Palo Alto Players Announces 4th Annual Gala EAST MEETS WEST

Palo Alto Players, the first theatre company on the Peninsula, will hold its fourth annual gala fundraiser on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the University Club of Palo Alto, 3277 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto. The evening, entitled EAST MEETS WEST, is inspired by the company's upcoming production of FLOWER DRUM SONG and will include selected songs from the David Henry Hwang revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, a guest performance by the Grant Avenue Follies dancers, exciting silent and live auctions, and the second annual Dessert Dash. All proceeds from the event will be used to further the company's mission of providing high quality, performing arts programming to the community with all local artists and expand the organization's community outreach initiatives. Tickets (starting at $150) and tables can be purchased online at paplayers.org or by calling 650.329.0891.

"This year's gala fundraiser is inspired by our upcoming production of FLOWER DRUM SONG set in San Francisco's Chinatown and celebrates Eastern and Western culture meeting and influencing each other," said Managing Director Elizabeth Santana, about the gala's name choice, EAST MEETS WEST. "And since it is Saint Patrick's Day, we'll have a little luck of the Irish sprinkled into the evening as well. Theatre, at its very core, helps people with different viewpoints, at different places in life, find commonality through a shared experience. What better way to do that than bringing together our great local artists, theatre audiences, and community leaders for a night of celebrating our cultural influences and giving back to the arts in the community. "

The evening begins at 5 pm with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, no host bar, and silent auction, followed by dinner and entertainment from the Grant Avenue Follies dancers, and an exciting live auction, featuring an array of one-of-a-kind experiences like a walk-on-role in an upcoming production and a "Pick Your Paradise" vacation package. The event will also honor long-time Palo Alto Players production photographer Joyce Goldschmid. Goldschmid will receive the Leading Player award to recognize her indelible impact on Palo Alto Players and the local theatre community. The evening culminates with the Dessert Dash and a special preview performance from Palo Alto Players' production of FLOWER DRUM SONG.

Individual tickets starting at $150 include a 3-course dinner, wine, live entertainment, and access to the live and silent auctions. Tables of 10 are also available starting at $1,500. Sponsorship levels, which include tickets for the Gala, begin at $2,000. To purchase tickets or a table, or to become a sponsor, contact Managing Director Elizabeth Santana, at 650.363.8582 or at esantana@paplayers.org. All net proceeds support Palo Alto Players' five mainstage productions and community outreach programs.

The 2019 gala committee members include Dawn Billman, Bobbi Fox, Gloria Hom, Andrew Kracht, Kathy Martinelli, Elizabeth Santana, and Amy Yang.

Palo Alto Players is grateful for the support of these event underwriters and sponsors (as of 2/21/19): BAYSTAGES a division of VIA MEDIA and Caselli Partners LLC, Channing House, Grocery Outlet, Garden Court Hotel, Palo Alto Weekly, The Myers-Briggs Company, and Palo Alto Players' Board of Directors.

For more information about the event, please visit paplayers.org/gala-2019.

Palo Alto Players, the Peninsula's first theatre company, presents a season of comedies, dramas, classics, and musicals at the Lucie Stern Theater in Palo Alto, built for the Players in 1933. The company is committed to providing a meaningful theatre experience for both audience and production participants. Intrinsic in this is the belief that theatre benefits the community-at-large and enhances the quality of life of those who are touched by it through education, enlightenment, and enrichment. With community at its core, Palo Alto Players features all local talent and serves over 13,000 patrons each year.

In cooperation with The City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto Players performs at the Lucie Stern Theater located at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, California. Use of this facility is made possible through support from The City of Palo Alto, Community Services Department, Division of Arts and Sciences, and from our patrons.

For more information about Palo Alto Players, visit www.paplayers.org or call 650.329.0891.

Photo Credit: Greggory Riforgiate