2023 Gala at VANGUARD THEATER

On May 6th, Norm Lewis headlines Vanguard Theater's first "post-pandemic" Gala. Montclair's hottest new theater company is excited to get back to fundraising through party/auction/and performances, and will hold its Gala at the Women’s Club of Upper Montclair. 

The theme is VANGUARD (which comes from the French avant garde: people at the forefront of new developments and ideas.  Honorees are prolific Broadway playwright, performer, composer, & lyricist Douglas Lyons, Non-Profit leader Lynne Toye, and Community Activists Madeline Gale & Reubena Spence. The Gala will feature performances by Emmy, Grammy, and SAG Award Nominee, Norm Lewis, and  a special video introduction by EGOT winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Vanguard Theater was recently awarded a grant through a joint and equal commitment from Michael Jordan and Jordan Brands to develop new works by creators from historically marginalized communities. Vanguard Theater was the only NJ not for profit, and one of two theaters across the country, to receive a community development grant. At the Gala, Vanguard will announce the selected works, which will be featured in Vanguard's New Works Festival, Illuminating New Voices, happening at the theater on May 20 - 21.

The silent auction includes house seats to Broadway’s most coveted shows, with meet and greet opportunities afterwards.  Those shows include Hamilton, Parade, Hadestown, Sweeney Todd, Shucked, Funny Girl, and more!  Local celebrities have donated bespoke experiences in Montclair, including backyard bee tours, fly-fishing expeditions, beer brewing, food tastings, and more! The link for the All Things Vanguard Gala is bit.ly/gala23VTC .  Tickets are $175 each, with tickets for two at $325, and tables for 8 at $1300.  Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well as advertising in the Gala playbill.  Contact gala@dreamvtc.org for more information!