Queens Theatre Hosts HEAT WAVE Opening Night Gala Tonight, 5/9

Queens Theatre, a home of world-class theatre, dance and cultural programming in the borough of Queens, presents its annual Gala tonight, May 9, 2012. The event-the organization's largest fundraiser of the year-celebrates the world premiere of Heat Wave: The Jack Cole Project, a new musical tribute to legendary Hollywood choreographer Jack Cole. Tickets are on sale at queenstheatre.org or by calling 718.760.0064.

The Gala begins at 5:15pm with cocktails and a light dinner in the theatre's award-winning, glass-enclosed Rotunda Lobby, followed by the opening night performance of Heat Wave beginning at 7pm. Immediately following the performance, there will be a dessert reception and a champagne toast to the cast. Throughout the evening, guests can bid on a selection of Silent Auction items ranging from premium seating to top Broadway shows, collectible wines, one-of-a-kind jewelry and more.

Developed and produced by Queens Theatre, Heat Wave pays homage to Jack Cole, the unsung genius whose onscreen work with Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable and other Hollywood stars changed dance forever. The show features recreations of more than two dozen of his numbers from such films as There's No Business Like Show Business, Kismet, Les Girls and On the Riviera. Heat Wave was conceived and is directed and choreographed by Chet Walker, co-creator of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Fosse.

The 2012 Gala is co-chaired by Tracy Capune of Kaufman Astoria Studios and Bruce Levine of the 42nd Street Development Corporation, both members of the Queens Theatre Board of Directors. The Gala Committee also includes Rose Ciampa, Steve Chen, Ray Cullom, Linda DeSabato, Gary Kesner, Ed Kiley, Dana King, Barbara Matovu, Scott Mohon, Frances A. Resheske, Jay Rogers, ReuBen Rosenthal, Sydney Pratt, Dawn Simon, Louis Vlahos, and Margaret Zarzana-Vitale.

Sponsors of Queens Theatre's 2012 Gala include:

Directors: Don & Rose Ciampa, Con Edison, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Silvercup Studios.

Stage Managers: 42nd Street Development Corporation, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Crystal Windows & Doors, Farrell Fritz, P.C., National Grid, TD Bank, Vallo Transportation.

Featured Performers: Frances A. Resheske, Rotary Club of Flushing.

Sponsorship packages, which range from $2,500 to $25,000 are still available. For more information on becoming a sponsor or purchasing an ad in the commemorative Gala Program, visit queenstheatre.org/2012-gala or call Barbara Matovu at 718.760.0686 x161.

Individual tickets the 2012 Gala are priced at $250 each and are available:

ONLINE: queenstheatre.org

BY PHONE: 718.760.0064

IN PERSON: Queens Theatre Box Office, 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park