NSMT Benefit Concert Raises $45,000 To Keep The Theater Open

On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, The Friends of North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) held a all star benefit concert on at Danversport Yacht Club, in Danvers, MA to help raise funds to keep the theatre open. The event has brought in $45,000 which will help keep the theatre operating over the few months and working towards the 4 million dollars needed to produce a 2009 Season. The Friends of North Shore Music Theatre is a volunteer committee of trustees, former employees, NSMT alumni and others.

The star-studded evening hosted b NSMT audience favorite David Coffee, best known for his role as Scrooge in NSMT's production of A Christmas Carol. Coffee was joined by special guest George Dvorsky, currently starring in the First National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Also performing that evening were many Boston area favorites who have performed at NSMT, including Peter S. Adams, Gordon Baird, Leigh Barrett, Maureen Brennan, Mary Callanan, Dick Decarau, Andrew Giordano, Cassandra Marsh, Robert Saoud, and Kathy St. George. The NSMT Orchestra led by Jay Daly also performed, in addition to NSMT's Youth Performance Academy's Rising Stars, David Lucey, Alexandra Nader, and Presilah M. Nunez.

In December, NSMT announced that without immediate philanthropic support it would close its doors after 55 years of providing performing arts and educational programming to millions. Faced with the reality of the current economic crisis, all 57 employees were recently let go. Proceeds from the Save North Shore Music Theatre event go toward resurrecting the area's most unique and intimate theatre. For more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 350,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including IRNE Awards, the Elliot Norton Award, the Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and the Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theater for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.

Photo: NSMT Youth Performance Academy Rising Stars (David Lucey, Alexandra Nader, Presilah M. Nunez) with Host David Coffee.