Sweet Honey In The Rock to Headline Shakespeare & Company's Ruby Gala

Shakespeare & Company celebrates their 40th Anniversary Season on Saturday, July 1st at the 40th Season Ruby Gala. The event will honor the Company's 40-year tradition of bringing world class theatrical productions to Berkshire audiences, while eagerly anticipating future seasons with Artistic Director Allyn Burrows and Managing Director Adam Davis.

Co-chaired by Mike Miller and Deborah Ryan, the evening will begin at 6:00pm in the lobby of the Tina Packer Playhouse with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction.

The festivities will continue with a special performance honoring the impact Shakespeare & Company has had on the cultural landscape of Berkshire County through its public performances, internationally renowned Center for Actor Training, and its inspirational education programs in our local schools.

The performance will be headlined by Sweet Honey In The Rock, a multiple Grammy Award-winning a cappella musical group.

After the musical performance, which will be interwoven with Shakespeare scenes and monologues from veteran Company artists, including Tina Packer, Dennis Krausnick, Kevin G. Coleman, Jennie Jadow, Gregory Boover, Tamara Hickey, Jonathan Epstein, Ariel Bock, and Jonathan Croy, guests are welcomed into the tented courtyard for an elegant dinner catered by Peter Platt of Old Inn on the Green.

After dinner, guests will be invited to join the entire Company for desserts and dancing with DJ BFG.

"We are thrilled and honored to welcome Sweet Honey In The Rock into our midst," said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. "Many of us have been fans of theirs for years, and this performance makes for a great start to our season, and will lead nicely into our Storytellers and Songwriters series in August."

Sweet Honey In The Rock is an all-female ensemble of internationally-acclaimed vocalists who educate, entertain, and empower their audience and community through the dynamic vehicles of a cappella singing and, like Shakespeare & Company, celebrate the power of language, resonance, and a deep connection with their listeners.

"In my 20-year involvement with Shakespeare & Company as Board Chair and Trustee I have never been more excited and positive about the future for this unique organization," said Gala Co-Chair Michael Miller. "With the leadership of Allyn and Adam and the support of Tina, the Founders, and our Board, we will rise to new heights in our next forty years. We hope you can join us for this commemorative night of storytelling through exciting performances, song, and dance as we celebrate forty years of theatre making in Berkshire County."

Premium Tables seating eight guests may be reserved for $20,000 for Ruby Tables, $10,000 for Platinum Tables, $6,000 for Gold Tables or $4,000 for Silver Tables. Gold Tickets are priced at $750, and regular Gala tickets are $400. All tickets include admission to the opening performance, cocktail reception and dinner, dancing, and dessert. Festive dress is encouraged. To reserve your seats or for more information please call 413-637-1199 ext. 105 or visit Shakespeare.org.

The Gala Committee includes: Co-chair Michael A. Miller, Co-chair Deborah Ryan, Artist Co-chair Tina Packer, Artist Co-chair John Douglas Thompson, Wolfe Coleman, Dr. Gerald and Roberta Friedman, Michael Fuchs, Claudia Perles, Barry and Marjorie Shapiro, Rhea and Ken Werner, Suzanne and Robert Werner, and Finn Wittrock.

The Company looks forward to celebrating this milestone anniversary with supporters, artists, and the Berkshire community. For questions please contact Director of Development Natalie Johnsonius Neubert at 413-637-1199 ext. 146 or via email at nneubert@shakespeare.org.

Ruby Gala Schedule:

6:00pm - Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and silent auction

7:00pm - Special performances honoring Shakespeare & Company's 40-year legacy, including the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Sweet Honey In The Rock

8:00pm - Dinner catered by The Old Inn on the Green and Performances by Shakespeare & Company artists

9:30pm - Dessert and Dancing with DJ BFG

Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to Shakespeare & Company's internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and nationally renowned and an award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.

Sweet Honey In The Rock is a performance ensemble rooted in African American history and culture. The ensemble educates, entertains and empowers its audience and community through the dynamic vehicles of a cappella singing and American Sign Language interpretation for the Deaf and hearing impaired. Sweet Honey's audience and community comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures throughout the United States and around the world, and includes people of all ages, economic/education/social backgrounds, political persuasions, religious affiliations, sexual preferences and differing abilities

Ruby Gala Sponsors: Bella Flora, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Blue Q, Chocolate Springs, Domaney's Liqours, Donovan Motor Car, Duggans' Reef Restaurant, Joane Cornell Fine Jewelry, Second Life Books, Spirited Wines, and Villa Amonoka.

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