Jeremy Jordan Headlines Paper Mill Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Gala Tonight

Paper Mill Playhouse is hosting its largest fundraising event of the year, The 75th Anniversary Gala tonight, May 10th. For more information on Paper Mill Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Gala or to purchase individual tickets, tables, raffle tickets, or auction items, contact Leigh Schaedel at 973-315-1663, lschadel@papermill.org or visit Paper Mill Playhouse's website, www.papermill.org. Paper Mill Playhouse is a not-for-profit arts organization that relies on philanthropic support to make its breathtaking productions, professional training programs, celebrated arts education and outreach possible. All proceeds from the gala support these programs.

The 75th Anniversary Gala is a celebration of Paper Mill's legacy as a world-class producer of theater and its role as a pioneer in arts education for three-quarters of a century," stated Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director. "The annual benefit will offer an evening of dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and entertainment by students from Paper Mill Playhouse's arts education programs, The Eddie Bruce Band and headlining this memorable evening is star of Newsies and NBC's Smash, Jeremy Jordan."

Tony Award nominee Jeremy Jordan currently stars in NBC's musical drama Smash as a Brooklyn-based composer creating a groundbreaking rock musical. Jeremy is from Corpus Christi, Texas, and studied at Ithaca College, where he earned a BFA with honors in performance theater. In 2009, he got his Broadway start understudying the lead in the hit musical Rock of Ages. He went on to star as Tony in the revival of West Side Story and as Clyde Barrow in the Frank Wildhorn musical Bonnie & Clyde. Last year, Jeremy starred opposite Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in the Todd Graff-Warner Bros. film Joyful Noise, and he originated the role of Jack Kelly in Disney's hit musical Newsies, which received its world premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 before moving to Broadway. He was Tony-nominated for Best Actor in a Musical for that lead performance.

The Eddie Bruce Band marries a smoking hot dance ensemble, concert quality vocalists and masterful musicians that drive the dance floor. For more than 25 years, The Eddie Bruce Band has been performing his unique repertoire of music that ranges from Top 40, R & B, Disco and house music to Swing and Sinatra. Eddie Bruce's interest in music began when he was a child, and he has never wavered from this passion. He has blended his natural entrepreneurial skills with his love of music and created one of the most successful orchestras in the region and one of the best reputations as a much sought-after performer. A regular at Caesars Atlantic City, the Eddie Bruce Orchestra has also performed at Bally's Park Place, the Etess Arena of Trump Taj Mahal as well as such major events as the prestigious Grand Gala Opening of the Kimmel Center for The Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Finally, students from Paper Mill Playhouse's Theatre School, Summer Musical Theater Conservatory and Broadway Show Choir will deliver a memorable performance during the celebration. The education and outreach programs of Paper Mill Playhouse serve nearly 40,000 young people and educators annually in all regions of the state through in-school residencies, training and recognition programs, as well as its Children's Theatre Series. For 25 years, Paper Mill Playhouse has been helping students of all ages and skill levels develop their passion for performance and communication- qualities that are invaluable in every career, from Broadway to the boardroom. Education programs include: The Paper Mill Theatre School, The Adopt-a-School Project, The Rising Star Awards, Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory, August Musical Theatre Intensive, Guest Artist Master Classes and Professional Development Seminars.

"The 75th Anniversary Gala is a wonderful event to commemorate the heterogeneous legacy of Paper Mill Playhouse. From our critically acclaimed productions to our award-winning education and access programs, this wonderful fundraising event supports our work in the community," commented Paper Mill Playhouse Managing Director Todd Schmidt. "Supporting Paper Mill Playhouse's gala ensures a bright future for our not-for-profit arts organization."

For seventy-five years, Paper Mill Playhouse has been one of the nation's leading not-for-profit theaters. Paper Mill continues to bring world-class artists and outstanding musicals and plays to the community while enriching the lives of nearly 40,000 young people each year through renowned education outreach, artist training and access programs.

2013 Celebration Honorees:
Byrne/Kean Arts Advocate Award
*Kevin Cummings, President and CEO, Investors Bank
The Byrne/Kean Arts Advocate Award is presented to organizations and individuals for their passionate work on behalf of New Jersey's arts community.

Antoinette Scudder Patron of the Arts Award:
*Carolyn Ferolito, Philanthropist and Paper Mill Playhouse Trustee
Named after Paper Mill Playhouse co-founder who purchased the derelict Diamond Paper Mill and transformed it into the Paper Mill Playhouse, this award is given to a dedicated patron of the arts, either individual or foundation.

Kevin Cummings was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank effective January 1, 2008 and was also appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of Investors Bank at that time. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Investors Bank since July 2003. Prior to joining Investors Bank, Mr. Cummings had a 26-year career with the independent accounting firm of KPMG LLP, where he had been partner for 14 years. Immediately prior to joining Investors Bank, he was an audit partner in KPMG's Financial Services practice in their New York City office and lead partner on a major commercial banking client. Mr. Cummings also worked in the New Jersey community bank practice for over 20 years. Mr. Cummings has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Middlebury College and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University. He is the First Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Bankers Association, Chairman of the Summit Speech School, a member of the Audit Committee and Finance Committee for St. Peter's Prep, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Independent College Fund and a member of the Board of Trustees for The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children.

Carolyn Ferolito has been a member of Paper Mill Playhouse's Board of Trustees since 1997, and served as Co-Chair of the Board from 2008-2010. She is currently a Trustee of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the National Council for the American Theatre. Ms. Ferolito has served on the Board of the United Way of Millburn-Short Hills as President for two terms. She has also served on the board of the Valerie Fund, the New Jersey Child Care Advisory Council, the New Jersey Junior Leagues and New Jersey Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council. Ms. Ferolito is the founder and President of Hidden Ponds Foundation, whose mission is to support at-risk women and children in the state of New Jersey.

The reception and silent auction begin at 6:00pm followed by dinner and dancing featuring The Eddie Bruce Band. The 75th Anniversary Gala's proud sponsor is Hilton Short Hills. "We are thrilled to partner with Hilton Short Hills on our 75th Anniversary Gala," remarked gala chairs Pam and Howard Hirsch. "The support of Hilton Short Hills is priceless. They are a true community partner and we are thrilled to invite our guests to this world-class hotel."

For more information on Paper Mill Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Gala or to purchase individual tickets, tables or raffle tickets, please contact Leigh Schaedel at 973-315-1663, lschadel@papermill.org or visit Paper Mill Playhouse's website, www.papermill.org.

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