A.D. Players Host First-Ever Gala Featuring Former “Jersey Boys” Star And More

A.D. Players, one of Houston's oldest and largest resident theatre companies, is now A.D. Players at The George, led by Executive Director Jake Speck and Interim Artistic Director Kevin Dean. The theatre company hosted its first-ever fundraising gala on Saturday, March 24. More than 450 guests enjoyed a Gatsby-themed evening of food, drink and entertainment. The non-profit raised nearly $200,000, which the company will use to support the Gift of Theatre Fund, The A.D. Players' Performing Arts Academy and A.D. Players' Special Populations Program.

Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from sponsor Cadence Bank, Jeff and Gina Metzler of Lonestar Electric, Dr. Robert Sloan, President of HBU and Joanie Haley, Previous Director of the McNair Foundation.

Guests enjoyed an elegant dinner followed by an unforgettable entertainment showcase featuring: Former "Jersey Boys" star and A.D. Players Executive Director Jake Speck, and cast members from A.D. Players' "Godspell." Attendees were also treated to a special performance from the Academy's "Arts for All" program, which included students from A.D. Players' class at the Monarch school.

Attendees also participated in a silent auction for special items, including:

A night out in Houston, with the best seats in the house for "Hamilton" and backstage tour.

Ultimate Nashville Music City experience, including a priceless backstage tour at the Ryman Auditorium.

An in-home dining experience for 12 - including wine and service - provided by Cordua Catering.

Collegiate football experiences featuring both Texas A&M and The University of Texas.

Special collections from the home of Lorraine and Jeannette Clift George.

A special walk-on role at The George Theater.

"Very dedicated theatre champions showed up in full force on Saturday to have a great time, and to show their support for everything A.D. Players is doing to advance mission-driven arts," said Speck. "We are grateful that our first annual gala was such a hit and look forward to continuing to produce unforgettable entertainment for the Houston community."

A.D. Players' production of "The Lilies of the Field" set to kick off on April 20.

About A.D. Players at The George

A. D. Players at The George, founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, produces compelling theatre that upholds human value, celebrates creativity and engages a diverse audience. the company is one of Houston's largest resident theater companies, impacting more than nine million people over its lifetime. Annually, the company produces Mainstage Theatre performances, fields a Regional Touring Unit, and maintains a year-round Performing Arts Academy. A. D. Players at The George became an Actors' Equity Association (AEA) theatre in 2017 and is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

For more information, visit www.adplayers.org or follow them on Facebook.

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