Lia Chang: Garth Kravits, Suzzanne Douglas, Erin Dilly, Gavin Lee and More Set for “From Carousel to Kinky Boots”, Bickford Theatre Guild’s Annual Fundraiser on April 26

Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

“From Carousel to Kinky Boots”, Bickford Theatre Guild’s annual fundraiser at the Bickford Theatre, 6 Normandy Heights Rd in Morristown, NJ., will feature an evening of cabaret songs spanning from classical musical theatre and jazz, to contemporary musicals and the hottest new composers, with award winning talent from the world of Broadway, Film & Television and London’s West End, on Saturday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by Peter Filichia; theatre columnist, author, and former theatre critic for the Newark Star Ledger, the evening is directed by Thom Christopher Warren, longtime cast member of Disney’s THE LION KING, and director of the Bickford’s production of CROSSING DELANCEY in 2010. Musical Direction is by Peter Candela; Broadway keyboardist and musical director for dozens of professional theatres across the tri-state area. The evening kicks off with a pre-show champagne reception where guests will have the opportunity to mingle with the artists. Following the reception, guests will enjoy a cabaret of timeless, musical classics from the golden age through modern day. A post-show reception will follow and feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a cork pull. The doors open at 6:30pm.

Suzzanne Douglas. Photo by Dennis Kwan

Performers include Garth Kravits (THE DROWSY CHAPERONE on Broadway and star of Bickford’s CROSSING DELANCEY), Suzzanne Douglas (NAACP Award winner and star of the Bickford’s LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL), Gavin Lee (Drama Desk winner and TONY Award nominee for the role of Bert in both Broadway and the West End productions of MARY POPPINS), Erin Dilly (TONY nominee for her role in Broadway’s CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, and most recently seen in the Broadway production of the holiday hit, A CHRISTMAS STORY), Stephen Buntrock (Curly in OKLAHOMA, and most recently opposite Bernadette Peters in the Broadway revival of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC), Graham Rowat (Broadway’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, GUYS AND DOLLS, MAMMA MIA), Marni Raab (Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA), Loni Ackerman (original companies of CATS, EVITA, and STARTING HERE STARTING NOW), and Bickford favorite Susie Speidel.

Other performers include Adam Williams, Max Clayton, Kate Johannigman, Kate McMillan, Cassie Levine, Greg Kamp (Barry Manilow’s HARMONY), Rose Pedone and the cast of the Bickford’s upcoming production of FOREVER PLAID.

Proceeds from the benefit provide support for future programming at the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre. One of New Jersey’s premier professional theatres, the Bickford produces and presents year-round entertainment including a Main Stage Series, two Children’s Theatre series, a Jazz Showcase, and Blues at the Bickford. The theatre is a Senior Member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a not-for-profit organization of 30 professional theaters throughout the state, and works in conjunction with Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). From its beginnings in 1994 to the present, tens of thousands of theater-goers from across the tri-state area have enjoyed the Bickford Theatre’s many entertaining and diversified offerings in theatre, music and dance.

Tickets

$250 – Pre-show “Mingle with the Stars” Champagne Reception, priority seating and post show reception
$100 – Show and Post Show Reception
$65 – Show Only

Tickets may be purchased by phone at (973) 971-3706, or in person at the Bickford Theatre Box Office. The Bickford Theatre is an integral part of the Morris Museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, NJ, and offers free parking and full accessibility. Box Office hours for phone sales are Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Walk-up hours are Tuesday, through Friday, 11:00am to 5:00pm.

About the Morris Museum
Celebrating 100 years, the Morris Museum is an award-winning, community-based arts and cultural institution which serves the public through high caliber exhibitions in the arts, sciences and humanities. The Museum also offers educational programs, family events, and is home to the Bickford Theatre and its wide range of performing arts offerings. Continuously serving the public since 1913, the Morris Museum has been designated a Major Arts Institution and has received the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ Citation of Excellence, among other awards. The first museum in New Jersey to be accredited, the Morris Museum was re-accredited in 2013 by the American Alliance of Museums.

The Morris Museum is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00pm. In addition, the Museum is open evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm on the second and third Thursday of the month. Admission to the Museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children, students and senior citizens. Admission is always free for Museum members. Every second and third Thursday of the month between 4:00 and 8:00pm, the Museum offers visitors the opportunity to Pay What You Wish. For more information, call (973) 971-3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.