Photo Flash: Laura Benanti Helps Raise Funds for 42nd Street Moon

San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon raised the roof -- and significant funds -- with the help of celebrity guest star Laura Benanti at SONG OF A SUMMER NIGHT, the theatre company's gala fundraising evening held June 1 at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below!

A crowd of 220 guests was thrilled by the alternately hilarious and moving mini-cabaret concert from Broadway and television star Laura Benanti who, with help from her musical director Todd Almond, performed everything from a flash medley of iconic pop songs ("Single Ladies") blended with unexpected showtunes ("Ol' Man River") to a thrilling rendition of "I Could Have Danced All Night."

Benanti kicked off her set with Jerome Kern's beautiful "I'm Old Fashioned," getting a sizeable laugh when she pulled her cell phone out during the bridge to snap a selfie, and closed the show by paying homage to 42nd Street Moon's tradition of unamplified performances with an a cappella arrangement of "A Quiet Thing" by Kander and Ebb.

The event, organized by Co-Chairs Victoria Stewart Davis and Erik Davis, Honorary Chairs Pat and Susie McBaine, Planning Chair Joanna Leighton Nevesny, and Event Producer Cindy Goldfield, raised a total of $140,000, which will go towards operating costs for 42nd Street Moon, which recently concluded its 22nd season of presenting intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. The funds will also help support 42nd Street Moon's musical theater training program, MoonSchool.

Preceding Ms. Benanti's performance was a cocktail reception and lavish dinner, and a stunning performance from Broadway's Jason Graae, who gave the attendees an exclusive sneak peek of 42nd Street Moon's upcoming World Premiere of Scrooge in Love!, a new musical with music by Snoopy!!! and Minnie's Boys composer Larry Grossman and lyrics from Murder for Two's Kellen Blair.

Competition was fierce in the live auction that followed, with patrons bidding for items such as a private concert with Jason Graae, a week's stay in a restored medieval home in Tuscany, and a week's stay for eight people at the Villa Paradiso Resort in Bali.

Among the guests enjoying the event were Colin Bailey, Connie and Barry Baron, Dennis Bonney, Frances Bowes, George Englund, Jerry and Nancy Falk, Laura and Paul Fay, Lee and Carolyn Fishel, Vicky Fleishhacker, Jane and Lee Gamill, Barbro and Frank Greene, Judy and Richard Guggenhime, Kaye and Rich Heafey, Katie and Claude Jarman, Carrick and Andy McLaughlin, Amy Fraiser and Dan Menudier, Diane Morris, Joanna and Neil Nevesny, Suzanne and Wulfrin Oberlin, Sharon Owsley, Lisa and Robert Podesta, Harriet Quarre, Jeanne and Sandy Robertson, Mary Jo and Peter Sorenson, Tedd and Phyllis Swindells, Edith and Joseph Tobin, Cia and Steve Townsend, Donald Van de Mark, Kay and Sandy Walker, Patti and Tim Warner, Lucie and Jerry Weissman, and Greg Wimmer. For 42nd Street Moon, Greg MacKellan serves as Artistic Director, Stephanie Rhoads is Producing Director, and Joe Mader is Managing Director.

The kids from MoonSchool, 42nd Street Moon's training program for youth led by Education Director Dyan McBride, also took to the stage to show off their Broadway Baby powerhouse talent. Following the glorious concert by Laura Benanti, guests were treated to a "Moonlight Lounge" with 42nd Street Moon favorites Kelly Britt, Ryan Drummond, William Giammona, Heather Orth, and Allison F. Rich. Dave Dobrusky (piano) served as music director for the Cabaret, and was accompanied Nick Di Scala (Woodwinds), Kelly Fasman (Drums), and Travis Kindred (Bass).

For 22 years, 42nd Street Moon has celebrated and preserved the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre. To contribute to the evolution and continuing vitality of the art form, 42nd Street Moon presents intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. Through its productions, educational programs, and community outreach, 42nd Street Moon is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage.

42nd Street Moon's 23rd season kicks off October 28-November 15, 2015 with the California premiere of Noel Coward's penultimate musical, the sparkling high-seas comedy Sail Away. For information and to purchase a subscription, visit www.42ndstmoon.org.

Photo Credit: Ray Renati

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