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"The stage is set, the stars are aligning and Rutherford Stage is inviting everyone to an "unforgettable evening," says Tyler Graeper, the director of "Night of 1,000 Stars" fundraising concert set Friday, June 13 at 7pm and Saturday, June 14 at 3pm at the Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College.
The event begins with a VIP Starlight Reception at 5:30pm Friday and the Night of 1,000 Stars Musical Revue Performance beginning at 7pm.
The VIP Starlight Reception is the primary fundraising event for the concert. This is an opportunity for the audience to mingle with the cast, get exclusive access to additional performances, a silent auction, appetizers, and other fundraising games that will take place over the course of the reception. Two of the cast members, Kat Brinnier and Tish Zimmerman, will be making special appearances as The Queen and 'The King' of the reception, promising once in a lifetime interactions and photo opportunities for those lucky enough to attend, said Tyler.
"If someone really wants to be a supporter of Rutherford Stage and the impact we have made on the multiple generations of artists in Rutherford County, they should make it a priority to join the stars in our VIP Starlight Reception," said Tyler.
Also at the reception a pair of stage seats will be auctioned for those who like to be as close to the action as possible. It will include a small gift basket and choice of wine or non-alcoholic beverages.
"It's a fun novelty that is going to be special to Night of 1,000 Stars, so anyone who's wanted to be on the stage but not perform can get that chance," said Tyler.
Since Rutherford Stage has converted from the former Rutherford County Arts Council, Tyler said, "We are wanting to pick up where the former theatre left off in providing everyone in Rutherford County an opportunity to get onstage and showcase their talent." Tyler said the event is an "opportunity to pride ourselves in being a space to foster the next generation of artists and performers."
"Night of 1,000 Stars" is a name Tyler came up with, inspired by the many hidden gems of talent throughout Rutherford County.
"Last year we did a kind of test run at our former space at Maple Street (Rutherfordton) and we had only seven performers. This year I'm ecstatic to say we have nearly 30 performers gracing The Foundation's stage, representing some of the best performers in Rutherford County," he said.
Among performers are four - Jessica Spainhour, Madison Snyder, Laura Link, and Tyler Graeper - who performed in Rutherford County Arts Council productions directed by Dianne and Matthew McEnnerney.
Lori Greene, Erica Stogner, Hannah Marks, Lauren Monsanto, Chris and Rachel Knobil, David Graeper, are performing with Rutherford Stage for the first time.
Others performers include Alison Moore, Angelo Parks, Caroline Jackson, Chelsea Jordan, Ella Jackson, Emma Harwell, Gabrielle Williams-Kosap, Jonah Millwood, Kat Brinnier, Lily Harwell, Makayla Martin,Tabatha Robinson, Rachel Knobil, Tish Zimmerman, Mary Lynn Bain, Donna Kersey and Charlotte Ware Epley.
Broadway show tunes, both classic and modern, as well as Jazz standards and other genres of music will be presented.
"We will be showcasing music created by composers such as Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hart, Jason Robert Brown, Stephen Schwartz, Sara Bareilles, and ABBA. There will be solos, duets, trios, and large ensemble group numbers," said Tyler.
Tyler says Rutherford Stage hopes to continue the legacy set in place by the former Arts Council while also branching out to create art and performances that audiences in Rutherford County haven't witnessed.
"This fundraising concert will play a huge part in our ability to bring bigger and better performances to our own corner of the world. We plan to bring Shakespeare back to the area in a way that is more interactive and down to earth than people may think," he added.
"People should come to this event because of the people who came together to make Rutherford Stage exist in the first place," said Tyler. "There are hundreds of kids and adults who come to this theatre to not only showcase their talents, but to form bonds, laugh, and discover who they are, it's irreplaceable, and I beg anyone reading to help support the future of this community."
For tickets visit FoundationShows.org.
• Friday, June 13- VIP tickets $30 and will grant access to the pre-show meet & greet, silent auction and refreshments. Doors will open at 5:30pm with the pre-show beginning at 5:30-6:30pm. Performance will start at 7pm. Regular tickets will be $15 tickets for general admission ($12 for students/seniors/military).
• Saturday, June 14- Doors open at 2pm, performance at 3pm. Tickets are $15 for general admission ($12 for students/seniors/military).
