Millbrook to showcase, honor supporters at first-ever Ovation Gala Aug. 29
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MILL HALL -- Millbrook Playhouse is gearing up for its first-ever Ovation Gala, celebrating a number of supporters who have made the local theater a success over the decades.
"As Millbrook Playhouse embarks on this thrilling new chapter, we recognize that our journey wouldn't be possible without the amazing people who have supported us along the way," a release from Millbrook said.
The Ovation Gala, slated for Aug. 29 at the playhouse, will pay tribute to the community and serve as a kick off for a $20,000 fundraiser. The funding will be used to secure performance rights and updates to the barn.
The gala will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and music by Eastern Standards, followed by refreshments at 6:15 p.m.; a performance on the Ryan Main Stage at 7:30 p.m., The Ovation Awards at 8:15 p.m. and Curtin Call at 9 p.m. featuring coffee and a celebration of the next season.
The gala will feature signature cocktails, live music, interactive fundraising frivolities and a premium grazing experience featuring delicious food from Clinton County businesses.
"While you mingle, you can browse a fantastic lineup of unique silent auction items," the release said.
The night will see Millbrook flip the script at the Ryan Main Stage, with a unique performance by Marc de la Concha and members of both the youth and adult ensembles.
"Picture yourself seated right on the stage itself while our talented performers take over the audience seats. This unique setup grants you an extraordinary view of a spectacular performance," Millbrook said in its release.
Tickets for the show cost $75, are all inclusive and may be purchased by visiting www.millbrookplayhouse.org.
Following the performance, Millbrook Playhouse will honor a number of individuals with Ovation Awards, celebrating those who have helped shape the theater's legacy. These include: Honored Board Member; Visionary Impact Award; Patrons of the Year; The Spirit of Millbrook Award.
De la Concha will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The following individuals will be receiving the Ovation Awards:
HONORED BOARD MEMBER
Erla Mae Frederick, an active member at the playhouse since October 1999, will receive the Honored Board Member Award. Frederick told The Express she became involved through friends Sue Calvert, Paul and Sherri Walison and John and Ute Rich.
Frederick said when she was first elected to the board, she was tasked with helping sell season tickets to a specific list of people. She also began to usher during performance.
"I eventually took over all season ticket sales, helped get ads for the playbill and, eventually, became head usher for both theaters," she said.
VISIONARY IMPACT AWARD
Thomas "Doc" Sweitzer will receive the Visionary Impact Award.
According to a release from Millbrook, Sweitzer is receiving this award in honor of his financial leadership for the playhouse's "Next Act."
PATRONS OF THE YEAR
Two local couples will be receiving the Patrons of the Year Award: Lenny and Maribeth Long and Joe and Stephanie Waltz.
Both are receiving the award for their "tireless advocacy for (the playhouse) and unwavering support of the arts."
For the Waltz's, Millbrook performances are an integral part of their lives.
A native of the area, Stephanie said she can't imagine a summer without Millbrook, as she started attending on a regular basis at age 10, the first year the barn opened.
She went on to mention that it was so much fun for her to attend a show and see items that her family had donated being used as props on the stage.
So many wonderful memories of the performances over the years make it hard for Stephanie to choose just one favorite. However, she noted seeing "The Fantastiks," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Plain and Fancy" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" topped her list of favorites.
Though not a Clinton County native, Joe said he was introduced to Millbrook through his wife and soon grew to love and appreciate it just as much as her.
Joe also greatly appreciates all the presentations performed at Millbrook but chose the following for special mention: "Godspell," "Hair," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Pump Boys and Dinettes."
"We both constantly tell others that we are so extremely fortunate to have a "jewel" of a playhouse in our own backyard," the Waltzs said. "Lastly, we are both so honored to be included with the others listed in this group as they have all devoted so much time and resources into making Millbrook Playhouse the resounding success it has become."
THE SPIRIT OF MILLBROOK AWARD
Rose Ann Yarnarella will receive the highest honor of the evening, The Spirit of Millbrook Award. This award is being given as a way to celebrate Yarnarella's "lifetime of legacy and long-term dedication to the barn."