On September 26, Honourary Chair Rodrigue Lussier of Fiera Capital and Centaur Theatre's new Artistic and Executive Director Eda Holmes are delighted to host TOUR DE FORCE, Centaur's 2017 annual Gala. Those in attendance can expect an inspired night of extravagant, celebrity-led live and silent auctions, a delectable cocktail dînatoire, lavish take-home gifts, and a spectacular presentation from The Dust Palace, New Zealand's celebrated aerial circus/theatre company. Guests will be the first to see the future of Centaur Theatre as Holmes presents the exciting theatrical opportunities made possible by upcoming renovation plans.
Hand in Hand is the new season's theme, a perfect image as Gala attendees come together to support Montreal's award-winning English-language theatre. Since the Gala's inception in 2005, this annual marquee event has raised over 1.7 million dollars. Over the years, the money raised has not only employed over 200 local, national and international theatre artists and practitioners each year, given young theatre-goers the opportunity to experience the arts at affordable prices, and maintained a valuable heritage building, but also made it possible to make great theatre in the heart of the city. TOUR DE FORCE Gala 2017 is an occasion to celebrate our rich legacy and exciting future.
This year's party favour swag-bag can't be beat! As they did for the stars at the Emmy Awards, LGFG Fashion House is presenting guests with a bespoke shirt; tailors will be on hand to take measurements with the guest's choice of fabric and personal style. Guests will also leave with two tickets to any show of their choice for Centaur's Hand in Hand season.
Holmes couldn't be more enthusiastic for the Gala celebrating this 49th theatre season. "The riveting performance from The Dust Palace promises to be a thrill, and the incredible travel prizes are so tempting. I can't decide whether to bid on the African Safari or the Cruise through Champagne! Mostly I am looking forward to revealing our plans for the beautiful renovation of our beloved Montreal Stock Exchange - the work will bring Centaur Theatre into the 21st century and prepare us for the next 50 years of great theatre in the heart of Montreal."
Surrounded by enchanting and luminous decor, guests will enjoy a sumptuous cocktail dînatoire featuring gourmet fare including rack of lamb, cold shrimp in piquant sauce, and salmon sashimi, paired with hand-picked wine from the SAQ as they ogle the stunning silent auctions items. For the popular Treasure Chest draw, hosted by CTV favourite Lori Graham, tickets are exchanged for a balloon to pop, with a high chance of winning gift certificates from local restaurants, shops, and spas. Attendees are then regaled by CJAD top funny man/political whip Aaron Rand as the evening's live auctioneer. Notable big-ticket items include: hockey tickets behind the Canadiens bench; a prestigious cross-country train ride to honour Canada 375 on VIA Rail; 5 nights in Barbados at The Crane Resort; Saroche Luxury Barge Cruises through Champagne; dinner at Lee by Susur in Toronto, ranked one of the Top 50 Best Restaurants in the World; and a Zimbabwe safari experience with Wild Horizons. The staggering list continues with various gift certificates, weekend getaways, luxury cruises, tickets for local attractions, and so much more, including a painting by Jean-Claude Poitras. Complete list of astounding items for auction can be found here.
After being inspired by the magical aerial performance by the New Zealand circus The Dust Palace, guests will enjoy glorious desserts and digestifs.
Since 1969 Centaur Theatre has been telling stories on stage that stimulate our minds, open our hearts and inspire our humanity. TOUR DE FORCE Gala 2017 will be an unforgettable night devoted to celebrating that history and supporting the future.
TOUR DE FORCE Gala 2017 ? Tues. Sept. 26, 6pm ? at Centaur Theatre, 453 St. François-Xavier, Montreal
TICKETS
Friends: $300/ticket
À Deux: $1,000/two tickets- includes special recognition in the Gala 2017 program
Patrons: $5,000/eight tickets- includes a subscription for two to Centaur Theatre's 2017/18 season, and recognition in the Gala 2017 program, on Centaur Theatre's website, and on the donor board
Ruby donors: $10,000/eight tickets- includes all benefits for Patrons, plus verbal acknowledgement and signage at the Gala, an ad in the evening program and logo on Centaur Theatre's website.
To purchase tickets to Centaur Theatre's TOUR DE FORCE Gala 2017 please contact: Kyungseo Min at 514-288-1229, ext. 240 or at development@centaurtheatre.com
All purchases and donations will be issued a receipt for tax purposes for the maximum allowable amount.
Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.
