Susan Lucci to Host Bay Street's ROCK THE DOCK SUMMER BENEFIT BASH, 7/20

The annual 'ROCK THE DOCK' SUMMER BENEFIT BASH on Saturday, July 20, will be hosted by the one and only Susan Lucci. Actor and Bay Street Board Member, Richard Kind, who most recently won the DRAMA DESK AWARD for his role on Broadway's THE BIG KNIFE, will be the evening's celebrity auctioneer. Board member Joy Behar also plans on attending, with a host of other surprise celebrities. The gala is being held in honor and memory of the Theatre's founder and former Artistic Director, Sybil Christopher. Tickets are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling Jessica Lemire at 631-725-0818 ext. 129.

Host Susan Lucci says, "I am thrilled to be hosting this year's event. I have been coming to Bay Street for many years and am so looking forward to the gala and this upcoming season." Lucci is also starring in the new DEVIOUS MAIDS, producer Marc Cherry's latest prime-time drama, which premieres on Lifetime June 23rd. Lucci's DEADLY AFFAIRS which airs on Discovery ID, has been renewed for a second season.

The Summer Benefit Bash is Bay Street's most important fundraising event of the year. Funds raised from the Gala support Bay Street's yearlong programming including the Summer Mainstage productions (which this year consist of the current production of LEND ME A TENOR, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, July 2-28, and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Aug. 6-Sept.1), as well as Educational Outreach Initiatives including Literature Live, Summer College Internships and Theatre Camps and Classes for kids.

Each year, there are many new and exciting components added. This year a $150 'Dinner, Dessert & Dancing' ticket is being offered for people who wish to come at 9pm for dancing fun, followed by the after party at B. Smiths. ALL NEW raffles include The Ritz Carlton Orlando Golf Challenge, where you can "'PUTT' your money where your mouth is" in support of the theatre's educational programs and win a 2-night Executive Suite package at the resort, complete with one round of golf on the Greg Norman designed course, spa treatment, adventure experience, breakfast and poolside cabana.

Also new this year is a 'Wine Extravaganza' raffle, in which every participant will walk away a winner, but several lucky guests will walk away with exclusive and expensive bottles valued at over $300 each!

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres kickoff the evening at 6:30 pm under the tent overlooking the waterfront of the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. The evening continues with dinner, dancing and fantasy LIVE auctions. Single tickets are available as well as tables for 10. Sponsorships are also available by contacting Tim Kofahl at Bay Street. For those who hate to see the night end, there is the AFTER PARTY at B. Smith's immediately following.

Items up for auction this year include a 3-day 2-night stay at the Four Seasons Costa Rica; a week-long stay for 4 at a Wimco Villa in St. Bart's, tickets to some of the hottest Broadway shows with exclusive backstage tours, VIP tickets to Live with Kelly and Michael plus a backstage meet & greet, a Las Vegas package including a backstage meeting with Donny and Marie after the show, several rounds of golf at The Bridge golf course, Yankees and Mets tickets and much, much more. And one lucky raffle winner has the chance to drive off in a 2013 convertible MINI for 2 years, compliments of BMW of Southampton.

"Many people who enjoy weekends in the Hamptons are unaware of the importance of our ROCK THE DOCK fundraiser," says Tracy Mitchell, Executive Director for Bay Street Theatre. "As a non-profit doing business on Main Street in Sag Harbor, we offer the highest level of live theater, with acclaimed Broadway casts and directors. We also are proud to be a haven for local organizations and schools who rely on our open door policy throughout the year. Many depend on us to host their events-from the elementary school variety show, to local filmmakers' premieres, and even Santa's visit. In order to serve the community, we must raise over a million dollars a year in donations. ROCK THE DOCK is a great way for people to have a fun night out, while contributing to this vital Sag Harbor institution."

Past attendees include: Alan Alda, Julie Andrews, Lauren Bacall, Alec Baldwin, Chris Bauer, Joy Behar, Mel Brooks, Kim Cattrall, Chevy Chase, Blythe Danner, Kelsey Grammer, Marvin Hamlisch, Anne Jackson, Billy Joel, Star Jones, Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Susan Lucci, Terrence McNally, Rosie O'Donnell, Mercedes Ruehl, Liev Schreiber, B. Smith, Eli Wallach, Naomi Watts and Robert Zimmerman.

This year's sponsors include: BMW Southampton, The Bridge, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, Dan's Papers, Fairweather Magazine, Four Seasons Costa Rica, Party Rentals Ltd, Peconic Landing, Madison & Main Restaurant and Bar, Merrill DataSite, Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House, Sterling Affair Caterers, Suffolk County National Bank, The Ritz Carlton Orlando - Grande Lakes, LIVE with Kelly & Michael; and Donny and Marie Osmond/Live in Las Vegas (list in formation). Interested sponsors should contact the Development Office at 631-725-0818.

Tickets range from $550 per person to tables from $5,000 - $50,000. ALL NEW this year includes the option to join the party from 9 pm - 11 pm for dessert, drinks, dancing for $150; and the after party at B. Smiths. Tickets are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling Jessica Lemire at 631-725-0818 ext. 129.

The Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.

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