Oregon Children's Theatre Announces WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS Virtual Gala

Oregon Children's Theatre announces its virtual gala, 'With a Little Help from our Friends' to be streamed free of charge on September 18, 2021. Having produced highly anticipated themed soirees for the past several years as the nonprofit's largest annual fundraising event, this is the first year the event will be virtual, making it accessible to more people than ever before.

Co-hosted by Portland drag performer extraordinaire, Bolivia Carmichaels, the event promises to be a joyful celebration and a show to remember more than just a traditional fundraising event. Guest performers will include Beaverton native Shoshana Bean (Recording Artist and star of Broadway's Wicked, Waitress, and Hairspray), Delphon "DJ" Curtis, Jr. (Portland Center Stage's Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Charles Grant (Associate Producer at Portland Playhouse), Natalie Joy Johnson (Broadway's Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde), The Skivvies (Portland Center Stage and Broadway favorites Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina), and Ryder Thompson (OCT's Young Professionals Company).

"True to our mission, the heart and soul of this broadcast will be the children and families we serve, with a special emphasis on our Young Professionals, who represent the future and will share how their time at OCT has prepared them for the next steps in their lives," says Michael Hammerstrom, Director of Marketing and Development. "The cherry on top is that we will be joined by several additional friends of the organization - from local artists to some of Broadway's biggest names - who all happen to be ridiculously talented performers and staunch advocates for arts education. Together, in partnership with our families, patrons, and donors, we can ensure that OCT will continue inspiring and serving our community for generations to come."

"Though it won't be the same as gathering together, in the same room," adds Artistic Director Marcella Crowson, "we're excited about this opportunity for even more people to come together virtually to celebrate and support the work by and for young people."

Anyone can stream the event for free, with the pre-show beginning at 5:30 PM PST and the main program beginning at 6:00 PM PST. Designed to be family friendly, while still emulating a live theatre and party atmosphere, local guests can purchase 3-course catered meals and kids' meals from Vibrant Table to be delivered to their homes in time for the show (orders must be placed by September 9, 2021). During the broadcast, the winner of the marquis raffle grand prize - "Dinner & A Show All Year Long: The Ultimate Portland Family Theatre Geek Package" - will also be announced. The exclusive gift package includes 4-tickets to Broadway in Portland's upcoming touring productions of Mean Girls, Anastasia and Cats, several local arts organizations, and gift cards from some of Portland's best restaurants. Raffle tickets can be purchased ahead of time and during the event at http://avcast.me/OCT.

To RSVP for free and learn more about the event, visit http://www.octc.org/gala.

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