Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to Fete Shakespeare's Fools at 2017 Gala

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey launches the start of its 55th season with their 2017 Annual Gala on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

In honor of April Fool's Day, this year's Gala takes inspiration from Shakespeare's fools, the art of comedy and the gift of laughter. The Board of Trustees, staff and artists of The Shakespeare Theatre invite patrons, fellow artists, and community leaders to celebrate at the Theatre's largest annual fundraiser.

The centerpiece of the evening will be a glittering Cabaret featuring music dedicated to fools in love, comedy sketches performed by some of the company's best Shakespearean "clowns," and much more. Past performers have included luminaries such as Cyndi Lauper, Dick Cavett, Blythe Danner, Allison Janney, Tamara Tunie, Laila Robins, Robert Cuccioli, Christopher Durang, Baby Jane Dexter, Vivian Reed, Christiane Noll, Ciarán Sheehan and many more.

The Gala is the Theatre's largest fundraising event of the year, and welcomes guests to the "Theatre Factory." Located in Florham Park, the 50,000 square foot building is home to the Theatre's administrative, educational, artistic, and technical operations. Guests can view the company's sets, costumes, props, and stage weapons which are displayed throughout the building, as well as the Boulevard of Dreams, a stunning hallway featuring murals and artwork designed by the Theatre's scenic artists.

The Theatre will transform its space for this fools-inspired, black-tie event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests will dine, mingle and explore the "factory" as well as bid on spectacular and unique silent auction offerings, including handcrafted artwork, jewelry, and furniture, and one-of-a-kind theatrical opportunities, ranging from tickets to the Broadway hit Hamilton to the chance to bid on a one-night appearance in the Theatre's fall production of Shakespeare in Love. At 8:45 p.m., the Silent Auction will close and guests are invited into the "Grand Ballroom" for dessert, coffee and the star-studded Cabaret.

Gala tickets range from $295 to $1,000 per person. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. For more information or reservations, call 973-845-6732 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving approximately 100,000 children and adults annually, it is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

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