and playwright-with productions of her work being staged at The Kennedy Center and at regional and touring houses across the country. She has been a pillar of the Philadelphia theatre community for most of her life and we are pleased to be able to celebrate her accomplishments in this way. "Dolly is one of the unsung heroes of Philadelphia theater," says Jennifer Childs, 1812 Productions' Artistic Director. "In addition to her own career in the field, she has created scholarship opportunities for young artists and served on the board of directors of many theater companies. She is a Philadelphia girl who has spent her life working to keep the theater community here healthy." Matt Pettigrew, president of 1812 Productions' board of directors, shares this sentiment. "I and my fellow board members are deeply appreciative of the years of devoted service that Dolly has given to 1812. We are glad for this opportunity to show our gratitude for her generosity, unwavering commitment, and lifelong dedication to this artform."

In addition to this ceremony, 1812 Productions will also feature a special presentation of Ron Monroe's Lunch Party (everyone's favorite 1950's radio hour) featuring performances by Scott Greer as Ron Monroe, Tony Braithwaite as Jack Benny, Pete and Juliette Pryor as The Bickersons, and many more. Ron Monroe's Lunch Party is inspired by the classic radio program Don McNeill's Breakfast Club and was written specially for 1812 Productions by David Witz, creator of the Fringe Festival hit The Many Men of Martha Manning. Like Don McNeill's Breakfast Club, Ron Monroe's Lunch Party will feature surprise guests, musical numbers, audience participation, and improvisation galore. Other performers appearing in Ron Monroe's Lunch Party will be Jennifer Childs, Dave Jadico, Karen Getz, and Grace Gonglewski.

Both the ceremony to honor Mrs. Beechman Schnall and the performance of Ron Monroe's Lunch Party will take place over hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, dinner, and a grand silent auction at the fantastic World Café Live. World Café Live has become one of the most prominent music venues in Philadelphia and, because of its relationship with independent music station WXPN, presented itself as the perfect venue not only for honoring a dear friend of the company, but also for producing this unique kind of show-one which is steeped in classic 1950's Americana. This celebrated comedic style has become a trademark of 1812 Productions' repertoire.

All funds raised at Eventa du Schmancy will benefit works produced during 1812 Productions' 2007-2008 season, as well as 1812 Productions' Capital Fund-a working fund established to aid 1812 Productions in its search for a permanent home in Philadelphia. "I have always been very proud of the fact that our fundraisers are such a good time," says Ms. Childs. "Even when we're raising money, we're making people laugh."