TheatreSquared patrons say ‘Oui’ to Parisian gala
Posted on Sunday, October 29, 2006
FAYETTEVILLE — The area’s newest theater company decided to go all out for its inaugural benefit gala, and the response from the public was a unanimous “Tres Magnifique !” The Oct. 20 Moulin Rouge Gala at the Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios was sold out well in advance and included French food, libations and an uplifting cabaret performance that surely put a smile on the face of any Parisian enthusiast. Proceeds from the gala and a post-performance party raised about $ 10, 000 for TheatreSquared, a regional company of professional performance artists.
The show featured comedic songs and love songs about the language, culture and people of France. TheatreSquared actors David Pickens, Kat Endsley, Valerie Andrews and Chris Crawford kept the audience laughing while music director Jeannie Lee accompanied them on the piano. The show was directed by TheatreSquared associate artistic director Amy Herzberg.
The company took a few moments before the show to honor Fayetteville actor and director Sarah Burnside with the organization’s first Premiere Award. The award recognizes individuals whose contributions to the region’s theater community have been particularly outstanding.
Since her start in 1967 as Joan of Arc in the Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church’s production of The Lark, Burnside has directed or acted in nearly 20 local shows.
The award was presented by associate artistic director Bob Ford and TheatreSquared board member Robert James. Dr. Wade Burnside read a statement on behalf of his wife thanking the group. Herzberg also read an excerpt from The Belle of Amhurst by William Luce, one of Burnside’s favorite plays.
Authentic French food was provided by chefs David Lewis and Terese Post. Offerings included stews, cheeses, salads and pastries.
Throughout the evening, guests could pose for a sketch by portrait artist Emma Steinkraus. The theme carried through to the silent auction, which featured 30 or so items, such as French chocolates, wines, artwork, lingerie and even a French maid’s costume.
Live-auction items included a trip to the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, a two-night stay at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson and a lodging and dining package at James at the Mill. Before the night was over, TheatreSquared received a pledge from supporters to buy a piano.
TheatreSquared’s next performance will be the adult musical The Last Five Years, which will run Nov. 17-Dec. 3 at Nadine Baum Studios. Moulin Rouge Gala Oct. 20 WHAT: A dinner and musical performance benefiting TheatreSquared WHERE: Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios HONORED: Fayetteville actor and director Sarah Burnside with the first Premiere Award
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