Photo Flash: Chita Rivera et al. at Queens Theatre HEAT WAVE Opening Night Gala

The stars were shining, including Chita Rivera, Marge Champion, Stephen Schwartz and more, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park Wednesday evening when Queens Theatre hosted its 2012 Gala Fundraiser, a star-studded celebration of the world premiere of HEAT WAVE: THE Jack Cole PROJECT, a new musical homage to legendary stage and screen choreographer Jack Cole. The event raised more than $150,000 for the theatre and its programs, including its educational and outreach programs that bring theatre and the arts to public school students. See photos from the gala below!

“We are humbled by the generosity of our supporters,” said Ray Cullom, Executive Director of Queens Theatre. “In uncertain times, arts organizations are often lucky just to maintain a level of support from its patrons. To see such an increase is a testament to the theatre, its community, and the importance of bringing diverse, quality programming to Queens.”

Produced and developed by Queens Theatre and conceived, directed and choreographed by Chet Walker, HEAT WAVE received raves from a crowd that included Broadway and film stars Chita Rivera, Stephen Schwartz, Marge Champion, Jacques D’Amboise, Malcolm Gets, Tsidii Le Loka, Paige Davis, Donna McKechnie and the world renowned jazz dance teacher to the stars, Luigi. Representing the city and the borough of Queens were New York City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Former Queens Borough President Claire Schulman.

The Gala was made possible through the support of Rose and Don Ciampa, Con Edison, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Silvercup Studios, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Crystal Windows & Doors, Farrell Fritz, P.C., 42nd Street Development Corporation, National Grid, Queens County Savings Bank, TD Bank, Vallo Transportation, Citibank, Flushing Savings Bank, Frances A. Resheske, Rotary Club of Flushing, Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment and the United States Tennis Association.

HEAT WAVE: THE Jack Cole PROJECT continues performances at the Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Avenue South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park) through Sunday, May 20th. For more information, call 718.760.0064 or visit queenstheatre.org.