TriArts Shines, Thanks to Spotlight 2010

TriArts artistic director Michael Berkeley with chairman of the board
Pat Best and Arnold Fisher

Spotlight 2010 at the Salisbury School Boathouse was a huge success: financially, socially and theatrically. If you were there, you know what we mean. If you didn't make it, be sure to take a look at some photos thanks to Dan Shaw at Rural Intelligence. Kudos go to Alex Lange, Carol Kalikow, Lola White and Mimi Estes, the hardest working board members on the planet. And they know how to put the "fun" back in "fund raiser". Thanks to their passion and effort, TriArts will continue to shine this year. There is a cost to producing "Broadway Quality in Your Backyard" and keeping theatre tickets affordable. Thanks to the committee chairs, the many donors of 50+ exciting auction items, the bidders, the supporters, Little Gates Wine, Kent Wine & Spirit, the Ackermans, and Salisbury School theatre magic will continue to brighten our lives in the northwest corner. [click here for additional photos]

"Pop the Question"…'Wedding Singer' can help with your proposal

Edward Meisel • June 3, 2010
Poughkeepsie Journal

Looking for an unforgettable way to propose to your soul mate? Want to celebrate a wedding anniversary in a unique and charismatic way that will let her — or him — know you are an undeniably hopeless romantic who would do it all over again?

Then you might want to contact Alice Bemand, executive director of the TriArts Sharon Playhouse, and let her help life and art imitate one another during the group's season-opening production of "The Wedding Singer."

Based on the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie of the same name, "The Wedding Singer" is a charming homage to courage in the pursuit of true love, set among the iconic music of the 1980s. Originally nominated for five Tony Awards, it is a fun and cheerful musical that is itself a celebration. If Bemand has her way, however, certain special productions will become even more memorable when actual marriage proposals take place at the theater during the performance.

"I had come up with a new concept this year where individuals for a small fee can dedicate a performance," Bemand said. "The buyer would get two premium seats to the performance of their choice, a special program insert signed by the entire cast, flowers at their seat, a champagne toast at the intermission and the chance to meet the entire cast at the end of the show.

"The idea was to use the dedication to make a special day that much more special, whether it was to celebrate an individual's birthday, or graduation, or other special milestone," she added.

But the beautifully romantic message of "The Wedding Singer" has Bemand thinking one step further. For certain special performances, Bemand and the players of the TriArts Sharon Playhouse are hoping to help Cupid's arrows find their mark by using the dedication packages as proposal packages.

"I would work very closely with whoever wanted to propose to make sure everything happened perfectly to create a very sweet, charming and truly unforgettable real-life proposal," she said.

Whether the amorous individual wishes to make the announcement a bold surprise or would like an assist from the cast itself, Bemand is sincerely eager to do whatever is necessary to make a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any couple who wishes to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Anyone interested in Bemand's unique offer should contact her soon, as the performances begin June 24 and continue to July 11. Call 1-860-364-7469 or e-mail alice@triarts.net for more information.

 

Youtheatre 2010 Programs Selling Out

Theatre Rocks! is all filled up, but there is still space in other Youtheatre Programs. We have an interesting mix of exciting new workshops, along with some of the favorites from last year.

Visit our Web site for all the details.
Pop Dance Styles, the week of July 5th is led by Bethany Elkin, who choreographed Disney's High School Musical 2 at TriArts. You can sing, you can act, but if you want to be a triple threat and increase your chance of being cast in a show, dance skills can make the difference.

Our three-week Musical Theatre Performing Workshop, directed by Heather Holohan, again offers an extended day (10am to 5pm).  It will culminate in a production of Disney’s Alice In Wonderland Jr. on the main stage.

TriArts’ is very proud of our comprehensive Youtheatre program. Our instructors are all theatre professionals who believe in building skills and developing talent while having fun.

Call 860-364-7469 X. 100 with any questions, and then register online to reserve your child’s place this summer.